Applications are now closed and will open again in 2020. 

Future Leaders Connect - The global network for emerging policy leaders 

We're looking for two young leaders from Northern Ireland to become a member of our international policy and leadership programme, which gives members the opportunity to be part of a long-term global network of emerging policy leaders.  

As a member you will;  

  • Receive ten days of advanced policy and leadership development at the Moller Institute, Churchill College, University of Cambridge 
  • discuss today’s biggest global challenges in the UK Houses of Parliament 
  • meet inspirational leaders 
  • visit world renowned institutions 

Following the programme, you will have worldwide connections, a policy action plan for change and the skills, knowledge and networks needed to be an influential leader in your country and beyond. 

All applicants, whether successful or not, will also have the opportunity to take part in a free online version of the Future Leaders Connect course in a specially-designed British Council MOOC which will launch in June. 

Who can apply?

You must be aged 18-35, live anywhere in Northern Ireland, have a policy idea that could make change across Northern Ireland and beyond and be able to attend the ten-day programme 21 October – 1 November 2019.  

Participating countries include Canada, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Tunisia, Poland, UK and USA.  Everyone who applies has the opportunity to join our Future Leaders Connect Community, giving you have access to a range of free online policy and leadership professional development resources designed to build your expertise, including our free online course. 

The programme 

As a member of Future Leaders Connect you will access a ten-day residential programme of advanced policy and leadership development at the Møller Institute, Churchill College, University of Cambridge. You will be part of a group of phenomenal young leaders from around the world discussing today’s biggest global challenges in the Houses of Parliament and you will have private meetings with inspirational world leaders. The costs of travel, accommodation and meals are covered by the British Council and the programme is fully accessible. As a member of the programme you will go on to be able to access a range of international fully funded professional development opportunities.

Click here www.britishcouncil.org/future-leaders-connect to find out all the details about the opportunity and how to make your application to become a member of Future Leaders Connect.  

The deadline for applications is Monday 6 May 2019, 23.59 (UK time)  

To ensure equal access the costs of taking part are covered by the British Council and the programme is fully accessible. We are looking for exceptional individuals with the ideas, energy and commitment to work collaboratively with all members of Future Leaders Connect and with senior global leaders. 

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Future Leaders Connect 2018

Fifty Future Leaders Connect 2018 members were chosen from 15,000 applications from around the world – two of whom were from Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland members

Joe Devlin

Joe Devlin,  is a Senior Market Analyst at Viridian Group and his expertise is in the analysis of energy markets and the utilization of novel technology to maximize renewable energy integration.

Speaking about his chosen policy vision, climate change, He said: “Climate change is one of the few global challenges that have significant localised impacts. The increase inextreme weather events have well-documented impacts on people across the world. There is no silver bullet to unwind the damage we have caused, but there are logical steps we can take to mitigate climate change.

“The rise of renewable energy has been a climate change success story. This has been achieved in many countriesacross the world due to the alignment of policy and economics. However, there is more to do. Over the next fiveyears, I would like to see the prospect of satisfying a country’s electricity demand using 100% renewable energy become a reality.”

Laura McNamee

Laura McNamee, is a Housing Adviser & Practitioner Support Officer at Housing Rights Northern Ireland.  She was previously a Councillor for the Ormiston Ward of Belfast City Council (Deputy Leader of the Alliance Party group) and Board Member of Eastside Partnership.

Her chosen policy change was preventing homelessness. She said:  “As a Councillor, the issue I prioritised whilst in office was preventing homelessness. This is all the more pertinentnow, given that another housing crisis is on the horizon. Recent statistics indicate homelessness is already on therise, with over 24,000 households within Northern Ireland in priority need of housing (almost double the amount when I left political office). 

“This is an issue affecting many countries and one which will only increase over the next decade, particularly inlight of current conflicts. Preventing homelessness remains a key priority for me and I would hope to address thisat a local level working with Housing Rights – a local homeless charity.”

See also

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