The Program Concept

The transatlantic community lacks strong human connections between elected public policy makers.This gap limits the ability of the transatlantic community to respond to growing threats around the globe.

Vast sums of money are spent on educational exchange, and intracontinental security conferences, yet little is done to promote engagement and exchange between rising but junior public policy leaders in the United States and their peers in Central and Eastern Europe. We know that networking activities are not just about connecting people but rather to connect ideas, and opportunities with people in positions to make a difference.

Exchange programs create opportunities: opportunities for participants to learn, to grow, and to work with others to solve collective problems, ensuring a more secure future. Exchanges create future leaders who instinctively appreciate the value of international collaboration, understanding, and empathy.

The proposed program grows out of an ongoing collaboration between Liliana Filip and Joshua Burgin. Ms. Filip is the founder and president of the Political Research Group, an NGO based in Romania, and Mr. Burgin has spent the past three decades balancing a career in campaign politics and foreign affairs in the CIS and Central & Eastern Europe.

Short description

This initiative marks the launch of an annual bilateral exchange program designed to connect political leaders in Romania and the United States, introducing the participants from both countries to the politics and policymaking processes of the other. This effort will enhance each participant’s understanding of the other country while strengthening US-Romania relations.

The program includes 7-10 days of intensive study involving travel to at least two cities where delegates will meet with senior government officials, representatives from political parties, industry executives, and community leaders.

Partners

International Republican Institute, United States