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Leeds Beckett University backs challenge for young people to shape the city’s future
“Leeds150”, run by the charity Common Purpose, offers those aged between 18-25 a unique opportunity to shape the city’s environmental planning.
Using a powerful online programme, participants will work together to tackle the challenges posed by climate change.
Professor Peter Slee, Leeds Beckett University Vice Chancellor said:
“We’re proud to be connected to a scheme which will help young people grow into future leaders and decision makers who can make a real difference in the world.
“This is invaluable real-world experience where they’ll get the opportunity to develop their skills and confidence in problem solving, communication and teamwork.
“It’s a great chance to build connections with both established leaders in the city and other budding young leaders from across the globe while benefiting the wider community by tackling a pressing social issue that directly affects us all.”
Inspired by COP26 (the annual UN Climate Change Conference) which is taking place in Glasgow later this year the focus of the project is: “How do we act together to transform our community into a cleaner, greener place for all?”
Participants will investigate issues, collaborate, hold difficult conversations and then work up ideas which will then be tested and refined before being presented to local senior leaders.
Leeds150 is part of Legacy; a global campaign by international leadership development organization, Common Purpose, which invests in young people across the world so they can become a connected generation of leaders with a clear vision for what their legacy will be.
Everyone who completes Leeds150 will have the opportunity to connect with young leaders from other global Legacy Initiatives in the US, Singapore, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria and Germany, and closer to home in the UK in Newcastle, Sheffield, Bradford and Lancashire.
Marie Mohan, Chief Executive of Common Purpose UK said:
“Our Legacy programmes pre-dated the pandemic but they are coming into their own now given how important it is that we invest in young people after the year they’ve had – in terms of the damage to their education, employment prospects and social lives.
“Equally, we need to involve them in shaping the recovery plans for the future of their communities and to let them know that their perspectives are valued. We need a new generation of young leaders to come through who have the commitment and ability to bridge divides and we all need to hear and support our young people with their big ideas and long-term thinking.”
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Deputy Leader of Council and Executive Member for Economy, Culture and Education commented:
“Part of our “Best City” ambition is to be a place where everyone living, working or studying here is able to contribute to and participate in the life of the city. As the Leeds150 Legacy participants imagine their Leeds of the future and consider how to make it a cleaner, greener place for everyone they will help to inform the decisions that we are taking now to create a city that continues to support all our residents to participate in city life to their full potential”.
The free programme takes place over four days: 24–25 and 28 –29 June 2021. Young people aged 18-25 – in and out of work, studying, campaigning and volunteering – can apply at: https://commonpurpose.org/leeds150