Reading | 5 min 
EDYN HQ is excited to co-host a unique creative retreat focused on envisioning the future of democracy in Europe. The event will take place from May 19-21 at the former monastery of Certosa di Pontignano, near Siena, Italy. As part of the YouthDecide 2040 project, this foresight session will bring together 20 innovative thinkers, researchers, and policymakers to explore democratic innovations and shape forward-looking strategies for Europe’s future.
Participants will engage in discussions on social innovation and policymaking pathways while immersed in a setting designed for deep reflection and collaboration. We offered three female EDYN Ambassadors the opportunity to join this gathering and contribute to the vital conversation on democracy’s evolution.
We are pleased to share the three candidates that will attend the Creative retreat on the Future of Democracy in Europe:
Valentina Malenchi
Valentina Malenchi is a civic engagement leader and policy expert, the Co-Founder and Board Member of Comunitatea Plus, and Head of Communications for Moldova Decide, a national initiative promoting Moldova’s European integration. She is also a Training Facilitator at the International Republican Institute Moldova (IRI Moldova), where she conducts workshops on public speaking and debates. With a strong background in international relations and diplomacy, Valentina has coordinated large-scale civic programs, managed strategic partnerships, and facilitated youth empowerment initiatives across Moldova and Europe.
Martyna Jałoszyńska
Martyna Jałoszyńska is a political and social activist, Warsaw City Councillor, and Senior Project Manager at Krytyka Polityczna, where she oversees international projects on democracy, social justice, and civic engagement. As Chair of the Committee on Social Policy and Family in the Warsaw City Council, she focuses on policies supporting social inclusion, gender equality, and youth participation. She is also the Vice President and Co-Founder of Wspólne Jutro, a political association bringing together progressive activists and policymakers. Previously, she was a board member of the Razem Party, where she played a key role in shaping the party’s youth policies and electoral strategies.
Marsela Delija
Marsela Delija is a democracy advocate and project manager, currently working as a Project Coordinator at IDRA Research & Consulting, where she leads initiatives on anti-corruption, civic engagement, and the rule of law. She also serves as Albania’s Youth Delegate to the United Nations, representing young voices in international decision-making. Previously, she was the President of the Albanian National Youth Network (ANYN) and a Public Policy Analyst at Civic Resistance, focusing on transparency and education policy. With a background in law, Marsela specializes in policy analysis, youth empowerment, and human rights advocacy.
