TN2020 works to strengthen ties between Europe and North America through the creation of a sustainable network of next generation leaders.
This long-term programme provides opportunities for exploration, personal growth and, ultimately, broader problem-solving. By connecting young leaders who will be in the vanguard of leadership in the year 2020, TN2020 fosters an understanding of different cultures, beliefs and values that can be turned into action on global issues.
Annual conferences held across Europe and North America will invite 100 participants a year to join the network, growing each year until 2020. Check the project's website regularly for information about opportunities to get involved.
Launch Meeting
In March 2008 the first 30 participants, including one from Portugal, came together for the launch event in Berlin where they planned the future development of the network and prepared for the first summit in Ireland in September.
As part of the launch of the project major new research was released exploring the attitudes of people in both continents towards the future of the transatlantic relationship. The study highlights rifts in the transatlantic relationship yet shows Europeans and Americans want closer ties. Full details on the Market Research findings and TN2020 in general can be found on the project’s website.
Inaugural Summit
Later in September, approximately 100 participants, this time there were three from Portugal, met in Northern Ireland and Ireland for a week of inspiring and memorable visits and debates. The programme creatively used both the cities of Belfast and Dublin to explore the nature of the transatlantic relationship and some of the big issues of interest to the group.
Paulo Mendes - A writer/author and a columnist for the daily Açoriano Oriental, he is also a regular assistant to the Cape Verde press. Mendes is the founder and president of Immigrants' Association in Azores (AIPA), coordinator of the Bases of Representative Structures of Immigrants' Communities in Portugal (PERCIP), and a member of the National Committee for the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue. His book, "The Atlantic Island Bridge," about the Cape Verde Community in the Azores, was published in 2007.
João Meneses - Former financial director of Chapitô - a cultural, social and educational project - he later founded with friends the NGO TESE. In five years TESE grew from three people to 20 ful time employees and has recently been awarded a prize by the European Commissioner for its important work in Mozambique. João Meneses is the head of TESE's Social Innovation programme.
Zakir Karim - Zakir is an active element within the Lisbon Islamic Community, being a member of the Community's board and the President of the Islamic Youth. He's also co-founder of 'Youth for Intercultural Dialogue' and the 'Abraamic Youth Forum'. Both organisations promote dialogue between Muslims, Jews, Catholics, Hindus, etc. He is a member of the 'Muslim Leaders of Tomorrow', an international network that joins together young Muslim leaders around the globe.
To find out more about the project visit
www.britishcouncil.org/tn2020
or contact
projects.enquiries@pt.britishcouncil.org
T 213 214 524
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