Tuesday 09 April 2019
  • The British Council seeks exceptional leaders aged 18-35 to join a ten-day programme in the UK to learn from global policy experts and inspirational leaders
  • Successful applicants will join 50 people from twelve countries on the Future Leaders Connect programme
  • The programme will include meetings at the UK Houses of Parliament, networking with world leaders, advanced learning from UK institutions and the chance to join an exclusive network of emerging international leaders

Future Leaders Connect, run by the British Council, will give over 50 exceptional young leaders from across the world ten days of leadership learning experience, culminating in a series of exclusive workshops, mentoring and meetings in the UK Houses of Parliament. 

For the first time, young Polish people are eligible to apply. Selected applicants will take part in the global project aimed at equipping young people with leadership skills and knowledge about modern policy making. The search is on for candidates who will join leaders from around the world in this advanced policy and leadership development programme this autumn in the UK.

Participants in previous years presented their policy ideas at 10 Downing Street, had meetings at the BBC and the UK Houses of Parliament, and discussed global challenges with former United Nations Secretary Generals. 

The programme includes seminars on policy-making and leadership skills, to help young people learn techniques that effect real change. 

British Council Poland Country Director Colm McGivern said: “This is an amazing opportunity for young Polish people to join a world class network and lead it from the front. You will meet some of the brightest young people from all around the world, leaders of the future like you.  You will learn from each other, join a lifelong network, and be inspired by world-renowned figures who you’ll meet in London as part of the training.”

The British Council programme is open to applicants from Canada, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Poland, Tunisia, UK and the USA.

Applicants need to explain what their unique policy ideas are and why they have what it takes to be a global leader. 

Applications must be submitted online before Monday 6 May 2019 23.59 (UK time) via www.britishcouncil.org/future-leaders-connect

The programme will take future leaders to the UK in October, with costs covered by the British Council.

This year, all applicants, whether successful or not, will 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. 

Future Leaders Connect is the British Council’s long-term global network of emerging policy leaders. It identifies exceptional young leaders through a vigorous application process, where they demonstrate their potential to make substantial change in their countries and beyond. 

Sir Ciarán Devane, Chief Executive of the British Council, said: “I’ve been amazed by the calibre, energy and attitudes of the Future Leaders that I’ve met from across the world. The participants learn so much from the programme itself, but in addition they learn from each other and about the lives of people in other countries. It’s a fantastic collective experience that encourages future leaders to have a global outlook to the challenges they face.”

 

Notes to Editor

For more information, please contact British Council regional office

Robert Pajączkowski | Head of Marketing and Communications 
M +48 532 741 267
robert.pajaczkowski@britishcouncil.pl 

Katarzyna Szczepaniak | Partnerships and Projects Manager 
M +48 604 280 404 
katarzyna.szczepaniak@britishcouncil.pl

About the British Council

The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. We work with over 100 countries in the fields of arts and culture, English language, education and civil society. Last year we reached over 65 million people directly and 731 million people overall including online, broadcasts and publications. We make a positive contribution to the countries we work with – changing lives by creating opportunities, building connections and engendering trust. Founded in 1934 we are a UK charity governed by Royal Charter and a UK public body. We receive 15 per cent core funding grant from the UK government. britishcouncil.org