Connecting Leaders. Fostering Dialogue. Strengthening Democracy.
The Academy for Political Development (APD) is Croatia’s largest intersectoral network of over 500 leaders from politics, business, civil society, academia, and public administration. Established in 2007 as a non-governmental, non-profit organization, APD brings together professionals from diverse backgrounds committed to public dialogue, democratic development, and societal progress.
APD is part of the Council of Europe’s Schools for Political Studies network, connecting emerging leaders across Europe and beyond.
Our Core Activities
- Annual Programme – APD’s flagship initiative since 2004, bringing together 20-30 young professionals each year for a one-year educational cycle focused on democratic competencies, leadership development, and intersectoral dialogue.
- Local APR (LAPR) – Regional programs in partnership with Croatian counties, empowering emerging local leaders.
- Student APR – Tailored for university students and young professionals seeking political education and civic engagement.
- #APRTalks – Public lectures, panels, and roundtables addressing pressing social and political issues.
- Regional & International Cooperation – In partnership with international partners, organizations, and institutions, APD fosters regional, pan-European, and transatlantic dialogue and youth political leadership.
Key Projects & International Support
APD has successfully implemented numerous projects in political education, leadership training, and democratic development, supported by bilateral and multilateral donors, including:
Council of Europe:
- School of Political Studies (2004 – 2025)
European Union
- TEMCO – Thematic Network for Lifelong Learning Available to All (2021-2023) – Funded by the European Social Fund+
- Regional School for Political Development (2023-2025) – Supported by Erasmus+.
U.S. Embassy in Croatia:
- Local Leadership and Development (2016) – Strengthening leadership capacities for regional governance.
- Youth Participation and Democracy Development on a Local Level (2017) – Engaging youth in political processes and civic activism.
- Women in the Lead (2020, 2024-2025) – Fostering gender equality and women’s political leadership.
- New Global Challenges in Media Literacy – From Newsrooms Around the World to Croatia (2021) – Addressing misinformation and strengthening media literacy.
- Transformative Potential of Green Transition in Croatia (2022) – Promoting sustainable policies and green economic transition.
- The NextGen Transparency: Empowering Young Leaders (2025-2026) – Capacity building and citizen empowerment on the transparency and anticorruption policy reform initiatives.
Our Team
APD is led by a dedicated Executive Director, Igor Roginek, and supported by a nine-member Management Board composed of professionals from various sectors. The team’s members’ LinkedIn profiles are here.
Let’s Work Together!
At APD, we believe in the power of dialogue, collaboration, and leadership development. We are always open to new partnerships, joint projects, and knowledge exchange with like-minded organizations, institutions, and individuals worldwide.
Get in touch to explore opportunities for collaboration and join our mission to build a more democratic, inclusive, and sustainable society!