Thursday 28 Nov 2013 @ 13:35
Scottish Government
Scottish Government
 Printable version
|
 E-mail this to a friend
|
Search Begins for Future Commonwealth Leaders
A programme to develop future leaders from Scotland and the Commonwealth has been launched.
33Fifty, a key Legacy 2014 programme, was officially launched in Edinburgh this wekk by Shona Robison, Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport.
The programme will offer 100 people, aged between 18 – 25 years, who demonstrate the skills and aptitude to make a difference to the Commonwealth and its citizens, a world class development opportunity during the 2014 Commonwealth Games. 33Fifty is so named because 33% of the world’s population lives in the Commonwealth and 50% of those are under 25.
At the launch, the Minister spoke about why the 33Fifty will contribute to the global legacy of the Commonwealth Games.
Guests at the event included senior executives of international organisations, Youth Legacy Ambassadors and Commonwealth representatives.
The Minister said, “Scotland is gearing up for what will be the greatest Commonwealth Games ever and young people should seize the opportunities that it provides.
The Minister said, “Scotland is gearing up for what will be the greatest Commonwealth Games ever and young people should seize the opportunities that it provides.
“The Scottish Government has invested £60,000 in 33Fifty as we feel it is important to invest in young people and develop the next generation of leaders, both in Scotland and across the Commonwealth.
“The 33Fifty programme embodies our ambitions to connect knowledge across nations and to inspire the next generation of leaders. This is a once in lifetime chance for young people across Scotland and the Commonwealth.”
Over four days in Glasgow and Edinburgh the participants will tackle the challenge “What role does the youth of the Commonwealth need to play in progress toward low-carbon economies?” The programme will see participants present their reports to Commonwealth Sports Ministers, International Development Ministers or Heads of State who will be gathered for the Commonwealth Games.
“33Fifty not only gives young people the opportunity to develop themselves, increase their Cultural Intelligence and build bridges across the Commonwealth, but also to tackle a challenge which they have been left the responsibility of facing.”said Chief Executive of Common Purpose Charitable Trust, Julia Middleton.
“The development of low-carbon economies is one which is vital and yet has not been given enough focus by my generation; I’m interested to see what the next generation of leaders have to say about that.”
“The development of low-carbon economies is one which is vital and yet has not been given enough focus by my generation; I’m interested to see what the next generation of leaders have to say about that.”
Director of the Royal Commonwealth Society, Michael Lake, said:“33Fifty provides an important platform for bright, conscientious young Commonwealth citizens to come together to affect positive change in their communities and around the world. This programme builds on Nkabom, the RCS Youth Leadership Programme that focussed on peacebuilding through mutual understanding. I believe 33Fifty goes a step further by giving young people a unique space to collaborate and to come up with tangible solutions to a particular challenge facing the Commonwealth as a whole.
3Fifty is sponsored by The Scottish Government, Weir Group PLC and De La Rue PLC. The University of Glasgow and the University of Edinburgh are the host partners of 33Fifty and will provide accommodation and venue space for the programme.
Speaking at the launch, Professor Charlie Jeffery, Vice Principal Public Policy and Impact at The University of Edinburgh, said "We are delighted to be a host partner for this initiative which ties in closely with the University's own efforts to promote educational and cultural exchange across the world. We look forward to welcoming the young Commonwealth leaders to the City in July 2014".
Speaking at the launch, Professor Charlie Jeffery, Vice Principal Public Policy and Impact at The University of Edinburgh, said "We are delighted to be a host partner for this initiative which ties in closely with the University's own efforts to promote educational and cultural exchange across the world. We look forward to welcoming the young Commonwealth leaders to the City in July 2014".
Applications for 33Fifty are open until 16 March 2014 and 100 participants will be chosen from across the Commonwealth. 33Fifty will form part of the official programme of cultural and educational events which runs parallel to the Games.
For more information, visit www.33fifty.org.
For more information, visit www.33fifty.org.
Notes to editors
33Fiftywill form part of the educational programme which runs parallel to the Games. It will be delivered by the Royal Commonwealth Society and Common Purpose, with half of the overall funding provided by the Scottish Government and further sponsorship currently provided by The Weir Group PLC and De La Rue PLC. The University of Glasgow and the University of Edinburgh are the host partners of 33Fifty and will provide accommodation and venue space for the programme.
Common Purpose
Common Purpose is an independent, international leadership development organisation. We give people from the private, public and not-for-profit sectors the inspiration, skills and connections to become better leaders at work and in society. We develop their ability to work together, innovate and to thrive in different cultures - this helps people, organisations, cities and regions to succeed.
Founded in 1989 as a not-for-profit social enterprise, Common Purpose is both local and global. We run local courses for leaders in 35 cities (and growing) across the world and global programmes for leaders from over 100 countries across six continents. 4,000 leaders each year become Common Purpose alumni.
The Royal Commonwealth Society
The RCSis the oldest and largest civil society organisation devoted to the Commonwealth. Founded in 1868, it conducts a range of events, research and activities aimed at promoting international understanding. The RCS has a global membership and a presence in over 40 Commonwealth countries through a network of branches and Commonwealth societies.
Website: www.thercs.org Twitter: @TheRCSLondon
Isabella Betkowski, Communications and Alumni Manager, Common Purpose
Isabella Betkowski, Communications and Alumni Manager, Common Purpose
T: +44 (0) 207 6088122 M: +44 (0) 7958 560943 E:
Verity Sharp, Commonwealth Affairs Manager, Royal Commonwealth Society
T: +44 (0) 20 7766 9227 M: +44 (0)7718 476234 E: verity.sharp@thercs.org
