CALL FOR APPLICATIONS The OSCE invites you to apply for the 11th OSCE Dialogue Academy for Young Women, which will take place from 8 to 17 October, 2026 in Nova Gorica, Slovenia and Gorizia, Italy (TBC). Please send your application by midnight CET, 23rd July 2026. About the OSCE Dialogue Academy Since 2015, the OSCE Mission in Kosovo and the OSCE Mission to Serbia have actively supported the OSCE Dialogue Academy for Young Women (DA), an initiative that brings together participants from their respective areas of responsibility. Each year, 24 young women from Pristina and Belgrade are selected to take part in an intensive programme designed to foster dialogue, enhance mutual understanding, and build long-term connections. The programme focuses on key topics such as women’s participation in public life, dialogue, mediation, and peacebuilding. Participants engage with distinguished speakers and experts, while also taking part in interactive workshops, discussions, and peer-learning sessions that support both personal and professional development. The DA builds upon the values and ideas enshrined in the “Follow Us” Initiative, established in 2012 by the OSCE Mission in Kosovo and the OSCE Mission to Serbia. The initiative brought together prominent women from Pristina and Belgrade, fostered contact and dialogue between the two societies, and focused on joint issues of concern, including women in politics, dialogue and mediation, gender equality and women’s empowerment. It provides a platform for participants to exchange perspectives, address common challenges, and explore collaborative approaches to peacebuilding. Upon completion of the programme, participants become part of the DA Network of Alumnae (DANA), an active network that continues to engage in dialogue, confidence-building, and community-based initiatives across the region. Since 2015, DANA has implemented more than 25 small-scale projects, organized regular alumnae activities, and contributed to broader peacebuilding efforts in close co-operation with the OSCE. Qualifications We invite women between 20 and 27 years of age from the areas covered by the OSCE Mission in Kosovo and the OSCE Mission to Serbia to apply. Applicants should be students or young professionals in fields such as politics, law, international relations, social sciences, public administration, media, or related areas. Candidates should demonstrate genuine interest and/or engagement with civic activities, including volunteering, community work, advocacy, or policy-making. As all lectures, discussions, and materials will be in English, an excellent command of the English language is required. The OSCE highly values and proactively promotes inclusivity, hence young women with disabilities as well as young women belonging to non-majority community or vulnerable groups are highly encouraged to apply. Selection process The selection process will consist of the following steps: Application Submission: - In the first phase of the selection process, applicants will be required to submit a CV and short written statement outlining their motivation for applying and their perspectives on dialogue and cooperation. - In the second phase, shortlisted applicants will be invited for an online interview. In total 24 successful applicants who meet the qualification criteria will be selected to participate in the programme. Structure and Themes The 2026 Dialogue Academy will consist of ten days of an intensive programme combining lectures, workshops, group discussions, and networking opportunities, taking place in Nova Gorica, Slovenia and Gorizia, Italy. The pre-programme phase will include online preparatory modules aimed at introducing participants to key concepts and building initial group cohesion, and one online meeting before the Academy, while the post-programme segment will focus on sustaining engagement through exchange meetings, alumnae networking, and follow-up dialogue and peacebuilding activities.
Participants are expected to be present and actively engaged in all aspects of the programme (pre-, during, and post- the Academy). Open discussions and the respectful exchange of ideas will be strongly encouraged, with particular attention given to fostering mutual understanding and building connections among participants. Participants who fully attend and actively take part throughout the entire duration of the Dialogue Academy will receive a Certificate of Completion and join the Dialogue Academy Network of Alumnae (DANA). Participants will enhance their knowledge and skills while exploring ways to collaborate on key issues such as dialogue, mediation, conflict resolution, and women's empowerment. The programme will include a dedicated learning module on “Dialogue, Mediation, and Confidence-Building”, complemented by interactive sessions, peer exchanges, and engagement with experts. In addition, the Dialogue Academy will feature a cultural programme aligned with its core themes, including: • Leadership for societal transformation; • Inter-community dialogue and co-operation; • Women’s roles in contemporary political spaces; • The impact of youth and women in peacebuilding; • Inclusive security approaches for lasting peace. Arrangements All expenses related to participation in the 2026 Dialogue Academy will be covered by the OSCE, including: • Travel to and from the Dialogue Academy venue (Nova Gorica, Slovenia and Gorizia, Italy). Please note that travel arrangements for participants from the OSCE Mission in Kosovo area of responsibility may include overnight stays in Belgrade, depending on final logistics. • Health insurance; • Accommodation; • Course module costs; • Meals and refreshments; • Cultural/study visits. Application The CV 1 should include all of the listed elements: 1. Date of birth, city of birth and city of current residence; 2. Updated information on your employment and education; 3. Educational and professional courses relevant to the DA programme; 4. Languages spoken; 5. Contact details (i.e. personal phone and email address); 6. Contact email of two academic and/or professional references; 7. Should not exceed the length of three pages; 8. A statement whether you or any of your relatives are/are not employed within the OSCE. The written statement should not exceed 400 words and focus on the following: Describe a situation where division, misunderstanding, or lack of dialogue is present in your society and/or community. Regarding this situation, what role do you believe you can play in fostering dialogue and co-operation, and what positive outcomes do you hope to inspire or generate through your engagement? Please send your application by midnight CET, 23 July 2026 at: dialogueacademy@osce.org 1. Please note that by providing this information you agree to processing of your personal data. Processing of your personal data will be done for the purpose of this activity only, and not for any other purpose.