Justin Madders, MP for Ellesmere Port and Neston, is calling on young people locally who have a passion for policy making and leadership to apply for the British Council’s Future Leaders Connect programme.

Justin said:

“The British Council is looking for exceptional leaders aged 18-35 to join a group of 50 young people from around the world in a ten-day programme in October to learn from policy experts and inspirational leaders. The Future Leaders Connect 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 was launched in 2017 by the British Council, the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities.  It has received support from figures such as the former UN Secretary Generals Ban-Ki Moon and the late Kofi Annan.

“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.

“It’s open to anybody who has an idea they think could make the world a better place – and it will give them the practical skills and networks to help pursue it.

“This is an invaluable opportunity for motivated young people to meet similar high-achievers from around the world who are all united by their desire to make things better in their societies and beyond and I hope this will be of interest to our future leaders in Ellesmere Port and Neston.”

How to apply:

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

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

Candidates will be shortlisted from across the UK and finalists will be chosen from England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

They will join finalists from eleven other countries for a ten-day programme in November which will include training in public speaking, policy development

expertise and leadership skills. This will culminate with several senior meetings in the Houses of Parliament, meeting MPs and law makers.

Candidates will also be chosen to represent Canada, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Tunisia and the USA.