Aspen Institute Kyiv and Aspen Institute UK launch the Aspen Kyiv–UK Leadership Bridge programme
Connecting leaders across Europe – shaping the future of democracy and security.
Aspen Institute Kyiv and Aspen Initiative UK are proud to launch the Aspen Kyiv-UK Leadership Bridge, a groundbreaking leadership fellowship for emerging leaders, typically aged 30–40, working at the forefront of democracy, security, and technology.
At a time of profound geopolitical and societal transformation, this Fellowship brings together 10 rising leaders from the UK and 10 from Ukraine to explore how values and leadership must evolve in an era defined by war, democratic renewal, and accelerating technological change. Participants will build the ethical leadership, cross-cultural fluency, and strategic insight needed to tackle some of Europe’s most complex challenges.
Program timeline
- UK Seminar – 21 – 25 June 2026, held at the historic Madingley Hall in Cambridge, ending with a day in London for high-level visits.
- Online seminar – 17 September 2026
- Ukraine Seminar – 17 – 21 October 2026, held in the heart of the Ukrainian Carpathian Mountains.
The seminars will be moderated by Aspen UK and Aspen Kyiv Faculty members.
Collaborative leadership project:
Participants will co-design and present practical cross-border initiatives, such as policy proposals, trade strategies, or knowledge-sharing platforms.
Alumni network and engagement:
Fellows join Aspen UK’s and Aspen Kyiv’s global networks, with ongoing events, activities, and cross-cohort collaboration.
Who should apply
Ukraine- and UK-based who:
- Represent the following sectors:
- Public Sector (Government, Parliament, Civil Service)
- Security & Defence
- Private Sector
- Media
- Civil Society and Academia
- Aged 30–40 and have 5–15 years of experience
- Are eager to collaborate across borders and disciplines to shape a fairer, more interconnected world
- Have a focus on UK–Ukraine relations
Fees and logistics
The programme cost is heavily subsidised by the Aspen Global Fund. Participants are asked to contribute:
- £2,750 participation fee
- Travel to Cambridge for the UK seminar, as well as visa costs if required
- International return flights for the seminar in Ukraine (group transfers will be provided).
The fee will cover all seminar materials and activities, 4 nights accommodation, all meals and visits as part of the UK seminar, 4 nights accommodation, meals, and cultural events as part of the Ukraine seminar.
Limited scholarships may be available for public sector, media, or civil society representatives who require additional financial support.
Why apply?
- Build a lifelong global network of changemakers across the UK and Ukraine
- Engage with top thinkers and leaders in democracy, security, and technology
- Gain a platform to influence policy and practice across Europe
- Grow as a reflective, values-based leader through Aspen’s renowned seminar method
Apply to join the Aspen Kyiv–UK Leadership Bridge 2026
The deadline for applications is 12 April 2026
Please apply via link.
