The Commonwealth Foundation Leadership Exchange is a five day learning exchange which brings together leaders and emerging leaders from across the Commonwealth. The 2012 Leadership Exchange will centre on ‘Stakeholder Engagement for Influencing Policy’.

The Exchange will take place from the 16–20 July 2012. 

Applications are now open. Deadline for applications is 20 May. 

Recognising the need to engage, understand and incorporate a wealth of knowledge, opinions and approaches, governments are increasingly looking to civil society to present new, alternative and progressive views for the future. The Exchange aims to shape civil society leaders to meet this demand and have an impact on policy.

Participants will take an active role on the Exchange, bringing their own knowledge, experiences and expertise to train and educate their peers. They will have as much to give as to learn and the Exchange will provide an opportunity to meet other leading thinkers and actors who are challenging traditional views and methods. The programme is thus structured around a combination of action learning, peer support and structured discussion and training.

The Exchange is open to civil society leaders and emerging leaders, who are currently engaged in national and international policy development and implementation activities, and who are current working in Commonwealth member states in the Asia, Africa, Caribbean, and Pacific regions. Applicants must demonstrate outstanding capabilities and experience from a wide variety of backgrounds and high level of professional achievement.

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