6th ELIAMEP-ACG Summer Academy: “Leadership Beyond Boundaries: Empowering the Next Generation in an Age of Geopolitical Flux”

The Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP) and the Institute of Global Affairs at The American College of Greece (ACG) are delighted to announce the 6th ELIAMEP-ACG Summer Academy, which will take place from the 13^th-17^th of July 2026 in Ancient Olympia, at the International Olympic Academy Peloponnese, Greece. After the success of previous editions, we are now accepting applications from emerging leaders and experts in the Mediterranean Basin to engage in this transformative educational experience.

The ELIAMEP-ACG Summer Academy has established itself as a prestigious cross-border initiative, bringing together graduate students, young professionals, and rising leaders from across the Mediterranean, Europe, and beyond. The Academy has fostered in-depth dialogue and analysis on complex global and regional challenges, empowering participants with the tools and knowledge to address issues at the intersection of geopolitics, geoeconomics, and international cooperation. Esteemed academics, policymakers, diplomats, business leaders, and journalists will guide participants through these critical issues.

All sessions will be conducted in English. Applicants must hold at least a Post-graduate/Master’s degree in a relevant field and demonstrate leadership potential. The age limit is 35, and proficiency in English is required.

Programme Structure and Focus

The 6^th ELIAMEP-ACG Summer Academy provides an immersive educational experience with a strong focus on leadership development in the Mediterranean context. Participants will engage in specialized workshops on conflict management, negotiation techniques, strategic foresight and international cooperation, acquiring practical skills while exploring the unique geopolitical and economic challenges of the Mediterranean region. Through seminars, lectures, and interactive sessions, participants will deepen their understanding of key Mediterranean issues and expand their professional networks, gaining valuable insights for future leadership roles in this dynamic region.

Key Themes of the 6th ELIAMEP-ACG Summer Academy:

• Global geopolitical and geoeconomic shifts and their regional repercussions

Explore how shifting power dynamics, economic competition, and strategic alliances reshape global order, influence regional stability, and generate new opportunities and tensions across political, security, and economic landscapes worldwide.

• The role of global and regional powers in the Mediterranean

Analyze how actors like the EU, US, Russia, China, and states in the wider MENA region and the Gulf pursue interests, project influence, and interact in the Mediterranean, affecting cooperation, competition, and regional governance.

• Europe’s strategic interests in the region

Examine Europe’s priorities (security, energy, migration, trade, resilience etc.) and how EU policies, partnerships, and strategic frameworks aim to address challenges and foster stability across the Mediterranean.

• Conflict management and building policy bridges across the Mediterranean

Investigate conflict drivers and resolution mechanisms, emphasizing diplomacy, inclusive governance, and multilateral cooperation to build sustainable policy bridges that enhance peace, resilience, and regional integration.

Interactive Workshops Include:

• Strategic Foresight Skills
• Advanced Negotiation Techniques
• Public Speaking & Media Training

Target Participants:

• Junior political and policy practitioners
• Think tank researchers and analysts
• Civil society representatives
• Diplomats
• Journalists
• Post-graduate students

Required Documents (in English):

• Statement of Purpose (max 200 words), demonstrating the relevance of the Summer Academy for the applicant’s professional development.
• CV
• Proof of English Proficiency

Participation Fees and Deadlines:

• Early Bird Fee: €350 Deadline: 31st of March, 2026

• Standard Fee: €450 Deadline: 17th of May, 2026

The fees include accommodation (full-board) and local transportation costs, but do not cover travel expenses.

We encourage institutions, think tanks, embassies, universities, and international organizations to share this opportunity with eligible candidates within their networks.

For further information and to apply, please visit the following link.

You can watch a short video from the 3^rd Summer Academy below:

A more detailed video can be found herewith:

Venue & Contact: The Academy will be held at the International Olympic Academy, located just a few hundred meters from the ancient Olympia site —a symbol of peace and international cooperation.

For additional inquiries, please contact: [email protected]

We look forward to receiving your application!