The Young Professionals Leadership program - a program for establishing networks

The Young Professionals leadership program is bilateral and was established in 2022. It is created by the Cooperation Fund with financial support from Swedbank and SEB and this collaboration has continued since. The main aim is to establish new lasting networks between professionals across the Baltic Sea.

Eight participants from each country are selected, and year by year the network of alumns ir growing, creating a strong and lasting group of people who have got to know eachother. This network is significant for the participants both privately and professionally, but its importance also must be emphasized for the future bilateral relations between the nations around the Baltic Sea.

Be part of something extraordinary, something that will develop your leadership skills and, simultaneously, give you a better understanding of a neighbouring country! It is free of charge - this is for you!

Interested?

The requirements are few and easy:

• you should be in the age range between 25 and 40

• you should have either proven leadership skills or a sincere interest in leadership

• the program is short, you must be ready to invest the time required

The program does not cost anything more than the time invested, all-in-all five working days. They are filled with intensive interaction through discussions with high-profile knowledgeable speakers as well as during workshops with other participants.

The last date for submitting in 2026 has passed but you are welcome to submitt an application for 2027.

Testimonials from previous participants:

«I am glad to have been able to develop my leadership together with a group of inspiring people from the business, government, civic society and culture sectors in Sweden and Lithuania. Building lasting bridges over the Baltic Sea is not only a pleasure, but also of importance for the interconnection of our part in the world for the future. I am truly looking forward to follow my fellow alumni. The diversity of perspectives and cultures together with a great program hosted by Austra and Pär is a great experience, and I really recommend to apply for the upcoming year!.«  

• Martin Bergman, participant 2024

“Participating in the program encouraged me to rethink leadership in different historical, political, cultural, and social contexts. I believe that the best ideas and network is made in these kinds of circumstances. I am excited about these connections we have made and what it will bring us.”

• Jovilė Piragiūtė, Lithuania, participated in the program 2023

"The Young Professionals' program was extremely stimulating and rewarding both personally and professionally. Meeting new friends from Lithuania was particularly helpful since it allowed me to view some of the challenges and opportunities in my field in Sweden from a comparative perspective. I also appreciated that the group was composed of people from various different fields rather than just academia, business or the public sector, which distinguished the Young Professionals' program from other leadership programs I have attended in the past."

• Emanuel Örtengren, Sweden, participated in the program 2022

“The program provided me the ability to look at various problems form a bigger perspective which is a huge boost of motivation. Some of the workshop ideas I found very interesting, and I will try to use them in my day-to-day activities. Other participants of the project were energetic with a unique set of experiences which was and will be helpful for me in the future. Thank you for this opportunity, it was amazing!”

• Dominykas Gudavičius, Lithuania, Young Professionals program 2023