The Centre for Democracy and Peace (CDP) has officially launched applications for the 2026/27 Fellowship Programme, an innovative leadership initiative designed to empower leaders across Northern Ireland.
Now entering its sixth year, the Fellowship Programme brings together leaders from politics, business, the public sector, and civic society to develop the skills, networks, and confidence needed to address Northern Ireland’s most pressing social, economic, and political challenges.
Running from September 2026 to March 2027, the seven-month programme includes symposium days across Northern Ireland, residential experiences in Oxford and Dublin, collaborative design thinking projects, and access to the Fellowship’s alumni network of more than 120 leaders, including the Minister for the Economy, MPs, MLAs, and local councillors. The network also features senior leaders from the public sector, business, and the community and voluntary sector.
The Fellowship Programme aims to foster a new generation of capable, credible leaders who can navigate complexity, collaborate across sectors, and contribute to building a more inclusive and prosperous future for Northern Ireland. It is supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, some of Northern Ireland’s biggest employers including Camlin Group, FinTrU, Fujitsu NI, NIE Networks, Ulster Carpets, and Allstate NI, as well as the Irish American Partnership.
Eva Grosman, Programme Director at the Centre for Democracy and Peace, said:
“The Fellowship Programme creates a unique space for leaders from different sectors and perspectives to come together, challenge assumptions, and build meaningful relationships. At a time of growing complexity and uncertainty, we need courageous, collaborative leadership more than ever.”
Applications are open until Thursday 4 June 2026. The programme is open to leaders from political, business, public sector, and civic society backgrounds who are passionate about shaping Northern Ireland’s future.
For more information or to apply, visit fellowship.democracyandpeace.org.
