Program Concept
The Young Transatlantic Leadership program (YTL) is a truly transatlantic immersive leadership exchange format between Canada and Germany. While aimed at building a sustainable network of (young) leaders, the program’s core element consists of immersive study trips to Germany and Canada on annually rotating basis. Its participants are to be empowered to play an active role during and also after the program.
The participating young leaders are strongly encouraged to keep the spirit of this exchange alive also after the respective visits by, for instance, becoming active members in one of the organizations partnering in this initiative (i.e. Young Transatlantic Initiative, German-Canadian Association, Canada Meets Germany Network e. V.), assisting with the planning of future country visits and/or alumni events, collaborating with other community leaders and by taking any other initiatives to foster the transatlantic network.
The program’s vision is to discover and bring together the next generation of young leaders who share a similar interest, enthusiasm and commitment for the transatlantic relationship.
Program Goals
The goal of the program is to:
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help the participants discover new perspectives at a transatlantic level while providing first-hand experience (discussions, activities etc.),
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encourage local and regional participation of community leaders,
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allow for the exchange of best-practice solutions in different societal areas,
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develop interpersonal bonds between participants, and
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build a transatlantic network for life-long learning and exchange.
Participant Target Groups
The participants of the program are:
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German and Canadian young community or professional leaders who have already stood out through their professional or personal impact on a local or regional community (in Canada or Germany),
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expected to be in the age range of 27-37 (exceptions are welcomed),
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showing an interest in the German-Canadian relationship at some level,
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willing to travel internationally, and be
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selected by means of an application procedure.
Patronage
YTL’s German patron is Dr. Meike Zwingenberger. She is Executive Director at Amerikahaus München, the Bavarian Center for Transatlantic Relations in Munich.
YTL’s Canadian patron is Yasir Naqvi. He is currently the MP for the Liberal party in Ottawa centre and former CEO of our proud partner the Institute for Canadian Citizenship. of this year trip.
2019 Program Details
Information regarding YTL19 and a report can be found here.
2022 Program Details
Information regarding YTL22 can be found here.
2023 Program Details
Information regarding YTL23 can be found here.