The Young Leaders Dialogue with America program (YLDA), sponsored by the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs at the U.S. Department of State and administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE), provides strategic opportunities between emerging leaders from Central Europe and the Baltic States and their U.S. counterparts on issues of mutual concern.
The program connects young leaders from Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia, with young leaders from across the United States to exchange ideas and information as it relates to three “dialogue” themes: New Challenges in Transatlantic Security, Climate Change and Environmental Issues, and Tolerance and Diversity.
The YLDA program launched in February 2010 with a two-week U.S. Study Tour for 47 young European leaders. The study tour included meetings with a range of experts, professionals, and students; interactive and professional networking events; and cultural opportunities reflecting the diversity of America.
As a follow up to the February 2010 U.S. Study Tour, the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs at the U.S. Department of State has announced the Conference in Prague, scheduled for November 6 - 12, 2010. The Conference in Prague will bring together 200 young leaders from Central Europe, the Baltic States, and the United States to engage one another on issues related to new challenges in transatlantic security, the environment and climate change, and tolerance and diversity.
The Conference in Prague will comprise of approximately 50 Americans and 150 Europeans, including those who participated in the February 2010 U.S. Study Tour.
The objectives of the Young Leaders Dialogue with America program are to:
- Increase participant knowledge and understanding of common transatlantic issues through dialogue with American and European peers, experts, and thought-leaders.
- Promote strong transatlantic leadership through collaboration and partnerships based on mutual respect and understanding.
- Create lasting linkages among participants.
- Facilitate the development of collaborative group projects to be implemented by participants.
- Increase understanding of the United States and its people.