November 2003 - Nr. 11
Transatlantic Forum for Young Leaders Initiated
(David J Leech)
How often have we heard stated that the only problem between Canada and Germany is that there are no problems between Canada and Germany? Does this mean that we are not doing enough to create debate and discussion between our two countries, particularly amongst young people? Given that Canada and Germany face so many common challenges - social and political reforms, the integration of ethnic populations, political and economic linkages to the United States - why is it that we aren’t more present on each others "radar screens"?
![Young leaders [photo per German Embassy]](311c-YoungLeaders.jpg)
The Canadian-German Young Leaders Forum is making its first steps to address these questions, and bring young German and Canadian leaders together to build greater understanding and knowledge of our respective countries. From October 11 - 18th, 12 Canadians and 12 Germans traveled together from Berlin to Dresden and Frankfurt. The goal of their trip: build relationships, learn about German culture, politics, society, and business . . . and have fun! A thorough sampling of local cuisine and accompanying culinary delights rounded out an enjoyable week during which all 24 participants had taste of each others’ country. The highlights of the week included a walking tour of historic Dresden, discussions with Parliamentarians and officials from the Bundestag, and an opportunity to tour Deutsche Bank’s trading floors and gain insight into their corporate and social responsibility program.
Thanks to the financial support of the European Recovery Program (the transatlantic program of the federal government), the Canadian Embassy in Berlin, and the German Embassy in Ottawa, the Forum has now been established! Led by the Forum for Young Canadians (Canada) and the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy (Germany), this innovative program will now begin to reach out into all aspects of Canadian and German business, politics and society in order to generate support and interest for German-Canadian relations, particularly among young professionals. The eventual goal: establish a network of young German and Canadian professionals who share expertise, build business relationships together, generate interest for each others’ countries at home, and enjoy each others’ culture, country and cuisine! By creating debate, discussion and sharing, we will undo the only problem between Canada and Germany, and replace it with the idea that the only challenges in Canadian-German relations ... are the challenges we face together!
