The 2024 EU-U.S. Young Leaders Seminar took place in Brussels from March 20-22, focusing on "The Security Implications of Climate Change". The annual seminar, co-organised by GOPA-led consortium partner The German Marshall Fund (GMF), the Delegation of the European Union to the United States, the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the Fulbright Commission in Brussels, and the Directorate-General for Education and Culture of the European Commission, represents an opportunity for young leaders from across the United States and the European Union to discuss important issues. 

Participants are current beneficiaries of the U.S. Fulbright program and current beneficiaries or alumni of the Erasmus+ and Marie Skłowdowska-Curies programmes.

This year, high-level speakers from EU institutions, think tanks and academia addressed the urgent need for proactive measures to combat climate-related security risks on both sides of the Atlantic. Expert panelists, including representatives from European External Action Service, DG CLIMA, DG ECHO, IOM – UN Migration, the World Health Organization, European Network Against Racism (ENAR), NATO and the U.S. Department of Defense, underscored the critical role of young leaders in advocating for sustainable policies and mobilising communities. 

Discussions emphasised the profound impact of climate change on health, food security and vulnerable communities. Participants engaged in a workshop on storytelling for change and also attended a reception co-hosted by Ambassador Adler (U.S. Ambassador to Belgium) and Ambassador Gitenstein (U.S. Ambassador to the EU). 

View the 2024 Young Leaders Seminar photo album: https://www.flickr.com/photos/fulbrightbelgium/albums/72177720315585931/