We live in one of the most exciting and challenging times in history, facing concerns like climate change, global trade, economic fairness and religious and ideological conflict. What role might a group of 25-to-35-year-old leaders – from a Los Angeles police officer who specializes in gang violence to a Portuguese immigration activist to an Irish journalist – have in meeting these challenges?
The Transatlantic Network 2020 has the answer. This long-term program will provide 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, the Transatlantic Network 2020 will foster an understanding of different cultures, beliefs and values that can be turned into action on global issues.
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Begin a new cross-border dialogue at a critical time |
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Reinvigorate traditional alliances and mend transatlantic rifts |
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Unite rising leaders from Europe and North America |
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Create sustainable connections to generate grassroots efforts in participants’ home communities |
In March 2008, the initial 30 participants met in Berlin for three days. The project empowered these 30 men and women to explore the transatlantic partnership and define how the program will succeed, by investigating questions like:
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How do different perceptions of the transatlantic relationship – often based on U.S. versus Europe dividing lines – affect our ability to work effectively across borders? |
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How will participants take the ideas and action plans of the Transatlantic Network to implement them in their community and professional networks? |
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How might the British Council facilitate the implementation of the Transatlantic Network 2020 participants’ ideas and plans? |
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How will the Transatlantic Network 2020 foster interactions between its “alumni” over the next decade, to provide mentoring and growth for new leaders? |
Each year, the Transatlantic Network 2020 will gather for a multi-day conference to learn about, debate and identify solutions to a pressing global problem or theme. In September 2008, the first conference will occur in Ireland and Northern Ireland, with the 2009 conference to be held in the United States.
The Transatlantic Network 2020 will welcome 100 new participants each year, creating an expanding body of ethnically, nationally, socially, academically and religiously diverse leaders committed to working together. New members will be challenged to define their own expectations, goals and approaches to identifying and solving global issues multilaterally, allowing them to broaden their own perspectives and leadership skills while contributing to a stronger future transatlantic relationship.
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