The transatlantic relationship has been vital in addressing the key issues of the 21st century and North 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, academia, 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 150 members from 24 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 TN2020 Summit in Ireland and Northern Ireland featured 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

The second TN2020 Summit took place in Chicago from 20-25 June 2010 and featured discussion and support from:

• Sir Richard Branson, CEO of Virgin Group
• William Hague, UK Secretary for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs
• Bobby Rush, Congressman (D – 1st/IL)
• Eboo Patel, member of President Obama's Advisory Council and founder and Executive Director of Interfaith Youth Core (IFYC)
• Bruce Mau, Chief Creative Officer of Bruce Mau Design

Check out the Chicago Summit Page for more information.

WHAT ARE TN2020 MAIN TARGET AREAS?

Current members are working on projects falling under three focus areas:

• Sustainable living
• Creativity and innovation
• Building resilience in communities

Partner support will allow TN2020 projects to be fully realised.  If you are an organization, individual or company interested in partnering or sponsoring TN2020, please contact Rebecca Zylberman.