“The young leader’s exchange with Sri Lanka was one of the most inspiring projects I have been involved in, in terms of young people leading. I also had the pleasure of working with the most inspiring young leaders in the UK and Sri Lanka. This programme involved young people from a diverse background and different areas of the country, with … Read More
Francesca’s Blog – “the biggest eye-opening experience I have had to date”
I love quotes! Each day I find on average about 10 new ones that I add to my collection and as my use of social media has advanced, I can now add pictures with quotes to my collection. I know one of the reasons I love quotes is because I find my thoughts well-articulated by someone else and think,’ That’s … Read More
Ben Mallon reflects on reconciliation and politics in Sri Lanka
Following @dare2lead’s Young Leader’s Exchange to Sri Lanka, one participant, Ben Mallon, reflects on his time in the country, the political set up, role of youth and uniquely considered the effectiveness of reconciliation efforts having himself been involved in the peace process in Northern Ireland : Where to begin…. With 8 youth activists from the four corners of the United … Read More
My Jubilee tribute to the Queen (and why I’m a born again Monarchist)
So I should be packing to fly off to Washington DC to attend the G20 Youth Diplomatic Summit with 200 others, but on June 3rd, smack in the heart of the UK’s Diamond Jubilee four day weekend I am drawn to publish my tribute to Queen Elizabeth II. I have had the pleasure of meeting Her Majesty three times in … Read More
Dare2Lead launches training as evidence reveals ‘Leadership deficit’ costing the UK economy
As Dare2Lead launch our updated Leadership training programmes this month, I reflect on the state of leadership and management levels across the UK. And there are serious challenges indeed facing us – especially the three in ten of us (approx 8 million people) who are considered people managers. Research released this month from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development … Read More
My Open Letter Response to Sophie Heawood on my “moaning interns generation”
So I come across an article today that really made me think. I didn’t like it at all so I am writing a public open response to the journalist, Sophie Heawood. The article can be see here http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/sophie-heawood-the-interns-generation-must-stop-feeling-sorry-for-itself-7917826.html Dear Sophie Heawood, Can I firstly start by saying thank you so much for you’re lovely article entitled “The interns generation must … Read More
AGM Fever – Wee message to Members of Scottish Youth Parliament
So I got a phonecall this month asking if I would serve as Returning Officer for the Scottish Youth Parliament’s Annual General Meeting. That mainly involves overseeing the hustings, speeches and ballot count of the 2012-13 Board of Trustees elections. Positions include Chair, Vice chair and some Trustee positions. And of course I said YES. This year the AGM is … Read More
Europe’s Voice- EU youth gather ahead of the G8 and G20 Summit
So I have arrived in Germany’s gloriously warm capital Berlin for a conference called Europe’ s Voice. This is a platform run by youth for youth to help formulate common positions and principles on key policy challenges ahead of the G8 and G20 Summits in the USA and Mexico next month. I am here as the Prime Minister of the … Read More
Youth Central to Global Governance – not junior version
Posting my second blog following a great article I read from the UN. And it links to my ongoing lobby that we risk treating “youth diplomacy” or “youth empowerment” as a fringe issue from that of the formal political diplomacy and decision making we see across the G8, G20, UN, Nato, Commonwealth, EU etc. The work we are engaged in … Read More