CEE Young Sustainability Leaders
In 2026, CEE Summit will launch a brand new initiative: Young Sustainability Leaders Programme, designed to spotlight and support emerging talent in sustainability practices across business, finance and policy.
The group will be carefully selected and will experience a tailored programme alongside the CEE Sustainable Finance Summit 2026 in Prague aimed at professional development, improvement of their knowledge base, and expansion of their existing skillsets.
Empowering the next generation of sustainability talent.
Who can apply
Professionals in finance, business, policy, sustainability or related fields aged 26–35
Based in, or professionally active in, the CEE region
Those with a strong interest in sustainability and its practical implementation and future development
Requirements
CV
Short motivation statement (max 300 words)
Submit an opinion piece (700–800 words) on one of proposed topics
Be part of the first cohort of YSL26
Deadline for applying extended to
17 May 2026
APPLICATIONS OPEN
9 March 2026 - 17 May 2026
COHORT SELECTED
June 2026
PROGRAMME LAUNCHES AT THE CEE SUMMIT
14-16 September 2026
Programme
highlights
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Tailored mentoring and career advice sessions with senior figures from finance, business, and policy. Topics include leadership, career development, regional sustainability challenges, public speaking, presentation, communication, and networking skills, etc
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Leadership, communication, sustainability challenges
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Participation in the core programme, curated networking sessions, closed-door roundtables with Summit speakers, and special workshops.
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Young leaders will be integrated on the Summit website, included in communications, and invited to contribute to post-event publications.
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The 2026 cohort will form the core of a long-term CEE Young Sustainability Leaders Network linked to ISFC and future editions of the Summit.
Please note that accommodation and travel costs are not covered and must be arranged independently by participants.
