Author: Johana Križanová, Charles University's participant of the CENTRAL Leadership Program 2026
Right now, it is more important than ever to listen, join forces, and find a common path despite our differences. But that is hard to do from the comfort of home. The CENTRAL project allowed students from six Central European countries to spend three weeks together across five capitals. We explored various topics that could shape us into Europe's future leaders.
The program brings together six partner cities: Budapest, Vienna, Prague, Berlin, Warsaw and Lviv. While we had the privilege of traveling across five of these capitals, the planned stop in Ukraine unfortunately could not take place due to the situation in the country. Nevertheless, having the opportunity to meet and collaborate with students from Lviv University was a really powerful experience. Hearing their firsthand experiences and perspectives served as a strong reminder that the war is not a distant problem, but a reality that deeply concerns all of Europe.
The Central Leadership Program (CLP) is a unique initiative that opened doors to places we wouldn't normally access and connected us with inspiring professionals who shared their valuable insights. However, we didn't just passively listen. Through interactive workshops and intensive discussions, we actively engaged with crucial topics shaping our world today, including the roles of the EU, UN, and NATO, as well as energy security and broader European defense initiatives.
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Our time in Prague, where we stayed from 8 to 13 September 2026, perfectly illustrated this approach. After a warm welcome from our coordinators, Bára and Zuzana, the engaging sessions kicked off with Professor Kuklík's lecture on Czechoslovak interesting history. The schedule then shifted to practical workshops focused on improving self-presentation skills and a European Council simulation led by Dr. Říha.
Another highlight was the Europa Experience Centre with its interactive exhibition. By dividing into fictitious political factions to simulate the legislative process of the European Union, interactively negotiating laws, and seeking compromises, we gained a valuable firsthand lesson in the complexities of reaching an agreement.
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But the program wasn't just about workshops! It was also about experiencing the city. We took a city tour focused on 20th-century Prague, a walk that not even sudden rain could interrupt!
We also enjoyed lunch at a local brewery, and wrapped up with a special tour of the Charles University rectorate. This gave us a unique chance to soak in the atmosphere of Central Europe's oldest university and explore areas normally closed to the public.
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I would like to thank the Prague team for their great organization!
The whole program was a great experience for us. We are taking home not just valuable skills, contacts, and knowledge, but also a new perspective on the world and friendships all across Europe!
Author: Birgit Kircher, University of Vienna's participant of the CENTRAL Leadership Program 2026
What does it take to build a peaceful, secure, and united Europe? And what role do international organizations play in addressing the challenges we face today? During our time in Vienna, these questions were at the center of the CENTRAL Leadership Program 2026. We had the opportunity to explore the work of key international institutions, exchange perspectives with experts, and discover Vienna’s important role in European and international affairs.
After starting our journey in Budapest, arriving in Vienna marked the beginning of the next chapter of our shared experience. Our program kicked off with a visit to the Europe’s Futures Initiative at the University of Vienna, setting the stage for discussions about Europe’s future and the challenges facing the continent. It was also a great opportunity to reconnect as a group and prepare for the days of learning and exchange ahead.
One of the highlights was our visit to the United Nations Office at Vienna International Centre. During a guided tour and briefing at the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), we gained insights into the work of the United Nations and its efforts to promote international peace and security. Seeing these institutions up close made the importance of international cooperation tangible and demonstrated how much dialogue and diplomacy matter in a world shaped by complex geopolitical challenges.
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Our exploration of international organizations continued with a briefing at the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), where Florenz LeClezio introduced us to the organization’s work. This was followed by a session with Dr. Sebastian Haug from the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS), which offered further perspectives on international organizations and their role in global cooperation. These encounters encouraged us to look beyond national perspectives and consider how countries and institutions can work together to address shared challenges.
The week also gave us the chance to experience Vienna beyond its international institutions. During the guided city tour we explored the city’s European dimension and its historical and political significance. From its rich cultural heritage to its role as a hub for international diplomacy, Vienna offered a fitting setting for reflecting on Europe’s past, present, and future.
We concluded our program with a closing session with Ambassador Dr. Emil Brix, bringing together many of the questions and perspectives we had explored throughout our time in Budapest and Vienna. It was a valuable opportunity to reflect on our experiences and the broader significance of European cooperation.
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Beyond the individual visits and sessions, what made the Vienna program special was the opportunity to learn alongside students from different Central European countries. Sharing our perspectives, discussing different approaches, and questioning our own assumptions reminded us that understanding one another is an essential part of addressing common challenges.
Our time in Vienna was an important part of the CENTRAL Leadership Program 2026. We left with new insights into international diplomacy, a deeper understanding of the institutions shaping our world, and fresh perspectives on Europe’s future. Most importantly, we continued to build connections and friendships across borders — a reminder that leadership begins with curiosity, dialogue, and the willingness to work together.
I would like to thank Barbara Grodecka-Poprawska for the great organization in Vienna!
Comment by Michal Sochor, Charles University's participant of the CENTRAL Leadership Program 2026:
"The Central Leadership Program was one of those experiences that I will genuinely remember for a long time. What I enjoyed most was meeting such an interesting and diverse group of people and having the chance to exchange ideas, experiences, and perspectives with them. It pushed me to think about things from new angles and, at the same time, gave me plenty of inspiration and motivation for what comes next. I am really grateful I had the opportunity to be part of it and would gladly do it all over again."
