The IPF spoke to U.S. Ambassador Matthew Barzun about youth involvement in the U.S.-UK relations. The Ambassador has been running Young Leaders UK (YLUK), a nationwide programme initiated by the US Embassy in London to bring together future political activists from across the UK.
Members range from the age of 18 to 30 and provide the US Embassy with their thoughts and perspectives on US foreign policy. Ambassador Barzun hosts seminars with the young members, which sees them debate US global relations of the past, present and future.
Tor Abrams, Economy Editor at the IPF, is a member of YLUK. He describes how the programme has developed his career aspirations:
“YLUK gave me the opportunity to meet other young people who have the same goals: To develop a path towards political activism and build the foundation for diplomatic and social change. I attended one of US Ambassador Barzun’s YLUK seminars at the US Embassy wherein he lets groups of young leaders express our thoughts on US diplomacy and how it affects the world today.
The main factor here was not just the awe of speaking directly to the Ambassador – but the fact that we were in an environment with some of the potential future leaders of the nation. Being around other thought-provokers and sharing ideas brings the best out of you as a leader; it has given me the branch to network, learn and provide the best strategy to develop a route in politics.”
Find more information about joining YLUK here.