By Felipe Vismara | CIAS – Province of Argentina-Uruguay
[From “Jesuits 2026 – The Society of Jesus in the world”]
Amid an increasingly polarized and divided world, Argentinian Jesuits envisioned an institute dedicated to training politicians inspired by Gospel values, intercultural understanding, and democracy.
In 2015, the CIAS Foundation (Centre for Research and Social Action – Argentina) decided to create a School of Political Leadership. The goal was to promote economic and human development in Argentina by training leaders with strong democratic and ethical values, capable of transforming existing conditions to favour the development of the whole country, especially the most disadvantaged sectors.
The project, conceived by Argentinian Jesuits, aimed to provide the political class with better technical and academic training, and to create a space for constructive political analysis, and debate inspired by the principles of the Society of Jesus. It grew from the conviction that politics based on Gospel moral values will offer hope for a fairer world, flying in the face of the widespread cynicism of political actors.
In contrast to the generally bleak outlook for national and international politics, this initiative, aimed at promoting dialogue, tolerance, diversity and a professional approach in the planning and execution of public policy, proved both successful and influential. This year marks the tenth anniversary of CIAS’s relaunch, and more than two hundred young politicians have graduated from our institution. Today, CIAS is a formally accredited university institute, with two officially recognized postgraduate programmes and a solid reputation as a hub for political training and social research.
Our faculty includes prominent researchers, analysts, and former civil servants with both theoretical and practical experience in public policy planning and implementation. The programme of studies is complemented by practical workshops ‒ case studies, debates, and scenario simulations ‒ so that students can develop their leadership skills to the full. Additionally, CIAS students take part in study trips and attend discussions with top-level national and international political figures.
Each year, we select 32 students from hundreds of applicants based on academic merit, their demonstrated influence within their respective political spheres, and their growth potential. The admission process includes evaluation of candidates’ academic background, general knowledge exams, and a series of interviews assessing their political experience and personal characteristics.
At CIAS, we aim for each of these young leaders to join a class that reflects the political diversity of the times. A core objective is for our students to understand the complexity and diversity of the country they aspire to lead. To that end, we organize a travel programme to give their courses a truly national perspective.
We also believe it is essential to train politicians who view Argentina within the context of its global position and in light of successful development initiatives from other nations. CIAS therefore runs an active international exchange programme, allowing students to gain firsthand knowledge of management and leadership models in neighbouring or strategically relevant countries.
During these trips, we also build bridges with leaders and young people from surrounding countries and other parts of the world. In recent years, CIAS delegations have travelled to Brazil, the United States, Mexico, and Chile, where we met with diplomats, ministers, union leaders, and businesspeople from sectors strategically connected to our country.
Graduates of the CIAS programmes join a community that respects ideological diversity and heeds the call to work together for Argentina’s economic and social development.
This community is made up of young politicians from all the political parties and includes ministers, members of parliament, mayors, councillors, party leaders, and other high-ranking civil servants such as deputy secretaries, national directors, and heads of public agencies and civil society organizations.
Today, in a country and a world where polarization, anti-politics, and the dehumanization of democracy seem to prevail, the growing interest shown by applicants and the strong sense of identity our students have with CIAS affirm our belief that investing in the education of professional, honest politicians with strong democratic and human values still makes sense.
The Communications Office of the General Curia publishes news of international scope on Father General, on the central government of the Society of Jesus and on the commitments of the Jesuits and partners-in-mission. It also handles media and public relations.
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