Ádám Turi, Széll Kálmán Public Policy Fellow
Ádám is a committed community advocate who is studying law and political science at Pázmány Péter Catholic University in Budapest. His intellectual curiosity extends beyond European affairs to the field of American domestic politics, with a particular interest in American political thought and constitutional culture. To deepen his understanding, he will spend the summer at George Mason University in Washington, D.C., where he will participate in academic research and enroll in university-level courses, including American Political Thought.
Ádám was only 15 when he was elected student council president at his high school and soon after became the founding president of Komárom’s Student Council Alliance. What began as a small, ambitious group of students quickly grew into a vibrant local youth movement, launching school radio, student clubs, and citywide events that sparked a culture of participation. This early experience in community building and advocacy set the stage for his later roles: President of Pázmány University’s Student Union, Vice President of the National Youth Council, and today, President of the Hungarian Youth Conference and Komárom’s youngest elected municipal representative. In September 2023, he addressed the European Parliament’s Petitions Committee urging to keep Erasmus+ access for all Hungarian students. Representing the country’s major youth organizations, he declared: “Students must not become the losers of a political dispute between a national government and an EU institution.” His message gained cross-party support, leading to the committee’s unanimous decision to keep the petition open.
Through his active involvement in youth organizations, Ádám has taken part in international projects and collaborations across more than a dozen European countries, gaining hands-on experience in intercultural dialogue, regional cooperation, and policy development. These experiences not only broadened his perspective, but also inspired him to found the Fenyves Summer University, which has since grown into the largest youth festival in the region – a space where Hungarian and cross-border youth come together to explore identity, civic responsibility, and their role in shaping the future of Europe. His academic foundation was further strengthened by his participation in Esterházy Academy’s Minority Politics Program in Slovakia, deepening his commitment to Hungarian youth organizations and minority rights.
Looking ahead, Ádám remains deeply committed to strengthening youth organizations and local communities. He believes in creating genuine meeting points—both physical and intellectual—where young people can connect, express themselves, and take part in shaping their environment.
“I believe in the power of local communities and local action. I have always been driven by the desire to gain as much knowledge and experience as possible in diverse settings and to bring that back home, where I can put it to use in meaningful ways. That’s why this summer in Washington D.C. is such a tremendous opportunity for me!” – Ádám Turi