Middle East Youth Forum: Apply Now!

Are you active and engaged in your community? Are you between 17 and 23? Do you have a strong opinion on how to improve the state of the world, an interest in the Middle East, and a passion for global economic and political affairs?

The British Council is pleased to announce an exciting opportunity for select youth. Apply to become a Global Changemaker, attend the Dead Sea Youth Forum May 7-11, 2009 and have a chance to participate in the World Economic Forum on the Middle East where you will interact with the leaders who are shaping our world.

 

What is the purpose of the Dead Sea event ?

The Dead Sea event will bring together 150 young people from across the Middle East. Our objectives are to:

 

  • Increase participants’ knowledge, insight, and exposure to key issues facing the Middle East, with a focus on creating regional solutions for regional challenges
  • Improve participants’ ability to deliver their local projects by giving them the concrete tools and skills they need to amplify their efforts.
  • Raise awareness and engage high-level decision-makers at the World Economic Forum on the Middle East
  • Support dialogue and exchange among youth from across the Middle East

 

What are the Dates?

The Dead Sea Forum begins on Thursday 7 May and ends on Monday 11 May. Participants will be expected to arrive at the venue by the evening of Wednesday May 6.

Those chosen to participate at the World Economic Forum on the Middle East will be expected to remain in Jordan until the end of the Forum.

It is therefore critically important that all the candidates:

 

  • Are available to be in Jordan from Wednesday May 6 to Monday 18 May.
  • Have a valid passport, or are ready to get one as soon as they are selected to participate in the Forum (Since some of the participants might require a visa to Jordan, and the process of obtaining one might be long, we strongly recommend that those who are chosen to participate get their passports as son as they are notified of their selection).

 

What is the criteria for selection ?

  • Be between 17 and 23 years old
  • Be a national or a resident of a Middle Eastern country or have a strong interest in the region.
  • Demonstrate a proven track-record of social entrepreneurism, community work, social activism or voluntary work in their community.
  • Have the will and ability to learn and to meaningfully contribute to discussions on critical global and regional issues.
  • Have good communication skills and feel comfortable speaking in English. In addition have the confidence and willingness to speak in front of peers and influential leaders in a respectful manner while maintaining the capacity to challenge them as appropriate.
  • If selected, commit to joining and actively participate in a Global network of like –minded youth around the world. This participation includes, but is not limited to: engagement in Global Changemakers Community Action projects; participation in Global Changemakers events, sharing best practices with fellow global changemakers.

 

We are looking for a balance of gender and background, with the aim of building a diverse group.

 

I am already a Global Changemaker, can I apply to participate in the Dead Sea event?

Yes we are receiving applications from our existing network, a number of places will be given to changemakers that can demonstrate a strong interest in the region and that can demonstrate they can add value with their participation to the event.

 

How do I apply to participate?

You need to complete an online application form. Click here to do so.

We strongly encourage applicants to additionally make a 2-minute YouTube video to support and boost their application. Download the instructions here.

Participating in a Global Changemakers event and being invited to join the Global Changemakers network is an honour. It is our expectation that all participants behave in an appropriate and respectful manner at all times.
 

Do you have further questions? Send us an e mail to gabriela.jaeger@britishcouncil.ch, we will be happy to help.

The deadline for applications is April 3. Selected participants will be notified by April 10.