Partner with Us to Drive Diplomatic Change

Brief description

The European Diplomacy Institute (EDI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering the public, fostering international cooperation, and promoting diplomatic education. EDI aims to provide opportunities for people to develop skills in diplomacy, intercultural communication, and global affairs through non-formal education and international mobility projects.

EDI's mission is to promote European values, strengthen youth engagement in civic life, and foster international dialogue. The organization seeks to equip young leaders with diplomatic competencies, negotiation skills, and critical thinking abilities to navigate today’s global challenges.

Although a newly founded institution, EDI is led by experienced professionals in youth work, Erasmus+ project management, and international relations. The team comprises former Erasmus+ participants, educators, and youth workers committed to expanding quality learning opportunities for young people across Europe and beyond.

Through its participation in Erasmus+ projects, the European Diplomacy Institute strives to:

● Promote youth engagement in diplomacy, civic participation, and peacebuilding.

● Encourage intercultural dialogue and cooperation among young people from diverse backgrounds.

● Provide non-formal educational opportunities, particularly for youth with fewer opportunities.

● Strengthen collaboration with European and international partners to enhance the impact of youth initiatives.

As an Erasmus+ newcomer, EDI is eager to establish strategic partnerships, implement high-quality youth exchanges, and contribute to the development of European youth work.

Relevant experience & activities

EDI has actively raised awareness about the war in Ukraine by organizing events across Lithuania. These initiatives have engaged young people and the local population in discussions on geopolitical challenges, the role of diplomacy, and European solidarity.

Activities have included:

• Public lectures

• Film screenings

• Panel discussions

• Interactive workshops promoting critical
  thinking on international conflicts

Cultural Diplomacy & Awareness Campaigns

Workshops on Volunteering &
Active Citizenship

EDI promotes youth engagement in volunteering by highlighting its role in civil society, crisis response, and democratic participation.

The organization has conducted sessions to:

• Educate young people on local and international volunteering opportunities

• Encourage active involvement in their communities

Soft Skills Development for State Resilience & Critical Thinking

EDI has designed and delivered training programs on critical thinking, media literacy, and soft skills to strengthen youth resilience against misinformation and propaganda.

Workshops focus on:

• State protection through non-violent means

• Diplomatic strategies

• The importance of youth engagement in democratic
  processes

Educational Events Across Lithuania

To ensure broad access to discussions on cultural diplomacy, international affairs, and youth empowerment, EDI has organized educational events in various cities.

These events feature:

• Expert panel discussions

• Networking sessions

• Interactive learning experiences connecting young people with professionals in diplomacy, journalism, and civic activism

Future Aspirations in Youth Work
& Erasmus+

As a newcomer to Erasmus+, EDI aims to:

• Expand its work in youth mobility, international cooperation, and non-formal education

• Develop Youth Exchanges, Training Courses, and Strategic Partnerships within the Erasmus+ framework

• Strengthen collaborations with European and international youth organizations to promote diplomacy, peacebuilding, and intercultural dialogue

Expertise of the key persons involved

• National Volunteer Leader of the Year 2024 (Lithuania)

• Vilnius Youth Leader of the Year 2024 (Lithuania)

• Political Science Graduate

• Master’s Student in International Relations at Istanbul Ticaret University

• Expert in Diplomacy, Peacebuilding & Civic Engagement

Tomas Jenkelevič

Project Coordinator & Director

Tomas is an experienced youth leader, volunteer organizer, and international relations specialist with a strong background in youth work, peacebuilding, and diplomacy-focused projects.

His expertise includes:

• Leading volunteer initiatives at both national and international levels.

• Engaging young people in civic activism and diplomacy-related projects.

• Facilitating non-formal education workshops on diplomacy, peacebuilding, critical thinking, and civic engagement.

• Organizing peacebuilding activities in Ukraine and Georgia, promoting European solidarity and resilience in crisis-affected areas.

• Managing teams of volunteers and implementing youth-led initiatives in cultural diplomacy, conflict resolution, and international cooperation.

As the lead facilitator, Tomas will ensure that:

• The project aligns with Erasmus+ values and quality standards.

• Activities are structured, engaging, and relevant to participants' learning needs.

• The exchange provides meaningful opportunities for youth empowerment, networking, and civic participation.

• Participants receive guidance on Erasmus+ opportunities, volunteering, and youth engagement in diplomacy.

Eduardas Pontežis

Project Manager & Facilitator

• Expert in Youth Engagement & Non-Formal Education

• Experienced in Erasmus+ and Cross-Cultural Projects

• Trainer in Leadership, Critical Thinking, and Media Literacy

Eduardas Pontežis is an experienced youth worker, educator, and civic activist with a strong background in international cooperation, leadership training, and youth empowerment.

His key contributions to this project include:

• Managing and coordinating Erasmus+ projects, focusing on youth mobility, intercultural dialogue, and leadership development.

• Delivering training sessions on critical thinking, media literacy, and youth activism, equipping participants with essential soft skills for diplomacy and civic engagement.

• Facilitating workshops on diplomacy, international relations, and peacebuilding, helping young people understand their role in global cooperation.

• Mentoring young leaders and volunteers, guiding them toward active participation in Erasmus+ and European youth initiatives.

Eduardas has worked extensively in youth diplomacy, conflict resolution, and civic participation, ensuring that young people develop the skills, confidence, and knowledge needed for international dialogue and policymaking.

As a key facilitator, he will:

• Oversee smooth project coordination and activity management.

• Support participants in developing diplomatic and leadership skills.

• Guide discussions on global challenges, European values, and youth engagement.

• Encourage active participation in follow-up activities and future Erasmus+ opportunities.

Tomas Karnecki

Graphic Designer & Volunteer Trainer

• Expert in Visual Communication, Non-Formal Education & Community Engagement

• Experienced in International Youth Work & Cross-Cultural Facilitation

Tomas Karnecki is a professional graphic designer, volunteer trainer, and active community member engaged in youth work and non-formal education since 2016. With a strong commitment to civic participation and creativity, he combines his professional expertise in design with his passion for youth empowerment and cross-cultural cooperation.

His key contributions to this project include:

• Designing and facilitating creative workshops that blend visual communication with non-formal education methods.

• Co-facilitating international training courses and youth exchanges from Lithuania to Vietnam and Argentina.

• Bringing expertise in community engagement, teamwork, and intercultural learning.

• Supporting youth through volunteering initiatives, job shadowing experiences (including in Argentina), and local civic activities.

• Hosting and moderating events, ensuring they are inclusive, engaging, and impactful.

Tomas has extensive experience in creating visual materials and communication tools that enhance the learning process in Erasmus+ projects. His intercultural journey—spanning Europe, South America, and Asia—has given him a unique perspective on global citizenship and youth cooperation.

As a facilitator and trainer, he will:

• Ensure activities are dynamic, creative, and accessible to participants with diverse backgrounds.

• Support participants in expressing themselves through visual and artistic methods.

• Contribute to building an inclusive learning environment that promotes cooperation, respect, and youth empowerment.

• Strengthen the project’s visibility through professional graphic design and communication.