CELA Academy & Testimonials

A Leadership Vision for Central Eurasia

WELCOME TO THE Central Eurasia Leadership Academy CELA – a long-term program of training, education, mentoring and networking activities across nine countries, stretching from the Black Sea to western China. The target countries – the states of the southern Caucasus (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia) and Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan) together with Afghanistan – encompass some of the most remote terrain and exotic cultures on earth. They comprise a region of enormous geopolitical importance, rich in resources and strategically positioned, yet facing profound challenges in developing their economic potential, and beset with domestic political and social tensions. Underpinning the CELA program is a fresh vision for this Central Eurasian region: fractured, vulnerable and potentially volatile today, yet growing stable and prosperous under the stewardship of a new generation of exceptional individuals.
Launched in 2002, CELA is a first-of-its-kind undertaking, administered by the Society of International Business Fellows (SIBF) through its Global Network Foundation (GNF) to foster the development of Central Eurasia’s leaders of tomorrow. The region’s security and welfare will ultimately depend on their courage and far-sightedness, their cooperation across borders and ability to bridge growing divides. Furthermore, CELA is an initiative to let those leaders communicate their perspectives and insights to their Western counterparts as equals. As the region has assumed global importance, particularly after 11 September 2001, it is apparent that the West has as much to learn as to teach. Through workshops, projects and networking activities, CELA aims to connect emerging leaders in the region with one another and with Western decision makers, while transmitting skills and knowledge to help them make a difference in their societies.

The CELA Summer Leadership Workshop

At the heart of the program is the flagship event of the CELA calendar: the annual two-week summer leadership workshop held every July in Istanbul. Forty-five participants are invited annually on the basis of a competitive application process, working in diverse fields of government, business, media, NGOs and civil society. There is an innovative, culturally diverse curriculum taught by almost two dozen multinational faculty and facilitators. A roster of internationally renowned speakers. Hours of intensive breakout sessions where small groups of participants and facilitators dig into the details of leadership and jointly explore similarities and differences in approaches. Held at Koç University in Istanbul, one of Turkey's premier institutions of learning, with a campus overlooking the Bosphorus and Black Sea, CELA’s annual leadership workshop assembles a wealth of talent from Central Eurasia that continually inspires enthusiasm and optimism for the region’s future.

CELA Testimonials

Kamil Khodjaev, CELA 1 UZ:

I'm from the very beginning - CELA 1. The main value after 8 years of CELA is my friends among CELA and SIBF fellows. Whenever I’m in one of CELA countries or I need something in these countries I always know whom to call - to one of my friends from CELA. I have tried several business projects in CELA countries with CELA people some of them are worked well some not but it is a business reality and normal. Economic and business environment in our countries are positively developing and some day there will be no barriers to develop trade and other businesses further. A small running experience: we keep working on cookbook project.

Irshad Alamyra, CELA 4 AFG:

When I first read about CELA I thought that it was another seminar that I take part in to learn something new and to enjoy traveling to a new country. CELA proved me wrong! It was only when I entered the Koç University campus in Istanbul that I started to realize the different dimensions of the program. In fact, after 6 years of CELA membership I am still learning about, through and with CELA.  The key to CELA’s success is the incredible potential that the program brings together. With diverse people from across the spectrum of the professional life there are abundant opportunities for making new friends and acquaintances, learning, sharing and doing which no other program that I know of can equal. I am proud of being a member of such a prestigious network!

Ainur Nurtay, CELA 8 KZ:

CELA as a leadership program way exceeded my expectations. The training was like no other I have ever received in my lifetime. Moreover, CELA provided me with leadership techniques and network that I have not received at high-profile and expensive programs at well-known institutions. You have truly gave me skills that will help change my professional and personal life.

Shain Abbasov, CELA 2 AZ:

While I participated in CELA Academy more than eight years ago, I still remain an active CELA fellow and continue to get benefits from being part of the network. The CELA-2 Academy in Istanbul was an excellent leadership training, indeed the best one I have ever took part. Another even more important benefit of the Academy for me is that I became part of the rich network of professionals and reliable people all over the large region. Again, I am staying an active participant of the network trying not to miss any reunion and other activities. It is great opportunity to see friends and in the meantime to get new contacts - fellows from new CELA Academies. I use the network in my business and it really proved to be a smart way to move forward.

Archil Zhorzholiani, CELA 8 GE:

What I learned at CELA would be somewhat pointless if CELA was not a vibrant network of brilliant people. One of the speaker’s words always follows me: ‘mind is genius in inventing techniques to resist new ways of thinking’, but I would say CELA does not allow this to happen. And this is important to me as I learned a lot about myself during the summer of 2011. I enjoy being part of this unique network which significantly enriches my leadership, fellowship and cultural consciousness.

Talgat Imangaliyev, CELA 7 KZ:

CELA is an awesome network, which allowed me to become good friends with many of great people from interesting backgrounds and fascinating countries that I wouldn't have normally visited. CELA is an excellent tool that allows its members to access each other to improve their existing projects and businesses or to start new ones. CELA is an enabler and part of the bigger network, consisting of SIBF, MELA and others letting it and its participants to have a global outreach.

Azamat Akeleev, CELA 8 KG:

The classes are taught by outstanding speakers - successful international entrepreneurs, top executives and investors, who share real experiences and best practices from their careers and personal life. Learning experience in CELA is very thought-provoking, enriching and practical.

Diana Gazayan, CELA 5 ARM:

I attended CELA Academy back in 2007 as CELA 5 participant. The Academy gave me opportunity to become part of highly professional and viable network and establish useful connections both among participants and facilitators. At the same time, to me CELA is more than just Academy. The cultural exchange there is just fantastic. Having a large geographic spread out, it nevertheless unites people who are “on the same page” and share the same interests and system of values. CELA is truly democratic organization with each member participating in the decision-making and being in charge of its future.  
 
CELA Academy became important point in my career, since it helped me realize the leadership potential I had and apply new approaches in different situations. I have developed strong CELA affiliation and try to attend the reunions, since each time I discover new opportunities and meet truly unique and talented people. CELA has become part of my life first because it serves as inexhaustible source of professional contacts and second because it is a perfect “mosaic” of people who learn from and teach each other. 

CELA Workshops