Lacalle Pou Celebrates Graduation of Future Public Leaders in Uruguay

Lacalle Pou Celebrates Graduation of Future Public Leaders in Uruguay

In a noteworthy move aimed at bolstering public service leadership, former President Luis Lacalle Pou has wrapped up the “Programa de Alta Dirección para la Gestión Pública,“ run by the Centro de Estudios para el Desarrollo (CED). This initiative, which just concluded its first edition, has set the stage for nurturing future leaders in public service—a crucial aspect for the nation’s progress.

Lacalle Pou completed the course on August 29, 2025, where he engaged with participants during the final class and presented diplomas to the graduates. The program comprised 12 two-hour classes that focused on leadership and public policies. Out of 1,300 applications, 35 individuals aged between 25 and 40 were selected, all of whom brought professional experience and academic credentials to the table.

Fostering Tomorrow’s Public Servants

The mission behind this program is clear: to attract talented professionals to state management, a challenge that many governments face. As noted by the Centro de Estudios para el Desarrollo, Lacalle Pou emphasizes the need for high-impact training in public service. By showing potential candidates how they can contribute to society through public roles, the initiative significantly boosts trust in public institutions and underscores the importance of civic engagement.

Amongst the faculty members who guided these aspiring leaders were notable figures from the former government, including former Economy Minister Azucena Arbeleche and former Minister of Industry Omar Paganini. These educators provided invaluable insights, shaping the discussions that evaluated the program’s effectiveness, which received positive feedback from both students and instructors.

Moving Forward: A New Chapter Awaits

Looking ahead, the CED plans to initiate a second edition of the program in 2026, reflecting a commitment to ongoing development in public leadership. Participants will continue to receive high-level training, focusing on decision-making and the responsibilities of public service. As highlighted on the CED website, the program not only fills individual roles within government but also aims to instill a broader service ethic and commitment among those who enter this field.

Such initiatives resonate beyond local borders, echoing strategies employed in various leadership development programs globally. Programs like the Federal Leadership Development Programs in the U.S. showcase structured approaches where participants enhance their skills through a systematic curriculum, much like what we see at the CED. These parallels serve to remind us of the universal need for effective training in leadership across governments.

The future of public service in our community seems particularly bright with programs that prioritize filling the gaps with competent and passionate individuals. As these graduates step into their roles, we can expect a new wave of innovative thinking and revitalized commitment to serving our society’s needs.