Leaders for Democracy 2026
We welcome 20 new Leaders for Democracy !
After an intensive selection process, we are delighted to be supporting the next generation of leaders – committed, visionary and ready to actively shape democracy.
The selection has been made – and it was not an easy decision: we received an exceptionally large number of strong and inspiring applications for the Leaders for Democracy programme 2026. We are therefore all the more delighted to welcome the new fellows, who are taking on responsibility, showing commitment and combining leadership skills with lived democracy.
The fellowship is run jointly by the Business Council for Democracy and the Hans and Berthold Finkelstein Foundation. In several modules, we combine value-oriented leadership, historical responsibility and practical tools for everyday work – with space for reflection, exchange and networking. Our goal: to support young leaders in promoting dialogue, countering polarisation and strengthening democratic culture from their leadership roles.
We would like to say thank you to all applicants and a warm welcome to the 2026 fellows!
