The Economics, Diplomacy & Integrity (EDI) Academy envisions communities and nations in Southeast Europe and beyond transformed through moral leadership, economic and political integrity, and enduring relationships rooted in the teachings of Jesus, leading to justice, reconciliation, and human flourishing.
The EDI School exists to develop leaders of integrity who are equipped to serve in diplomacy, economics, business, and public leadership. Grounded in the life and teachings of Jesus, the School fosters ethical decision-making, responsible leadership, and a commitment to the common good across public institutions, civil society, academia, and the private sector. Through interdisciplinary education, mentorship, and scholarly exchange, the School aims to prepare leaders who combine moral integrity with intellectual rigor and professional competence. The EDI School seeks to equip participants with the skills needed to strengthen institutions, promote economic and political integrity, foster reconciliation across divided communities, and contribute to more just and peaceful societies.
Economics, Diplomacy & Integrity (EDI School) is an educational initiative dedicated to forming a cross-generational community of ethical leaders across Southeast Europe and beyond. The School builds on 20 years of EDI experience in bringing together professionals, students, and civic actors to address societal challenges through Christian-inspired ethical principles, while remaining inclusive and relatable to diverse audiences. The EDI Academy believes that real learning happens in connection with others — through relationships, open dialogue, and shared experience. Our approach brings together academic knowledge, personal mentorship, and hands-on leadership development, empowering participants not only to grow professionally, but also to discover their purpose and values as leaders. Dialogue and the ability to disagree constructively are central pillars of the EDI School’s approach. Through structured discussions, intercultural exchange, and collaborative reflection, participants engage with diverse perspectives while developing the skills needed to navigate disagreement respectfully and build trust across political, cultural, and institutional boundaries.
The EDI School with a 20-year history, is based on the belief that leadership formation happens through relationships, dialogue, and shared experience, not only through classroom instruction. Its approach integrates academic learning, practical application, personal mentorship, and community formation. Dialogue and the ability to engage constructively across differences are central pillars. The School also functions as a network-building platform where participants develop long-term professional and collaborative relationships across the region and world.
The EDI School is designed to bring learning to life. Participants will engage in a combination of lectures, workshops, mentoring, field visits, and shared community experiences. Expert-led sessions provide a strong academic foundation in diplomacy, conflict transformation, and economic integrity. These are complemented by hands-on workshops where participants practice negotiation, mediation, grant writing, and the development of concrete project ideas. A central element of the program is personal development through mentoring. Each participant is paired with experienced professionals who offer guidance and support in small groups as well as one-on-one conversations. Beyond the classroom, the program includes visits to local institutions and opportunities to meet diplomats and policymakers who work directly on the issues studied. Living and learning together in a cross-cultural environment further strengthens trust, understanding, and the spirit of collaboration that the program seeks to cultivate. This approach enables the School to maintain a high academic standard while staying rooted in EDI’s long-standing emphasis on relationships, community, and practical application.
The EDI School combines academic rigor with applied learning, including expert lectures, applied workshops, mentorship, field engagement, and intercultural community experiences.
The EDI School is grounded in principles derived from the life and teachings of Jesus, including integrity, moral leadership, service to others, commitment to the poor and vulnerable, faith, transparency, and accountability.
EDI has developed a growing international network of over 1000 participants across Europe and beyond. Participants continue to launch initiatives, apply integrity in professional settings, strengthen institutions, and build bridges across divides.
What is EDI?
EDI stands for Economics, Diplomacy, and Integrity. It is an organization born out of the desire to apply Jesus's principles to bring about positive change in Southeast Europe, particularly focusing on economic and political development, combating corruption, and fostering reconciliation between ethnic groups.
How was EDI founded?
EDI was founded in 2005 by two friends, one Jewish American and one Protestant Serbian, who saw the need to address the economic and political challenges facing the Balkan region after the wars of the 1990s.
What are the main principles guiding EDI's work?
EDI is guided by principles such as integrity, moral leadership, service to the community, a focus on the poorest and their needs, faith, and transparency. These principles are applied to combat corruption, selfishness, youth hopelessness, unemployment, and poverty.
What is EDI's focus?
EDI focuses on various areas, including economic development, political engagement, entrepreneurship, reconciliation between ethnic groups, and addressing the needs of marginalized communities such as the Roma and refugees in Southeast Europe.
What impact has EDI had so far?
EDI has been successful in incubating national leaders who have taken the principles of EDI back to their home countries, established weekend EDIs, and inspired many individuals to become agents of positive change in their communities.
How can individuals get involved with EDI?
Individuals can get involved with EDI by participating in their programs, volunteering, or supporting their initiatives financially. They can also spread awareness about EDI's mission and principles in their communities.
Does EDI operate only in Southeast Europe?
While Southeast Europe is a primary focus for EDI, the organization's principles and methods can be applied in other regions facing similar challenges. EDI remains open to collaboration and partnerships beyond its immediate geographical focus.
How does EDI promote reconciliation between ethnic groups?
EDI promotes reconciliation between ethnic groups through dialogue, community-building initiatives, and fostering understanding and empathy among diverse communities. The organization believes that by working together, people can overcome historical divisions and build a more inclusive society.
Is EDI affiliated with any religious or political groups?
EDI is not affiliated with any specific religious or political groups. While its founders draw inspiration from Jesus's teachings, the organization's work is non-denominational and non-partisan, focusing on principles of integrity, service, and reconciliation.
