Overview

The SI Leader Lab 2025 is an incredible leadership opportunity offered by the Swedish Institute for individuals aspiring to become global leaders in today’s competitive world. The Swedish Institute Leadership Program offers young, motivated individuals the chance to develop their leadership skills and make a meaningful impact on issues such as gender equality, civil rights protection, peace, security, transparency, accountability, information accessibility, and anti-corruption efforts.

This online program is specifically designed to enhance the capacities of civil society organizations while promoting the values of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16—ensuring justice and inclusive, peaceful societies. The program offers a platform for participants to grow personally and professionally while contributing to impactful changes in their communities worldwide.

Who Can Apply?

• Applicants should be aged 22-45 years (born between 1979-2003).
• Applicants must be involved in civil society organizations with a focus on achieving SDG 16 (peace, justice, and strong institutions).
• A good command of spoken and written English is required.
• Leadership experience, including working with a team in a leadership role, is essential.
• Applicants must be willing to share the knowledge they gain with their organizations and peers.
• Applicants must be from one of the eligible countries (Armenia, Albania, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Montenegro, Moldova, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Türkiye, Serbia, or Ukraine).

Application Procedure

• The application is entirely online.
• Applicants must create an account on the application portal, complete all sections, and upload their CV.
• After submission, applicants will receive a confirmation email along with a link to record a short video as part of the selection process.
• Only selected candidates will be contacted and offered a spot in the program.

What Financial Support is Available?

• The program offers fully funded travel, accommodation, and meals for the onsite meeting in Stockholm.
• Insurance coverage during the onsite meeting in Sweden.
• Access to online and onsite training materials.

Hear from Alumni

'I think one of the most powerful parts of SI Leader Lab is how you can build such a strong network with individuals and organisations from different countries in such a short time. It has been a unique opportunity to meet a lot of new people and to build new partnerships with organisations in other countries. I know that in the future it will be very important to have these contacts to be able to start any cooperation. Thanks to the Swedish Institute I now have strong connections to a lot of different people and organisations around the world.'

- Tetyana Teren

Other Details

Programme timeline 2025

• 21 January–18 February: Call for applications
• February–March: Selection process
• April–June: Online sessions and individual assignments
• 4–10 May: Onsite meeting in Sweden (including travel days)
• 15 June: Diploma ceremony (online)
• August-November: Optional implementation of a change project in your own organisation

For More Information

For more information click here.