Brief Information
The Central Eurasia Leadership Alliance (CELA) 19th Leadership Academy is a prestigious 10-day residential leadership program hosted in Astana, Kazakhstan. It brings together outstanding mid-career professionals from Central Asia, the South Caucasus, Afghanistan, and Mongolia. The academy focuses on personal transformation, purpose-driven leadership, and cross-border regional engagement.
Key Dates & Details
- Program Name: Central Eurasia Leadership Alliance – CELA’19 Leadership Academy
- Dates: 13 July – 22 July 2026
- Arrival / Departure: Arrival by 12 July 2026, departure no earlier than 23 July 2026
- Duration: 10 days (residential)
- Location: Graduate School of Business, Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan
- Language: English (fluency required)
- Target Group: Mid-career professionals (business, media, academia, civil society, government)
- Application Deadline: 1 March 2026
- Organiser: Central Eurasia Leadership Alliance (CELA)
Table of Contents
Overview
The Central Eurasia Leadership Alliance CELA 19 Academy is the flagship entry point into a regional leadership network with more than 24 years of history and 700 leaders across Central Eurasia. The academy is designed for individuals who already carry responsibility and seek deeper self-awareness, broader regional perspective, and long-term leadership impact.
The CELA 19 Academy 2026 emphasizes immersive learning through dialogue, reflection, and experiential activities. Participants engage in self-exploration, leadership development, and cross-cultural exchange in a trusted residential environment. Relationships formed during the academy often extend well beyond the program, fostering durable regional and global connections.
Graduation from the academy grants full membership in CELA, linking participants to sister leadership communities in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and the United States.
Eligibility
Applicants to the Central Eurasia Leadership Alliance CELA 19 Academy must meet all of the following criteria:
- Age: Between 28 and 40
- Citizenship: Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, or Uzbekistan
- Professional Level: Mid-career professionals from business (especially entrepreneurs), media, academia, civil society, or government
- Motivation: Strong interest in expanding leadership capacity and regional engagement
- Language: Full professional fluency in English
Application Details
Applicants must complete the official application and submit:
- A completed application form
- A current CV
- Optional additional supporting materials
Applications can be submitted:
- Online: https://www.celanetwork.org/cela19application
- By Email:[email protected]
- Subject line: “CELA 19 – [Full Name], [Country of Citizenship]”
After submission, applications are reviewed by Country Selection Committees. Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews. Admission is competitive.
For general leadership development context, you may explore global leadership learning principles via Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education:
https://www.hks.harvard.edu/educational-programs/executive-education
Fees & Financial Information
The CELA 19 Academy participation fee includes two components:
- USD 2,000 – Program and materials fee
- USD 1,500 – Full board expenses, covering:
- Shared accommodation (private bedrooms, shared bathrooms)
- All meals
- Two daily coffee breaks
- Welcome and graduation dinners
Payment Schedule
- USD 500 non-refundable deposit: due by 20 May 2026
- Remaining USD 3,000: due by 15 June 2026
Participants are responsible for their own travel and visa costs.
FAQ
Is the Central Eurasia Leadership Alliance CELA 19 Academy fully funded?
No. This is a paid leadership academy with participation fees.
Do participants receive any certification or membership?
Yes. Graduates receive full membership in the Central Eurasia Leadership Alliance.
Is full attendance mandatory?
Yes. Due to the immersive format, participants must attend the entire program without interruption.
How competitive is the selection process?
Admission is competitive and based on leadership experience, motivation, and regional engagement potential.
Official Link
👉 Apply to the Central Eurasia Leadership Alliance CELA 19 Academy:
Application Page: https://www.celanetwork.org/cela19application
Official Call: https://www.celanetwork.org/apply
Download Application Form:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/104gQOYVfbmosiJaQ1Nq4_2oKvId_45QA/edit
📩 Contact: [email protected]
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