Brussels, 9 September 2026 — Our managing co-founder and director Francesco Zatelli today announced his acceptance to The Obama Foundation’s Leaders program, joining more than 150 changemakers from around the world in the 2026-2027 class. Following a competitive selection process, Francesco will be one of 35 Leaders participating in the Leaders Europe program, where they will receive training in values-based leadership development to strengthen their skills and scale their work across public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
Francesco is a public interest lawyer and co-founder of Pro Publico, the Brussels-based clearinghouse that connects civil society with top-tier law firms and public affairs consultancies providing their assistance pro bono publico: free-of charge in consideration of the societal value of such activities.
As part of the eight-month long program, these changemakers will convene virtually each week for sessions designed to help them drive change by honing their leadership skills, building deep relationships with their peers, and engaging with thought leaders and members of the Obama Foundation community. They will also have an opportunity to participate in virtual experiences and special events, including conversations with experienced mentors in the Foundation’s global network.
Launched in 2020, the Leaders Europe program builds upon the legacy of the Obamas and their deep commitment to the region, with a focus on shared values and ethical leadership. The program is creating a network of leaders who drive innovative change in their communities throughout the continent and across the globe. The 2026-2027 cohort of 35 Europe Leaders comes from 21 countries and works across a broad range of focus areas, including democracy and civic engagement, human rights and social inclusion, climate and energy, arts and culture, and technology and information integrity.
The Obama Foundation Leaders program is designed to inspire, empower, and connect emerging leaders from Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the United States to change their respective communities and the world. To learn more, visit obama.org/leaders.