Applications are now open for the Atlantic Dialogues Emerging Leaders (ADEL) Program 2026, a prestigious fully funded leadership initiative designed to identify and empower the next generation of influential leaders from across the Atlantic Basin. Organized by the Policy Center for the New South (PCNS), the program seeks to bring together outstanding young professionals, entrepreneurs, policymakers, researchers, civil society advocates, and innovators to engage in high level discussions on global challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the Atlantic region.
Since its launch in 2012, the ADEL Program has become one of the most respected international leadership platforms connecting emerging leaders from Africa, Europe, North America, South America, and the Caribbean. The initiative aims to strengthen cross-regional cooperation while fostering dialogue among individuals committed to driving positive social, economic, and political change within their communities.
The 2026 edition will take place in Rabat, Morocco, where selected participants will join a week long leadership program before attending the renowned Atlantic Dialogues Conference, one of the Atlantic Basin’s leading policy forums. The conference regularly attracts heads of state, ministers, diplomats, business executives, academics, and development experts from around the world.
Applications are open to young professionals aged 25 to 35 years who demonstrate strong leadership potential and a proven commitment to addressing challenges in their communities or sectors. Organizers are particularly interested in candidates working in public policy, entrepreneurship, education, governance, climate action, technology, international development, and social innovation.
According to the Policy Center for the New South, the program is designed to cultivate a network of leaders capable of influencing policy and promoting cooperation across borders.
“The Emerging Leaders Program seeks to foster a community of action-oriented leaders who can contribute to shaping a more inclusive and prosperous Atlantic space,” the organizers stated in the program announcement.
Selected participants will receive full sponsorship, including international travel, accommodation, meals, local transportation, and access to all program activities. In addition to attending workshops and leadership sessions, participants will engage directly with senior policymakers, business leaders, and experts participating in the Atlantic Dialogues Conference.
Organizers describe the Atlantic Basin as a region of immense strategic importance, encompassing countries connected through trade, migration, security cooperation, cultural exchange, and shared development challenges. As geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve, they argue that stronger collaboration among emerging leaders is essential for addressing issues ranging from economic inequality and climate change to technological transformation and regional security.
The ADEL Program is structured around intensive leadership development, collaborative learning, and policy engagement. Participants take part in interactive discussions, networking sessions, policy simulations, and group projects designed to strengthen critical thinking, communication, and problem solving skills.
One of the initiative’s distinguishing features is its emphasis on diverse perspectives. Each cohort includes participants from a wide range of professional backgrounds, cultures, and geographic regions. Organizers believe that this diversity encourages meaningful dialogue and helps participants develop a broader understanding of complex global issues.
“We believe that future solutions will emerge from collaboration across sectors and regions,” the Policy Center for the New South noted, emphasizing the importance of building bridges between different communities and perspectives.
Over the years, the program has established an extensive alumni network comprising more than 500 emerging leaders from over 80 countries. Many alumni have gone on to assume influential positions in government, academia, international organizations, media, business, and civil society.
Former participant Sanae El Aji, a Moroccan sociologist and researcher, has previously praised the program’s ability to create meaningful connections among young leaders.
“The Atlantic Dialogues Emerging Leaders Program creates a unique environment where people from different backgrounds can learn from one another and challenge their assumptions,” she said during an alumni engagement session.
Similarly, former participant Miguel Ángel Moratinos, speaking about youth leadership initiatives within international cooperation frameworks, emphasized the importance of empowering young leaders to contribute to policy discussions and global problem solving.
“Young people must be active participants in shaping the future, not merely observers,” he remarked.
The 2026 program arrives at a time when many countries are grappling with interconnected challenges including climate adaptation, economic uncertainty, digital transformation, migration pressures, and shifting geopolitical alliances. Organizers believe that emerging leaders have a critical role to play in developing innovative responses to these challenges while strengthening international cooperation.
Beyond the formal program, participants will gain access to a lifelong professional network that extends well beyond the event itself. Alumni continue to collaborate on research projects, policy initiatives, entrepreneurial ventures, and development programs years after completing the fellowship.
The initiative also aligns with growing efforts to ensure that younger generations have a greater voice in global governance and policy discussions. By connecting rising leaders with established decision-makers, the program seeks to create opportunities for mentorship, knowledge sharing, and long-term collaboration.
Applications for the Atlantic Dialogues Emerging Leaders Program 2026 are expected to attract candidates from across the Atlantic region and beyond. Organizers anticipate strong interest from individuals seeking to expand their leadership capabilities while contributing to meaningful international dialogue.
As the world faces increasingly complex and interconnected challenges, the Atlantic Dialogues Emerging Leaders Program continues to provide a platform for emerging changemakers to exchange ideas, build partnerships, and develop solutions capable of creating lasting impact. Through leadership development, policy engagement, and cross-cultural collaboration, the initiative aims to empower a new generation of leaders committed to shaping a more inclusive, sustainable, and cooperative future.