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.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
Expand All2024 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 for new voices from 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about the fellowship through our most frequently asked questions below.
Fellowship
Expand AllWhat 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.
Alumni
Expand All2023
Armenia
- Alisa Jamalyan
- Diana Yezekyan
- Magda Arsenyan, Ph.D. in Political Science
- Meline Avagyan
- Sarkis Movsisyan
Georgia
- Ani Tsintsadze
- Mariam Gamdlishvili
- Mariam Shai
- Rostomi Lezhava
- Saba Elizbarashvili
Moldova
- Catalina Plinschi
- Serghei Gherghelejiu
Ukraine
- Kateryna Marina
- Kostiantyn Turchak
- Maksym Popovych
- Mykola Siusko
- Vira Konstantynova
- Yurii Stechyshyn
2021
The third iteration of this fellowship took place from October 2 - December 11, 2021.
Armenia
- Armenuhi Nikoghosyan
- Ani Hovsepian
- Ashot Gevorgyan
- Karen Tovmasyan
- Sona Mkhitaryan
Georgia
- Mariam Eliadze
- Badri Belkania
- Ketevan Goletiani
- Tako Jobava
- Erekle Iantbelidze
Moldova
- Igor Serotila
- Olga Anghelici
Ukraine
- Yuliia Zemlytska
- Olha Nykorak
- Iryna Domnenko
- Dmytro Tuzhanskyi
- Yaromyr Udod
- Nataliia Vyniarchuk
2020
The second iteration of the Policy Designers Network took place from September 29 - October 3, 2020.
Armenia
- Heghine Poghosyan
- Samvel Grigoryan
Georgia
- George Melashvili
- Giorgi Andguladze
- Givi Silagadze
- Mariam Chachua
- Rusudan Zabakhidze
Moldova
- Marin Marcel
- Rodica Pargari
Ukraine
- Daria Kirsych
- Kostiantyn Donchenko
- Mariia Zaiets
- Roksolana Ivanova
- Viktoriia Kotlubei
2019
The first iteration of the Policy Designers Network took place from October 15 - 18, 2019.
Armenia
- Alina Poghosyan
- Ani Grigoryan
- Hasmik Khachatryan
- Lilit Avdalyan
- Ruben Elamiryan
Georgia
- Lasha Zivzivadze
- Nona Kurdovanidze
- Tamar Bazgadze
- Tamar Jangulashvili
Moldova
- Larisa Guzun
- Valeriu Pasa
Ukraine
- Anna Iemelianova
- Artem Shaipov
- Maryna Vorotniuk
- Oksana Khomei
- Oleh Pylypchynets
- Stanislav Sokur
This program is made possible thanks to the German Federal government through the KfW Development Bank.
If you have any questions, please direct them to Hanna Kovhan at [email protected].