The Policy Designers Network

The Policy Designers Network (PDN) fellowship brings together young policy professionals from Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine to equip them with skills and resources to advance democracy and economic development, to expand their knowledge about regional, European, and transatlantic issues, and to strengthen their networks.

A leadership development program, PDN is a fellowship structured around workshop-style learning sessions. The learning sessions will concentrate on empowering the fellows to assume greater leadership roles in their organizations or communities, strengthening their skills to lead collaboratively while addressing issues of public concern, and to elevate their thought leadership.

This program is made possible thanks to the German Federal government through the KfW Development Bank.

Do you have a question about the Policy Designers Network? See if you can find the answer below.

ANNOUNCEMENT

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2024 PDN Cohort

We are thrilled to announce the fellows of the fifth edition of the Policy Designers Network. The 2024 cohort will convene in Bucharest, Romania, from March 25-30, 2024.

PDN offers a platform these new voices for Armenia, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine to share ideas and a vision for the future of their countries and region. Here are some of their contributions on: Civil Society, Security, Media and Information, Good Governance and DEI.

PDN Contributions

Media

February 6, 2024

Media Freedom in Georgia and Ukraine

Media freedom plays a vital role in upholding democratic principles and ensuring the free flow of information in societies. It allows citizens access...

11m read

by

Mariam Gamdlishvili

Saba Elizbarashvili

Katrina Marina

One person holding up a LGBTQ Pride flag next to a person holding up a Ukrainian Flag and someone speaking into a megaphone

Advancing Equity & Inclusion

February 6, 2024

Advancing Diversity and Inclusion: Challenges and Progress in Armenia, Moldova, and Ukraine

Armenia, Moldova, and Ukraine have made progress toward strengthening respect for human rights by promoting diversity and inclusion. However,...

8m read

by

Alisa Jamalyan

Catalina Plinschi

Yurii Stechyshyn

Crowd in Batumi, Georgia protesting with Georgian flags

Black Sea Trust for Regional Cooperation

January 31, 2024

The State and Civil Society Organizations: Friends or Foes?

Given civil society organizations’ (CSOs) vulnerability to foreign interference, how can the public interest in their operational transparency be...

11m read

by

Maksym Popovych

Anti-Corruption

February 9, 2024

Responsibility, Accountability, and Participation: Toward Good Governance in Armenia, Georgia, and Ukraine

21m read

by

Meline Avagyan

Ani Tsintsadze

Kostiantyn Turchak

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about the fellowship through our most frequently asked questions below.

Fellowship

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What is PDN’s objective?

Since its launch, PDN has been equipping young policy professionals from Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine with skills and resources to advance democracy and economic development, and foster regional cooperation.

What does the PDN program include?

PDN is a leadership development program which includes both online and in-person interactive workshop-style sessions. The sessions focus on various subjects, such as policy design, stakeholder engagement, leadership development, thought leadership, etc.

Fellows also may have the opportunity to write an article that may be published on GMF’s website.

Who is eligible to apply for PDN?

GMF accepts application from citizens of Armenia, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine, who:

Have up to 5 years of professional experience which has offered them an insight into policy making and formulating in various fields such as foreign policy, energy, business, creative arts and industries, media, etc.
Are between 25 and 35 years old
Are fluent in English
Possess a valid passport

And exhibit the following characteristics:

Profound sense of integrity
The desire to create a positive impact
Commitment to democracy and diversity
Commitment to share and apply new knowledge and to engage in the PDN network upon the program’s completion
Commitment to transatlantic and global engagement

GMF highly encourages candidates from underrepresented groups.

GMF staff members and their family members are excluded from applying.

If selected, what is the required time commitment as a fellow?

Following the fellowship award announcement, selected fellows receive a detailed schedule of what to expect during each month of the program.

In the lead up to the in-person program, fellows engage in monthly mandatory online sessions. Each session is interactive and lasts no more than 120 minutes.

The in-person program will take place on March 25-29, 2024 in Bucharest, Romania.

Upon selection, PDN fellows will represent GMF during the program and are expected to conduct themselves in a manner reflective of this special relationship. Fellows are expected to attend and participate fully in the program activities; no late arrivals or early departures will be accommodated.

Fellowships can be withdrawn if full participation is not met.

Can GMF provide appropriate health insurance for the duration of the stay in Bucharest?

GMF does not provide health insurance during the trip. Fellows are advised to check with their healthcare providers to ensure coverage during the immersive part of the fellowship program. If medical assistance is required, fellows should consult with GMF staff or local coordinators.

GMF will adhere to and refer PDN fellows to all applicable requirements from Romanian authorities for travel and will provide the necessary paperwork to obtain a visa when needed.

What is included/covered by GMF for the fellowship?

GMF covers airfare, accommodation, and catering in Bucharest, and distance learning and in-person workshop costs. Some out-of-pocket expenses may be incurred for fellows during the one-week immersion in Bucharest (such as airport transfers).

I applied for PDN in the past, may I reapply?

Candidates may reapply for the fellowship if their first application is unsuccessful. Such applications will not be disadvantaged in the selection process, provided they meet all applicable requirements.

Are there opportunities to stay connected after the fellowship?

More than 4,000 leaders have participated in GMF Leadership Programs, creating a vibrant and far-reaching network that is a great asset for the transatlantic relationship.

As an alumnus of a GMF Leadership Program, you will be part of a vast network of alumni and have access to a range of additional leadership development opportunities that will enable you to increase your transatlantic engagement. These include seminars, seed grants for alumni projects, and major conferences.