“SAYP was not just a training—it was a practical toolkit that supported me to translate knowledge into action”

Elena Ratoi from Moldova participated in Södertörn University’s programme “Cooperation Beyond Borders – Transnational Public Administration and Organizing”. It was directly aligned with her professional responsibilities as a manager for a regional project aimed at bringing together women’s business associations from across Europe to advance women’s economic empowerment. To gain a deeper understanding of cross-border collaboration was essential for the success of Elenas work.

Elena found the SAYP experience valuable and enriching.

– Through SAYP, I learned practical strategies for facilitating cooperation among organizations and institutions from different countries—helping them identify shared challenges and work toward common solutions that benefit all parties involved. The program was a mixture of theoretical knowledge, real-world case studies, and institutional visits, which provided a comprehensive learning experience. I particularly appreciated the opportunity to analyse real-life examples of how cross-border issues were resolved, and to engage directly with institutions active in the field of transnational cooperation.

The insights she gained during the course had immediate applications in her work.

– They helped me to more effectively support partner organizations in becoming a united voice for women’s economic empowerment. SAYP was not just a training—it was a practical toolkit that supported me to translate knowledge into action.

In addition to the academic and professional benefits, SAYP also provided Elena with a great platform to connect with professionals from the Caucasus and Eastern Europe.

– The networking, exchange of best practices, and shared experiences were truly invaluable.
and I highly recommend this program to any professional working in the field of transborder cooperation. It is a rare opportunity to deepen your understanding, build meaningful connections, and develop the skills needed to navigate today’s interconnected world.