Romanian voices heading to EFA26

As a geographer, my role is to connect the dots between people and places, between people and the environment. While pursuing a research career in the geospatial domain, I am equally drawn to the role of education in confronting the most pressing challenges of our time. With an MSc in Geoinformatics and an MEd in Geography, I find my place in the lab as much as in the classroom, working with children and building from the bottom up.

At EFA26, I wish to act as a bridge, one that shortens the distance between science and society. The road ahead, we can build together!

My name is Bogdan, and I am a high school student at Saint Sava National College. I am deeply passionate about economics, diplomacy, and public representation, and have served for the past two years as a member of the National Students’ Council. Throughout this role, I have been actively involved in educational initiatives, working to promote equal access to quality education for students from all backgrounds.

At the EFA, I look forward to connecting with like-minded participants, engaging in meaningful discussions on European public policy, and learning from professionals whose work aligns with my academic and professional interests.

I look at Europe through empirical data, using numbers to understand how we grow, how we go green, how we innovate, and what risks appear along the way. As a PhD candidate at the Bucharest University of Economic Studies, I focus my research on the link between sustainability, geopolitical competition, and Europe’s ability to adapt to technological transformation. My work has been published in peer-reviewed journals, and I have presented my findings at international conferences in Europe and Japan.

At EFA26, I’m excited to keep exploring one of the questions behind my research: how can Europe win while staying resilient and true to its long-term vision?

I am driven by curiosity about how societies respond to complex global challenges and how diplomacy can create meaningful connections across borders. With experience spanning diplomacy, European policymaking, and academic research, I am passionate about strengthening democratic governance, international cooperation, and the role of public policy in building more resilient and inclusive societies.

At the European Forum Alpbach, I hope to exchange perspectives on Europe's evolving role in a changing world, and contribute to conversations that bridge theoretical insights with practical ideas and lasting impact.

I’m a project manager, youth advocate, and founder of Aripi pentru Viitor, an organisation dedicated to expanding access to European opportunities for young people in the Republic of Moldova. Through my work, I design educational programmes, civic initiatives, and international partnerships that help young people develop the skills, confidence, and networks to shape their own future.

Alongside my work in the non-profit sector, I contribute to the coordination of European-funded projects in public administration. I’m particularly interested in artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and public policy, and in how these fields can improve institutions, education, and civic participation.

At EFA, I hope to engage in meaningful conversations, challenge my perspectives, and contribute to a stronger and more connected European community.

As a strong believer in the need for a values-based society, I am passionate about minority rights, democracy, and digital and AI literacy. Through my experience in EU human rights advocacy, I have come to understand how interconnected today’s challenges are, and how important dialogue across generations and sectors is in addressing them.

My background in International and European Law has shaped the way I think about the legal and institutional frameworks that hold democratic societies together, as well as what happens when they come under pressure.

I am excited to join EFA26 to meet people engaged in civic initiatives and rule of law protection, and to explore possible responses to some of the most pressing questions surrounding this year’s theme. I believe Europe’s future depends on inclusive dialogue.

My work bridges diaspora engagement, entrepreneurship, project management, and financial risk management. I have built a 250+ member young professionals community and worked closely during the last 7 years with the RePatriot diaspora initiative, engaging with over 2,000 Romanians living abroad.

At EFA, I will continue doing what I know best: identifying opportunities and helping bring them to fruition.