Applications are now open for the 6th ELIAMEP-ACG Summer Academy 2026, an international leadership and geopolitical training programme taking place in Ancient Olympia, Greece, from July 13–17, 2026. Organized by the Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP) in collaboration with the Institute of Global Affairs at The American College of Greece (ACG), this prestigious cross-border educational initiative brings together graduate students, young professionals, policy experts, researchers, diplomats, journalists, and future leaders from across the Mediterranean region and beyond.

Under the theme “Leadership Beyond Boundaries: Empowering the Next Generation in an Age of Geopolitical Flux,” the 2026 Summer Academy aims to equip emerging leaders with advanced knowledge, strategic leadership skills, negotiation techniques, and deeper understanding of global and regional geopolitical developments affecting Europe, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and neighboring regions.

Hosted at the International Olympic Academy in Olympia, Peloponnese, Greece, the programme provides participants with an immersive academic and leadership experience in one of the world’s most symbolic locations for peace, international cooperation, dialogue, and intercultural exchange.

As geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, energy security concerns, migration pressures, climate challenges, and shifting global alliances continue reshaping the international landscape, programmes like the ELIAMEP-ACG Summer Academy have become increasingly important for preparing the next generation of leaders capable of navigating complex global realities.

The Academy combines academic rigor, leadership development, networking opportunities, practical workshops, and policy-oriented discussions to empower participants with the tools necessary to contribute meaningfully to international cooperation, diplomacy, strategic policymaking, and regional stability.

About the Organizers

Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP)

ELIAMEP is one of Greece’s leading independent non-profit think tanks focused on:

European affairs
International relations
Mediterranean studies
Foreign policy
Security and defense
Migration
Climate and sustainability
Regional cooperation

The organization has established itself as a major policy research institution in Europe and the Mediterranean, contributing to dialogue and analysis on some of the most pressing global challenges.

Institute of Global Affairs at The American College of Greece (ACG)

The Institute of Global Affairs at ACG supports research, education, and policy engagement related to:

Global governance
International diplomacy
Leadership development
Regional cooperation
Public policy
Geopolitical transformation

Together, ELIAMEP and ACG have successfully organized multiple editions of the Summer Academy, attracting participants from Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and other parts of the world.

About the 6th ELIAMEP-ACG Summer Academy 2026

The 2026 edition of the Summer Academy will focus heavily on leadership development in an increasingly uncertain and rapidly evolving geopolitical environment.

Participants will engage with:

Academics
Policymakers
Diplomats
Journalists
Researchers
Business leaders
International affairs experts

The Academy emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and cross-cultural dialogue while helping participants develop practical leadership and policy skills.

The programme is designed to foster:

Strategic thinking
Leadership capacity
International cooperation
Regional understanding
Policy analysis
Negotiation competence
Public speaking confidence
Collaborative problem-solving

Location and Dates

Programme Dates

July 13–17, 2026

Venue

International Olympic Academy
Olympia, Peloponnese, Greece

The venue is located near the historic site of Ancient Olympia, globally recognized as a symbol of peace, unity, and international cooperation.

The location itself offers participants a unique atmosphere for dialogue, reflection, and intercultural exchange.

Why This Summer Academy Matters

The Mediterranean region continues to experience major geopolitical transformations influenced by:

Strategic competition between global powers
Regional instability
Migration challenges
Climate change
Energy transitions
Security concerns
Economic uncertainty
Technological disruptions

Emerging leaders and professionals working in policy, diplomacy, governance, media, and civil society increasingly require:

Cross-border collaboration skills
Strategic foresight
Negotiation expertise
International leadership capabilities

The ELIAMEP-ACG Summer Academy addresses these needs directly through an intensive leadership and policy training programme.

Key Themes of the 2026 Summer Academy

1. Global Geopolitical and Geoeconomic Shifts

Participants will explore:

Shifting global power dynamics
Strategic competition
Emerging economic alliances
Regional instability
New geopolitical opportunities
International security trends

The programme examines how these developments affect:

Europe
The Mediterranean
The Middle East
Africa
International governance systems

2. The Role of Global and Regional Powers in the Mediterranean

The Academy will analyze how major actors such as:

European Union
United States
Russia
China
Gulf States
MENA countries

shape political, economic, and security developments across the Mediterranean region.

Participants will gain deeper understanding of:

Strategic interests
Regional influence
Diplomacy
International cooperation
Competition among powers

3. Europe’s Strategic Interests in the Region

Discussions will focus on:

European security
Migration management
Energy security
Trade partnerships
Regional resilience
EU foreign policy
Mediterranean governance frameworks

Participants will evaluate how Europe seeks to balance:

Stability
Cooperation
Economic interests
Human security
Climate priorities

4. Conflict Management and Policy Bridge-Building

One of the programme’s major components focuses on:

Diplomacy
Peacebuilding
Mediation
Inclusive governance
Regional integration
Sustainable conflict resolution

Participants will study:

Drivers of regional conflict
Policy negotiation frameworks
Mechanisms for dialogue
Multilateral cooperation strategies

Interactive Workshops and Practical Skills Training

The Academy includes highly practical leadership-focused workshops.

Strategic Foresight Skills

Participants will learn:

Scenario planning
Long-term strategic analysis
Anticipating geopolitical risks
Decision-making under uncertainty

Advanced Negotiation Techniques

Workshops will strengthen participants’ abilities in:

Diplomatic negotiations
Conflict mediation
Consensus building
Stakeholder engagement

Public Speaking and Media Training

Participants will receive training on:

Communication strategies
Public engagement
Media interaction
Policy communication
Leadership messaging

These practical sessions aim to strengthen participants’ confidence and leadership presence in professional and international environments.

Programme Structure

The Summer Academy combines:

Academic lectures
Interactive seminars
Policy discussions
Leadership workshops
Group activities
Networking opportunities
Collaborative learning sessions

Participants will engage directly with experts and peers from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.

Who Should Apply?

The programme is ideal for:

Graduate students
Young professionals
Emerging leaders
Diplomats
Researchers
Journalists
Civil society representatives
Policy practitioners
Think tank analysts

The Summer Academy particularly targets individuals interested in:

International relations
Diplomacy
Public policy
Mediterranean studies
European affairs
Global governance
Security studies
Geopolitics

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

Hold at least a postgraduate or Master’s degree in a relevant field
Demonstrate leadership potential
Be proficient in English
Be 35 years old or younger

All programme sessions will be conducted in English.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents in English:

1. Statement of Purpose

Maximum 200 words explaining:

Why the Summer Academy is relevant to their professional development
Their motivation for applying
Their leadership interests

2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

3. Proof of English Proficiency

Applicants are encouraged to ensure their documents clearly demonstrate:

Leadership experience
Academic preparation
Professional aspirations
Interest in international affairs

Participation Fees and Deadlines

Early Bird Application

Cost: €350
Deadline: March 31, 2026

Regular Application

Cost: €450
Deadline: June 15, 2026

What the Participation Fee Covers

The organizers will cover:

Accommodation
Full-board meals
Local transportation
Conference-related activities
Guided tours
Archaeological site visits

Participants are responsible for:

International travel expenses
Visa costs (if applicable)
Personal expenses

Benefits of Participating

Participants will gain:

Advanced Leadership Skills

The programme focuses heavily on practical leadership development and strategic thinking.

International Networking Opportunities

Participants will connect with:

Future leaders
Policymakers
Diplomats
Academics
Researchers
Journalists

Exposure to High-Level Experts

Sessions will be facilitated by renowned professionals and scholars in international affairs.

Enhanced Career Development

The programme strengthens participants’ professional profiles in:

Diplomacy
Public policy
International relations
Research
Governance

Cross-Cultural Collaboration

Participants will engage with peers from multiple countries and backgrounds.

Mediterranean Geopolitical Expertise

The Academy provides deep regional insights highly relevant to current international affairs.

Why Ancient Olympia Is a Powerful Venue

Hosting the Academy in Ancient Olympia carries symbolic significance because the site historically represents:

Peace
Dialogue
International cooperation
Shared human values

The environment encourages participants to reflect on:

Global leadership
Ethical governance
Cooperation across cultures

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit their applications through the Official ELIAMEP Summer Academy Platform.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early, particularly to benefit from the reduced early bird fee.

Application Deadline

Regular application deadline:
June 15, 2026

Contact Information

For additional inquiries:
SummerAcademy@eliamep.gr

Why Young Leaders Should Apply

In today’s increasingly fragmented geopolitical environment, leadership requires:

Strategic awareness
Cross-cultural communication
Policy understanding
Negotiation competence
Ethical decision-making

The ELIAMEP-ACG Summer Academy offers emerging leaders a rare opportunity to:

Build these essential skills
Expand international networks
Learn from experts
Engage in meaningful dialogue
Strengthen their leadership capacity

For young professionals and graduate students seeking to contribute to regional cooperation, diplomacy, governance, and international policymaking, this programme offers a transformative educational and professional experience in one of the world’s most historic and inspiring locations.

Visit HERE to learn more about the ELIAMEP-ACG Summer Academy 2026 in Greece.

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ELIAMEP-ACG Summer Academy 2026 in Greece: Leadership Beyond Boundaries Programme for Emerging Mediterranean Leaders @ACG Summer Academy 2026 in Greece: Leadership Beyond Boundaries Programme for Emerging Mediterranean Leaders