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”: polling commissioned by the British Council confirms this.

WHAT IS THE TRANSATLANTIC NETWORK 2020?

TN2020 builds innovative collaborations between young North Americans and Europeans to address challenges that will define their generation.  Designed to run until 2020, we are creating an expanding network of emerging leaders (25-35 yrs.) from the fields of business, arts, civil society, media, science and politics, and encouraging and empowering them to develop solutions to global issues. These young people from Europe and North America are working to revitalise links and build new connections for the future.  

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.

HOW IS THIS ACHIEVED?

Through a rigorous and transparent selection process, TN2020 recruits members who have already reached significant levels of achievement, and will continue to develop and lead their sectors in the long term. TN2020 then holds face to face gatherings to give members the time and space to understand each other and begin working together collectively. 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, activist and lead singer of U2
• David Miliband, UK Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs
• Arianna Huffington, co-founder and editor in chief, The Huffington Post

Using the tools of exchange, creative industries, policy dialogue, think pieces, essays and social entrepreneurship, the network develops projects within key target areas.

WHAT ARE THE TN2020 MAIN TARGET AREAS?

Current members are working on projects falling under three “prisms” which began to be formalised at the inaugural summit.  They are:

• Sustainable living
• Economic inequality and access
• Divided communities

Partner support will allow TN2020 projects to be fully realised.