Applications are now open for the Shaping Futures Academy 2026 professional development programme fully funded to Bonn, Germany
Closing Date: 9 November 2025
Applications are now open for the Shaping Futures Academy 2026 professional development programme fully funded to Bonn, Germany
Overview
One of the key ways we contribute to building a sustainable future is through initiatives like the Shaping Futures Academy. This professional development programme brings together peers from selected African partner countries and Europe to exchange knowledge and interdisciplinary expertise on governance and sustainable development.
Each year, selected participants engage in both online and in-person dialogue, focusing on preselected topics related to global sustainability challenges. The Academy is rooted in the frameworks of the 2030 Agenda and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which emphasize sustainable socio-economic development. The Academy needs a new generation of leaders capable of driving transformative change to meet today’s and tomorrow’s challenges. Through investing in the empowerment of future leaders, the Academy aims to develop and enhance their skills and insights necessary to navigate and lead in an era of profound uncertainty and complexity.
The Academy Schedule
The Shaping Futures Academy 2026 is scheduled between April and October and is organised into three connected learning blocks: three part-time online and one full-time in-person module.
The in-person phase takes place at IDOS in Bonn, Germany, jointly organised with its African partner, Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD Ghana). This phase runs from May to July 2026. It includes two leadership modules that are alternated with two academic modules, one of which is designed and facilitated by CDD Ghana. The phase will end with study trips to Berlin and Brussels.
The online phases (April, September and October 2026) are planned as a part-time programme with an estimated workload of three (3) hours of peer learning per day, utilising a variety of learning formats, combining elements of plenary and group calls, as well as self-paced learning and offline discussions.
Eligible countries
The Academy welcome applications from early to mid-career professionals from the following countries*:
- Ghana
- Kenya
- Senegal
- Tunisia
- Zambia
- European countries belonging to the EU, plus EEA and UK
How to apply
Please follow these steps in your application process:
- Make sure you fulfil the application criteria
- Read the Conditions for Participation
- Complete & compile your application documents:
- Application Form Part I: Applicant’s statement – to be completed and signed by you.
- Application Form Part II: Employer’s statement of support – to be completed, signed and stamped by your employer.
- Diploma/Certificates and supporting documents in English, French or German, or a translation of your highest professional qualification and/or university degree to any of these languages.
Application criteria
Potential participants of the Academy should:
- be a national or permanent resident of one of the eligible countries
- be 25 – 40 years old**;
- work on issues relevant for sustainable development and governance;
- have at least three years’ work experience (non-remunerated experience is also recognised);
- have the support of their employer (written support required as part of application);
- have a very good command of the English language (equivalent to B2 level of the CEFR);
- be respectful of other cultures;
- be open to teamwork, reflection and a broad variety of working methods;
- be available to participate for the entire duration of the Academy;
- Adhere to the principles of timeliness and respectful conduct during interactions;
- have a valid passport (at the time of travel); and
- be available, together with the supervisor who signs the employer form, to attend an informative online pre-engagement briefing on 14 January 2026 from 13 – 14 hrs CET;
Financial Assistance
In order to facilitate participation, successful applicants to the Shaping Futures Academy will be provided a financial assistance, covering the following
- Travel to and from Germany
- Accommodation for the duration of the in-person phase
- A monthly living allowance to cover living costs in Germany for the duration of the in-person phase*
- Health, accident, and personal liability insurance for the duration of their stay in Germany
- Subsidy to help meet the technical requirements of the online phases of the programme
Click Here To Apply
Follow Opportunities For Everyone on Social Media
