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Gibraltar’s Global Emerging Leaders Programme launches

Gibraltar’s Global Emerging Leaders Programme launches

The Gibraltar cohort of the Global Emerging Leaders Programme - better known as the “Washington Programme” - met recently with Deputy Chief Minister Dr Joseph Garcia and Minister for Education John Cortes at No 6 Convent Place.

The initiative brings together young people from Gibraltar for an intensive leadership and development experience in the United States.

The programme, organised by the Advanced Leadership Foundation (ALF) in partnership with the Government of Gibraltar, commenced on Friday with the cohort being hosted in London by Baroness Hooper, who led an engaging and wide-ranging discussion on the political and institutional systems of the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The session provided participants with an opportunity to explore the different political structures, decision-making processes and institutional relationships that underpin the three systems, as well as the practical implications of their differing approaches to governance and international relations.

Baroness Hooper also shared her extensive experience and insights into the political and diplomatic environment in which these systems operate, encouraging participants to consider how political institutions evolve and respond to changing international circumstances.

The discussion formed part of the opening programme of activities in London, ahead of the cohort’s departure for Washington, D.C.

The Global Emerging Leaders Programme is designed to provide participants with exposure to political, business, diplomatic and civic leadership in both the United Kingdom and the United States. Through a combination of lectures, discussions, meetings and practical projects, participants are given the opportunity to develop their leadership skills while gaining a deeper understanding of international institutions and contemporary global issues.

Following the London launch, the cohort will travel to Washington, D.C., where the programme will include meetings and engagements with senior figures across political, governmental, diplomatic, business and civic institutions.

The programme will culminate in November with participants presenting their final projects before the closing ceremony.

Minister for Education, the Hon Prof John Cortes, said:

“I look forward to meeting the cohort at the end of their journey in Washington in November and to seeing how they take the knowledge, experiences and relationships gained through the programme back to Gibraltar. The Government wishes the 2026 cohort every success as they embark on the next stage of the programme in Washington, DC.”

Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Joseph Garcia, said:

“The programme has undergone some changes this year which will need to be fully evaluated. Nonetheless, it sets the basis for young people from Gibraltar to gain a better understanding of how Washington DC operates. It dovetails perfectly with the work that the Government is already doing there and I am sure that our young ambassadors will take full advantage of the opportunity.”