The Ludovika University of Public Service (LUPS) hosted a leadership training programme for mid-level managers from Georgia's Zurab Zhvania School of Public Administration (ZSPA) on its Ludovika Campus from 13 to 17 July 2026. The five-day intensive training brought together mid-level Georgian local government officials, who familiarized themselves with modern methods of public service leadership and best practices from Hungarian public administration. The professional content of the programme was developed by LUPS' Institute for Public Administration Further Training, while the preparation and coordination of the international cooperation was ensured by the University's International Directorate General.
The opening ceremony was attended by Georgia's Ambassador to Hungary, the leadership of the Zurab Zhvania School of Public Administration, and the leadership of the Ludovika University of Public Service.
In his welcome address, Rector Gergely Deli emphasized that the cooperation between the two institutions goes beyond a simple training programme; it represents a shared commitment to developing public service leaders who serve their communities with professional expertise, integrity, and a future-oriented mindset. He noted that the success of modern public administration depends not only on rules and procedures, but also on leadership responsibility, sound decision-making, and strengthening public trust.
In her remarks, International Director General Liliana Śmiech highlighted that this type of cooperation is an important tool of public service diplomacy, as direct connections between institutions and professionals can lay the foundation for long-term partnerships. She also emphasized that the programme's practice-oriented approach gives participants the opportunity to share experiences with one another and to learn mutually from each other's administrative practices.
In his welcome remarks, Balázs Klotz, Director of the Institute for Public Administration Further Training, emphasized that the programme now beginning marks not only the start of a training week but also another important milestone in the partnership between the two institutions. He expressed hope that shared learning, professional exchange of experience, and personal connections will continue to strengthen Hungarian–Georgian public service cooperation in the long run.
The cooperation between the two institutions began with a cooperation agreement signed at the DISPA meeting held in Budapest in October 2024. The current programme is the first significant joint achievement of that agreement.
The professional concept of the training was jointly developed by the two partner institutions. The content of the programme was based on a prior needs assessment, according to which the Georgian mid-level managers were primarily interested in strategic leadership, digital transformation, managing organizational change, and international best practices in public administration. Accordingly, the training was built around a practice-oriented approach, featuring interactive tasks and case studies.
In addition, participants took part in institutional visits to learn about the functioning of Hungarian territorial public administration and the government window (kormányablak) service model, and also visited the Hungarian Parliament building. The online preparatory module was delivered by the Georgian partner institution, while the professional content of the Budapest-based training was developed and delivered by the Institute for Public Administration Further Training.
The programme strengthens LUPS' international role in the field of public service continuing education and contributes to deepening professional ties between Hungarian and Georgian public administration institutions.