The transatlantic relationship has been vital in addressing the key issues of the 20th century and Americans and Europeans want closer ties and better cooperation on the challenges of a new century. Despite this shared desire, the relationship between publics is currently frayed: significant negative stereotyping has arisen based largely on a decreased lack of knowledge and understanding of “the other”.
TN2020 is a networking programme that leads to action. It brings together a diverse group of young (25-35 yrs.) emerging leaders from business, arts, civil society, media, science and politics. These young people from Europe and North America are working to revitalise links and build new connections for the future. This long-term programme provides opportunities for exploration, personal growth and ultimately, broader problem-solving on issues TN2020 members care about.
The network currently features 100 members from 21 different countries† across the two regions: United by their creativity, leadership and global awareness, they will make TN2020 their own.
TN2020 holds a gathering every year to give members the time and space to understand each other and develop an agenda for the network. The Inaugural Summit took place in September and October 2008 in Ireland and Northern Ireland featuring discussion and support from:
•Mary McAleese, President of Ireland
•Lord Neil Kinnock, Chair of the British Council
•Bono
•David Miliband, UK Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs
•Arianna Huffington
The 2009 summit will be held in the United States.
Each year, 75 new members will be welcomed creating an expanding body of leaders committed to learning from and working with each other. New members will be challenged to define their own expectations and goals, allowing them to broaden their own perspectives and professional skills while contributing to the network’s action.
Current members have identified five areas of interest which they formalised at the Inaugural Summit and will work on in the months ahead:
•Engaging disadvantaged youth
•Social entrepreneurship in the developing world
•Engagement with the arts
•Publications that contain wide viewpoints on issues related to the transatlantic relationship
•Online stakeholder mapping for the network and potential partners
•TN2020 is about bringing new energy to the transatlantic relationship.
•A network programme that leads to action.
•A diverse group of members from differing backgrounds, professional sectors and perspectives.
•Selection criteria that allows for academic, social and professional experience to be considered.
•A multilateral programme – members from 21 different countries in Europe and North America.
•An incubator for new, cooperative ideas, lead by the interests of its members.
Transatlantic Network 2020 has a strong online presence which will allow its members to set an agenda and actively work together, and the wider public to engage in the issues. We encourage you to find out more online at:
www.britishcouncil.org/tn2020.htm
www.tn2020.net
| 
