1st Young PACE Academy held in Prague

Last week in Prague, the Czech Asociace Public Affairs had the pleasure of hosting the inaugural edition of the PACE Young Professionals Academy “PYPA” (artical also available here), bringing together emerging public affairs practitioners from across Europe for two days of learning, exchange and inspiration. The energy, insights and sense of community created during the programme continue to resonate well beyond the event.

The Academy opened with a welcome dinner hosted by APA, offering participants an informal and friendly setting to connect ahead of the programme. This atmosphere of openness and collaboration set the tone for two days built around dialogue, shared experiences and professional growth.

The second day continued at the Anglo-American University with an internal workshop where discussions centred on key themes shaping the future of public affairs:

• ethics and transparency in lobbying,
• regulatory developments and their impact on young practitioners,
• new and emerging trends in the field,
• and the role of the next generation within the PACE community.

The agenda followed by a session led by João Sousa from the Public Affairs Council, who presented valuable data on corporate public affairs practices and evolving expectations at the European level.

Participants also met with David Kolář, Executive Director of the Association of Innovative Pharmaceutical Industry, who shared practical reflections on the role of strategic public affairs in shaping policy and the market environment for innovative medicines in Central Europe.

Inside the Czech Legislative Process

One of the highlights was an in-depth conversation with Eva Decroix, Minister of Justice of the Czech Republic, hosted in the Czech Parliament. The discussion offered direct insights into the country’s approach to lobbying regulation and underscored the importance of constructive cooperation between policymakers and public affairs professionals.

The Academy programme included a guided visit to the Chamber of Deputies – Poslanecká sněmovna Parlamentu ČR, led by Filip Dembický. This tour provided participants with a first-hand understanding of the Czech legislative process and the daily workings of the national parliament.

Building a Connected Generation of Public Affairs Professionals

Above all, the Academy created space for meaningful peer-to-peer dialogue. Young professionals from across Europe compared national approaches, exchanged best practices, and openly discussed the ethical and strategic dilemmas shaping our profession today.

APA is proud to support the next generation of public affairs practitioners, and this Academy marks an important step in strengthening cooperation within the European PA community.

PACE and APA extends its thanks to all speakers, partners and participants for contributing to such an inspiring first edition.

About PACE

The Public Affairs Community of Europe (PACE) is a European association bringing together national public affairs and lobbying organisations from across the continent. Its mission is rooted in three pillars:
diversity, European outreach, and high standards of ethics and transparency.