Module 1 is a 6-day seminar which follows the lines of the classic Aspen Seminar, in which participants discuss the concepts of political and economic thinking that have shaped modern open societies.

Our proven method of text-based dialogue, used for more than 75 years around the world, offers participants a debate forum that guides their reflection on values and solidarity into successful and valuable action, as the main thrusts of societal progress. The readings spark discussions and an interest in exploring and debating topics of liberty and equality; ethics and responsibility; faith and spirituality or freedom and dissent – to name just a few.

The texts and the discussions that emerged, moderated by Aspen Fellows Mădălina Mocan and Andrei Pogonaru, contributed to enhancing the ability of the participants to analyze and tackle increasingly complex and global situations. In the process, the relevance of these ideas for modern, sustainable, values-based leadership of organizations will also be discussed.

Stepping out from the realm of debates, during the 6-day module the participants were also involved in a challenging outdoor exercise in the mountains of Romania. The outdoor exercise was facilitated by Petru Păcuraru, Aspen Fellow and ASFA Member, together with Larisa Duroi, Mihai Ioan, and Cristian Pelivan, Aspen Fellows and ASFA Members.

On the last day of the module, following the Aspen tradition of reuniting the Aspen Community around the special moments of the current AYLP generation, we were pleased to receive the visit of Members of the Aspen Society of Fellows, who attended the AYLP 2026 staging of Sophocles’ Antigone and were delighted to share thoughts and memories of their own Aspen experiences.

Module 1 is the time when the participants begin to think about their community service projects ideas, to identify similar interests and compatible skills in their group, as well as within the Aspen Community, that would help them develop their ideas.

We are deeply grateful to our host, Mr. Adrian Leluțiu, Aspen Member and Alumnus, who, together with Ms. Ioana Leluțiu-Paler and the entire staff, welcomed us with warmth, generosity, and kindness at Păstrăvăria Popas Sâmbăta, in Sâmbăta de Sus, Brașov County.

For the current generation of the Program, the first module is followed by two other modules in June and October and by the Community Service Projects Presentation at the end of the year.

Meet the Aspen Young Leaders Program 2026 Generation at this link.

Details about the content of the Program, eligibility criteria, application process etc. are available here.