Transatlantic Network 2020 (TN2020) is a new initiative that seeks to create sustainable, multilateral networks that span the Atlantic by engaging future leaders from North America and Europe to collaboratively address global issues.

The programme aims to facilitate greater intercultural understanding, foster long-term relationships among future leaders, and incite grassroots action on important global issues. The programme is designed to run until 2020.

WHY FOCUS ON THE TRANSATLANTIC RELATIONSHIP?

The alliance between North America and Europe has been central to global security and prosperity over the past century but existing research demonstrates the extent to which this transatlantic relationship is being tested. Reports indicate that North America and Europe need to strengthen the transatlantic relationship and work together more closely to best tackle global issues like climate change, migration, and security. Transatlantic 2020 will foster collaboration between the next generation of North American and European leaders, and spur action on these issues.

HOW WILL THE PROGRAMME WORK?

Transatlantic Network 2020 will feature initiatives that give a voice to the next generation of leaders on both sides of the Atlantic, encouraging them to work together to explore common solutions to current and future global issues. These include:

• An annual conference with high-profile speakers discussing and debating global issues with network participants
• Opportunities to explore global issues first-hand and design projects with network members that contribute to professional development and personal interests   
• Interaction with an active and expanding Transatlantic 2020 alumni network, and other British Council networks across the globe.

The project began by bringing 30 participants from across Europe and North America to an inaugural workshop in Berlin in March 2008. Participants were called upon to help shape the future of the Transatlantic 2020 programme.

Organisations

Global projects, like Transatlantic 2020, rely on support from organisations interested in fostering strong and forward looking transatlantic relationships. The British Council will be initiating and building robust relationships with Transatlantic 2020 partners - governments, global business, the media, advocacy groups, think tanks and academia.  Organisations and corporations involved in Transatlantic 2020, or who nominate participants for the programme, are investing in a powerful, self-sustaining network of young leaders who will foster fresh approaches and strategic solutions to long-term, critical global issues.

HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?

Transatlantic Network 2020 aims to engage future leaders from all backgrounds, including those who may take a less-traditional path to influence. It will draw upon early career professionals, the majority of whom will be aged 25-35, with the potential to shape society in the coming decades.

TN2020 will hold its first one week summit, jointly hosted by British Council Northern Ireland and Ireland, between 28 September and 3 October 2008.  The event will begin in Belfast and move to Dublin, making the most of these unique cities which have such historical and contemporary significance to the transatlantic relationship.
Approximately 100 participants, including the 30 who attended the Berlin launch, will come together for a week of inspiring and memorable visits and debates.  The programme will creatively use both the cities of Belfast and Dublin to explore the nature of the transatlantic relationship and some of the big issues which will be of interest to the group.

MORE INFORMATION

If you are interested in becoming a TN2020 participant or your organisation would like to be involved in the TN2020 inaugural summit, please contact Emma Baker, Project Delivery Manager or have a look at our TN2020 website.