We, the undersigned, unite with a shared commitment to restore trust in political leadership and enhance its practice to meet the unique demands of the 21st century. In an era where trust in political institutions is waning, now is the time for leaders across all sectors to come together and bridge the gap between public expectations and the actions of political leaders. At this pivotal moment, we—18 representatives from academia, politics, civil society, and leadership development—invite our colleagues, peers, and funders to join us in this mission.

Expectations and demands on political leaders are immense and increasingly unattainable. In some regions, critical roles are left uncontested, signaling a need to make these positions more attractive and accessible to a broader, more  representative pool of capable individuals. This challenge requires more than incremental reforms; it demands a reimagining and rediscovering  of political leadership itself.

Our Mission

Political leadership is not simply a position of power; it is a service to society that requires a unique set of skills, values, and approaches and two-way communication between politicians and citizens. While much has been written about leadership in the private, military or nonprofit sectors, political leadership remains understudied, under-supported, and, too often, misunderstood. This neglect contributes to a leadership vacuum at a time when strong, ethical, and capable political leaders are more needed than ever.

The LEiP Expert Council is committed to:

• Developing standards and frameworks for political leadership excellence rooted in ethics, responsibility, 21st century issues and a deep sense of public service. These tools will serve as practical guidelines for current and future leaders, helping to elevate political leadership to meet global expectations.
• Addressing the underrepresentation of marginalized groups in politics. Political leadership should be representative of the societies it serves. We stand firmly in support of creating more inclusive political systems that ensure communities are represented in leadership positions, leading to more just and equitable governance.
• Strengthening Civic Education and Digital Awareness Worldwide: Civic education is the foundation of strong and accountable leadership. A well-informed public is essential for holding leaders to high but realistic standards. Citizens must understand how political systems function and be encouraged to engage proactively with politics and politicians. In the coming months, we will launch a global campaign to promote civic and digital awareness education and encourage public dialogue around this critical issue.
• Supporting and Funding the Global Movement for Political Leadership: Transforming political leadership requires sustained commitment and resources. We call for investment in initiatives that nurture leadership excellence, ensuring that the current and next generation of political leaders are equipped to meet the challenges of the future.

Join Us

We seek partners, collaborators, and funders from across the globe and across disciplines to join us in this important work. Your involvement, whether through resources, influence, or expertise, can help reshape political leadership to meet the expectations of our time. Reach out to us to explore how you can contribute to this shared mission of leadership excellence.

Together, we can transform the future of politics and build a world where trust in political leadership is restored and strengthened.

Yours in hope for the future, 

Anna Dolidze

Brian Baird

Edward Brooks

Emma Broomfield

Fabiana Fernandes

Fadi Daou

Gabriela Vega

James Weinberg

Joseph Asunka

Lukas Golder

Marcos Peña

S. Michele Nix

Nic Cheeseman

Odanga Madung

Shahida Jamil

Shan-Jan Sarah Liu

Simonetta Sommaruga

Ximena Peredo

Discover more about the Leadership Excellence in Politics (LEiP) Expert Council