West Lothian Courier

Invite to leaders of the future

MP urges people to join course

- Marjorie Kerr

A West Lothian MP is calling on local people to put themselves forward for a leadership challenge.

The British Council is looking for people aged 18 to 35 to join a longterm global network of emerging policy leaders.

The search is on for a new generation of leaders to join impressive individual­s from 10 other countries for an intensive policy and leadership developmen­t programme, including a conference in the UK Houses of Parliament debating some of the world’s biggest challenges.

Future Leaders Connect, launched this year by the British Council, will offer nine days of leadership learning and developmen­t for young people, to provide them with the skills they need to turn innovative ideas into tangible policy recommenda­tions.

And Linlithgow and East Falkirk MP, Martyn Day, called on people from West Lothian to put themselves forward for the scheme.

He said: “We have a long, proud tradition of democratic policymaki­ng in this country and this is a great opportunit­y for the next generation of leaders to take it forward. The connection­s these young people will make not only with UK decision makers but also with their counterpar­ts from across the world, will be invaluable to them in their careers.

“I would urge anybody from Linlithgow and East Falkirk who wants to make a difference, have their voice heard and become a great leader, to apply to Future Leaders Connect.”

Those taking part will meet some of today’s leading thinkers from public, private, third sector and political worlds.

Anyone who would like to take part needs to submit an online applicatio­n by 11.59pm on Thursday, July 20.

They will be asked what their unique policy ideas are and about their experience as a leader. www. britishcou­ncil.org/future-leaderscon­nect

Ten finalists from across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales will be awarded a fully funded place as part of Future Leaders Connect.

The programme of delivery in the UK will include training in public speaking, policy developmen­t expertise and leadership skills.

This culminates with a oneday conference in the Houses of Parliament, meeting MPs and law makers.

Sir Ciarán Devane, the chief executive of the British Council, said: “Through Future Leaders Connect, the British Council will help a new generation to understand practical policy developmen­t by putting them in contact with the leaders of today. The programme will help them to develop the skills and internatio­nal contacts they need to make positive change in their countries.”

 ??  ?? Applicatio­n call Martyn Day MP is calling for West Lothian people to put themselves forward
Applicatio­n call Martyn Day MP is calling for West Lothian people to put themselves forward

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