The First ACE²-EU Changemaker Ambassador Programme for Students and Academic Staff has successfully concluded
From 15 to 17 April, the Latvian Academy of Culture hosted the international Changemaker Ambassador Programme organized by the European University Alliance ACE²-EU, bringing together more than 40 students and academic staff from nine European universities. The programme was implemented in collaboration with the foundation “DOTS” and innovation mentor Liene Kupča, with the aim of strengthening participants’ skills in facilitating change and promoting meaningful dialogue as an essential tool in contemporary society.
During the three-day intensive training programme, participants learned the fundamentals of systems thinking and design thinking, and practiced applying dialogue methods to build constructive conversations. On the second and third days, participants explored and tested the Dialogue Circle method in depth – a structured approach to conversation based on the TimeOut method developed by the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra.
Dialogue Circles are a specifically designed form of conversation that fosters mutual listening, respect, and openness to different perspectives. Unlike discussions, which are often driven by the need to prove one’s point, dialogue creates a safe space where participants can share experiences, better understand others, and jointly explore new insights. This approach not only helps deepen understanding of the issues at hand but also develops the ability to articulate one’s own perspective and collaborate with others.
Together with dialogue facilitators from the “DOTS” foundation, participants had the opportunity to take on different roles in practice – both as dialogue hosts and as equal contributors to the conversation. Through Dialogue Circles, they shared their experiences and perspectives on topics such as change, freedom, and friendship, while developing the ability to listen attentively, truly hear others, and engage in respectful, open dialogue.
Within this programme, its methodology and approach were piloted to further develop future programme cycles, which will be implemented across all alliance universities in the coming years. These programmes will provide training for students and staff within the alliance, fostering social change leadership at the alliance level and equipping participants with knowledge of innovative approaches to addressing societal challenges.
In this video, participants share what made the Pilot Changemaker Programme such a meaningful experience. They reflect on inspiring people, new friendships, cultural exchange, and the opportunity to discover new perspectives through dialogue and collaboration.
Bringing together students from diverse backgrounds, the programme created an environment where participants could learn from one another, broaden their horizons, and explore how dialogue can become a powerful driver of positive change. Their experiences remind us that international cooperation is about much more than mobility – it is about building confidence, empathy, intercultural understanding, and the ability to shape the future together.
The Pilot Changemaker Programme offers students a unique opportunity to connect with peers from different countries, learn through dialogue, and develop a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives and cultures.
In this video, participants reflect on the personal and academic value of the programme. For many, it meant stepping outside their comfort zone – discussing unfamiliar topics, communicating in an international environment, and building confidence in expressing their ideas. They highlight how the experience strengthened their communication skills, broadened their perspectives, and demonstrated that meaningful personal growth often begins when we choose to learn together.
In this video, participants of the Pilot Changemaker Programme reflect on the qualities they believe are essential for creating meaningful change. They highlight confidence, effective communication, and the courage to address difficult topics, while also emphasising respect, empathy, openness to different perspectives, and the ability to truly listen to others.
One participant offers a powerful insight: meaningful change often begins within ourselves. By developing communication skills, emotional intelligence, and active listening, we become better equipped to inspire positive change in our communities, workplaces, and society. Sometimes, leadership begins with a single honest conversation.
The Pilot Changemaker Programme encouraged participants to reflect on the values, attitudes, and skills that enable individuals to become agents of positive change. In this video, students highlight the importance of openness to new ideas, empathy, curiosity, active listening, and a genuine willingness to learn from others.
Participants also emphasise that effective leadership is not only about speaking, but about creating space for others to contribute, share their perspectives, and feel heard. Their reflections show how the programme inspired them to apply the communication and dialogue skills they developed, reinforcing the idea that lasting and meaningful change is created through collaboration.
The final video in the Pilot Changemaker Programme series features experts from Foundation “Dots” (Latvia), who explore the role of dialogue as a catalyst for meaningful and sustainable change. Drawing on their experience with dialogue circles, they explain how open and respectful conversations can strengthen understanding, build trust, and support collaborative problem-solving.
Rather than focusing on immediate solutions, the experts emphasise the importance of first understanding the context, the people involved, and the reasons why change is needed. Dialogue circles create a space where different perspectives can be heard, thoughtful questions can be explored, and ideas can develop through reflection. Their message is clear: lasting change begins with listening, understanding, and learning together.