A catalyst for leadership reform in Moldova

Moldova’s universities are facing a critical time – greater independence, rising pressure and leaders without the support they needed to navigate it.

We partnered with the sector to co-create a practical leadership programme, grounded in real challenges and designed for lasting impact.

Today, it’s the national standard – empowering 350+ leaders, driving change across institutions and strengthening the future of higher education in Moldova.

The challenge

Moldova’s universities are at a turning point. Greater independence brings new opportunity – but also new pressure.

Leaders are being asked to navigate financial autonomy, falling student numbers and growing competition from Europe – often without the training or support to do so.

Many had never received formal development. At a time when strong leadership mattered most, the system wasn’t set up to provide it.

What we did

We collaborated with universities to build something that felt both practical and lasting.

Together, we co-designed a leadership programme grounded in the real challenges they’re facing – equipping leaders with the confidence and skills to lead change in their own institutions.

Through dedicated training spaces and locally delivered learning, the programme was designed not just to teach – but to start the change process.

Each participant led a live change project, turning learning into action from day one.

Our impact

What’s packaged as a development programme has become a catalyst for change.

Today, Moldova’s higher education leaders are better equipped, more connected and more confident in shaping the future of their institutions – and the role they play in society.