What is the Transatlantic Network 2020?

The British Council's Transatlantic Network 2020 is a network for action which brings together young influencers (roughly 25-35 years of age) from business, civil society, the arts, science and media to reviltailse transatlantic and global links for the future.

Why is 2020 the target?

The project connects young professionals from many different walks of life who will be in positions of influence in 2020. Between 2008 and 2020, members will develop action plans – together and individually – addressing a number of the issues affecting transatlantic relations and global challenges.

Who are the current participants and where are they from?

Current members represent England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland, the United States, Canada, Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Poland, Romania, Turkey, Norway, Greece, Mexico, Kosovo, Cyprus, Finland and Switzerland.  It is our hope to involve participants from other countries across Europe over the lifetime of the Network.

Each member has already made significant contributions to their chosen professional field, and show vast potential for future leadership. A few examples include:

• Zakir Karim of Portugal is the co-founder of two organizations that promote dialogue between Muslims, Jews, Catholics, Hindus and others, and also sits on the Lisbon Islamic Community’s board.
• Samata Angel of the United Kingdom is an award-winning fashion entrepreneur, author and designer. She is CEO of Samata's Muse, a clothing label specialising in womenswear, and is an ambassador for Global Enterprise Week - Ghana.
• Jose Castellanos serves as a sergeant in the Los Angeles Police Department and aims to build racial tolerance, equality and understanding through gang violence prevention.
• Lyndsey Corrigan of Canada works for an international energy company, Statoil ASA, and  works with HSE on new energy projects, on environmental solutions and climate change policy.
• Amar Bakshi is a contributor to Washington Post’s Post Global web site, an experiment in global, collaborative journalism, a running discussion of important issues among dozens of the world's best-known editors and writers.

How are participants selected?

For more information about the application process please visit our TN2020 Application page.

Are the members paid for their participation?

No. The British Council does, however, cover the personal travel expenses for members attending the summit.

How can I get in contact with Transatlantic Network 2020 participants?

We encourage you to engage with the Transatlantic Network 2020 members through this website, where there is also a link to our official Facebook page. On Facebook, you can contribute to the dialogue by responding to discussion board questions and check out pictures and video clips from events.
If you need to contact a particular member of Transatlantic Network 2020, please contact the British Council offices listed below.

What problems will Transatlantic Network 2020 address?

Current members are working on projects falling under three focus areas:

• Sustainable living
• Creativity and Innovation
• Community Resilience

Is English the official language of the conferences?

Yes, participants should have a level of English that will allow them to fully engage with discussion.

Who funds Transatlantic Network 2020? Should my organisation or corporation contribute?

The British Council, the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities, is funding Transatlantic Network 2020.  However, The British Council relies on support from outside organisations and corporations seeking to invest in a powerful, self-sustaining network of young influencers who will foster fresh approaches and strategic solutions to long-term, critical global issues. The British Council is open to building robust relationships with partners in global business, the media, advocacy groups, think tanks, academia and organizations in other fields.

Interested organisations are invited to contact our Partnerships Manager Rebecca Zylberman: rebecca.zylberman@britishcouncil.org

How green is this project?

We aim to use recycled materials and environmentally friendly goods and services as often as we can. We are carbon offsetting against all travel to the summit.

What is the British Council?

The British Council is the United Kingdom’s organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. We build engagement and trust for the UK with people worldwide through the exchange of knowledge and ideas. The British Council is registered as a charity (not-for-profit organisation) in England, Wales and Scotland and operates at arms length from the UK government.

For more information, please visit our website at www.britishcouncil.org

Who deals with press inquiries?

UK:
Mark Moulding
10 Spring Gardens
London
SW1A 2BN
United Kingdom
Telephone +44 (0) 207 389 4889
mark.moulding@britishcouncil.org

Rest of Europe:
Jonathan Brennan
Rue du Trône / Troonstraat 108
1050 Brussels
Belgium
Telephone +32 (0)2 227 08 56
E-mail jonathan.brennan@britishcouncil.org

United States:
Samantha Yale
3100 Massachusetts Ave. NW
Washington, D.C.
USA
Telephone +1 202 588-7838
E-mail samantha.yale@britishcouncil.org