Background – A 20-Year Foundation

Economics, Diplomacy & Integrity (EDI School) is an educational initiative dedicated to forming a cross-generational community of ethical leaders across Southeast Europe and beyond. The School builds on 20 years of EDI experience in bringing together professionals, students, and civic actors to address societal challenges through Christian-inspired ethical principles, while remaining inclusive and relatable to diverse audiences. The EDI Academy believes that real learning happens in connection with others — through relationships, open dialogue, and shared experience. Our approach brings together academic knowledge, personal mentorship, and hands-on leadership development, empowering participants not only to grow professionally, but also to discover their purpose and values as leaders. Dialogue and the ability to disagree constructively are central pillars of the EDI School’s approach. Through structured discussions, intercultural exchange, and collaborative reflection, participants engage with diverse perspectives while developing the skills needed to navigate disagreement respectfully and build trust across political, cultural, and institutional boundaries.

EDI Approach

The EDI School with a 20-year history, is based on the belief that leadership formation happens through relationships, dialogue, and shared experience, not only through classroom instruction. Its approach integrates academic learning, practical application, personal mentorship, and community formation. Dialogue and the ability to engage constructively across differences are central pillars. The School also functions as a network-building platform where participants develop long-term professional and collaborative relationships across the region and world.

Program Structure

The EDI School is designed to bring learning to life. Participants will engage in a combination of lectures, workshops, mentoring, field visits, and shared community experiences. Expert-led sessions provide a strong academic foundation in diplomacy, conflict transformation, and economic integrity. These are complemented by hands-on workshops where participants practice negotiation, mediation, grant writing, and the development of concrete project ideas. A central element of the program is personal development through mentoring. Each participant is paired with experienced professionals who offer guidance and support in small groups as well as one-on-one conversations. Beyond the classroom, the program includes visits to local institutions and opportunities to meet diplomats and policymakers who work directly on the issues studied. Living and learning together in a cross-cultural environment further strengthens trust, understanding, and the spirit of collaboration that the program seeks to cultivate. This approach enables the School to maintain a high academic standard while staying rooted in EDI’s long-standing emphasis on relationships, community, and practical application.

Core Learning Experience

The EDI School combines academic rigor with applied learning, including expert lectures, applied workshops, mentorship, field engagement, and intercultural community experiences.

Values

The EDI School is grounded in principles derived from the life and teachings of Jesus, including integrity, moral leadership, service to others, commitment to the poor and vulnerable, faith, transparency, and accountability.