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Robert Biedroń

Member of the European Parliament

Robert Biedroń is a Polish human rights activist and a politician. He is one of the three leaders of „The Left” (Lewica), a political alliance composed of Spring (Wiosna), the Democratic Left Alliance (SLD) and Together (Lewica Razem). Under Robert's leadership the three parties joined their forces in the autumn 2019 for the elections to the Polish Parliament. The united Left secured 51 seats in the Parliament, becoming the third political force in Poland. Currently, Robert is the coalition's candidate in the upcoming Polish presidential election 2020.

Prior to this, in February 2019, Robert had launched a new political left-wing party called Spring. He was subsequently elected Member of the European Parliament on his party's list in May 2019. The party joined the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, the second largest political group in the European Parliament.

Robert currently serves as vice-chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality and chairs the EP Delegation for relations with Belarus. He also seats on the Budget Committee and is a substitute member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs. He is also an active member of the European Parliament’s LGBTI Intergroup.

Prior to becoming an MEP, Robert served as Mayor of Słupsk. During his time in office, he revitalised the city by implementing a range of innovative policies in the area of ecology and social equality. Before this, he served as Member of the Polish Parliament.

In addition, Robert has substantial experience in human rights organisations in both Poland and abroad. He set up the Institute of Democratic Thought and was instrumental in the launch of the Campaign against Homophobia. He was also a delegate to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe and a member of an Advisory Group on Gender, Forced Displacement, and Protection at the UN. 

Never afraid to swim against the current, Robert was the very first openly gay politician in Poland.

Participating in the "Generative AI: Challenges and Opportunities Ahead" panel at the European Leadership Academy was a truly transformative experience. Meeting 29 incredible young women from diverse backgrounds was both humbling and inspiring. The Academy showed me firsthand the immense impact that can be achieved when young women are given the right opportunities and a platform to grow. I left the Academy feeling more empowered and optimistic than ever.

Maro Manoli

CEO & Co-Founder, E-mbracelet

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It may sound cliché, but the best part of the European Leadership Academy were the caring and passionate people who contributed to it, after the end of the European Leadership Academy, I now feel the most confident and passionate that I have ever been. Importantly, the program was completely free of charge, as an ambitious young woman whose family has always struggled financially, the European Leadership academy was a dream come true in many ways.

Veronika Anna Denner

Student. Represented Austria at the 2024 Summer School in Warsaw

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This transformative journey has prepared me for anything life may throw my way. What touched me most was the opportunity to connect with girls who, like me, share the same dreams yet are wonderfully diverse. They truly inspired me in countless ways. I learned so much about myself throughout this process; the school has impacted every facet of my identity, teaching me self-confidence and the imporance of colaborartions with others.

Lara Markelj

Student. Represented Slovenia at the 2024 Summer School in Warsaw

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I knew that the Summer School for Female Leadership in the Digital Age was going to be an incredible experience but I didn't expect it to be life-changing! With a jam-packed week full of both interesting and challenging discussions, panels, masterclasses & workshops, I left each day feeling inspired and invigorated. I would encourage any young woman interested to apply regardless of your background and experiences - the European Leadership Academy provides an environment for all young women to thrive in.

Amy Calleja

Student. Represented Malta at the 2022 Summer School in Prague

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Sisterhood, support and inspiration are just some of the aspects that we have experienced! The European Leadership Academy is an exceptional and priceless program which opened our horizons for the future. For me, one of the best characteristics of the program was its holistic approach. The range of speakers and experts was extraordinary just as their kindness and openness to answer our questions and connect with us.

Katharina Hertel

Student. Represented Germany at the 2022 Summer School in Prague

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