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The Atlantic Dialogues Emerging Leaders Report 2025
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Policy Center for the New South
July 16, 2026

The 12th Atlantic Dialogues Emerging Leaders program took place from December 7 to 11, 2025, in Rabat, Morocco. From a highly competitive pool of more than 1,900 applicants representing 125 countries, 42 exceptional young professionals, aged 25 to 35, were selected. The cohort included participants from 27 countries across the Atlantic Basin, spanning Africa, Europe, and the Americas, with additional representation from Asia and Oceania, reflecting the program’s growing global reach and worldwide interest in Atlantic-related issues.

Participants brought expertise from a wide range of sectors, including academia, consultancy, government agencies, international organizations, media, NGOs, the private sector, public administration, and think tanks. With this latest cohort, the ADEL network now comprises over 490 members from 78 countries, underscoring its expanding global influence and impact.

Each year, the ADEL program is designed to reflect the expertise of its participants, while addressing the most pressing economic, political, and social challenges facing the Atlantic region and beyond. The 2025 program featured a curated series of discussions, interactive workshops, thought-provoking sessions, and field visits, equipping participants with the tools and insights needed to drive meaningful change. 

Participants were also invited to contribute to a written report, an initiative first introduced in 2019. This collective effort ensures that the rich discussions, diverse perspectives, and key insights from the program are documented and shared as a valuable resource for policymakers, thought leaders, and the wider ADEL community. Serving as a comprehensive record of the program, the report captures the main takeaways from expert-led sessions and moderated discussions. Distinguished speakers and facilitators played a pivotal role in enriching conversations, encouraging knowledge exchange, and challenging perspectives, fostering an engaging and thought-provoking experience for all participants. 

The 2025 ADEL program reaffirmed the PCNS’s commitment to equipping young leaders with the knowledge, skills, and networks necessary to shape the future of the Atlantic and beyond.

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