Call for representatives for the EU-Africa Youth Think Tank

Are you interested in politics and international cooperation between Europe and Africa? Do you want to develop your skills in policy drafting, lobbying and advocacy? And would you like to join an active group of youth representatives who share your passions and interests?

Then you could be one of our youth representatives!

This autumn, a group of 30 youth representatives will begin the third edition of the FMS EU-Africa Youth Think Tank. Over a period of three months, participants will take part in eight informative and interactive sessions on policymaking and cooperation between Europe and Africa. The participants will be trained by experts, interact with EU, Dutch and African decision-makers, present their own policy report to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and present their findings at our annual Africa Day.

About the project

Together with other participants, you will explore the relationship between Africa and the Netherlands/Europe. We are looking for critical thinkers and visionaries who are committed to international solidarity and structural change. Together, you will bring a fresh perspective and creative ideas on how we can work together internationally on the basis of equality.

Through workshops and training sessions, you will also learn the skills you need to present your ideas in your own session at the annual Africa Day on 21 November and to draft a policy recommendation for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European decision-makers. For the past 30 years, attracting some 750 visitors, Africa Day has been the largest event focusing on the African continent in the Netherlands. It is a day packed with workshops, debates, discussions, films and music.

What do we expect?

• You are interested in Dutch and European politics and EU-Africa relations;
• You have a connection with the African continent, whether because of your personal background, studies, work or simply because you are interested;
• You must be able to communicate in English, both verbally and in writing, as the sessions will mainly be conducted in English;
• You are keen to learn and develop;
• You want this initiative to succeed and therefore attend and actively participate in all sessions;
• You are willing to be open-minded towards the other participants and their ideas;
• You are aged between 18 and 30;
• You are available on the dates listed below;
• You are based in the Netherlands;
• You are willing to travel to the venues where the sessions are held. The workshops and training courses are mainly held in The Hague, but sometimes at other venues in the Netherlands, and one session takes place in Brussels.

What don’t we expect?

• That you are extremely knowledgeable about the collaboration between the EU and the African continent, and about politics;
• Whether you have taken a similar course before, or whether you are currently studying a particular course or have relevant work experience;
• You don’t have to pay anything. There is no participation fee and we will cover your travel expenses.

What do you get in return?

• Working alongside young, ambitious people from different backgrounds who share the same passion;
• Participation in workshops and training sessions where you will learn from experts, policymakers, civil servants and politicians about advocacy, lobbying, public speaking and policy drafting
• The opportunity to broaden your knowledge and understanding of cooperation between the Netherlands/EU and Africa;
• Experience in analysing policy and making policy recommendations;
• Reimbursement of travel expenses for workshops and meetings.

Programme dates

The preparatory workshops will take place on the following dates – make a note of them in your calendar! The exact times and locations will be announced. Dates may be subject to slight changes.

• Saturday 29 August: Session 1
• Saturday 12 September: Session 2
• Saturday 26 September: Session 3
• Monday 12 October or Tuesday 13 October: Session 4 in Brussels
• Saturday, 24 October: Session 5
• Saturday, 7 November: Session 6
• Saturday, 21 November: Africa Day!
• Saturday, 28 November: Session 7
• Early December 2025; to be announced: Session 8 (presentation at the MFA)

Would you like to take part?

Please sign up by Friday, 10 July, by completing the registration form (including a short cover letter (maximum 500 words) and your CV). We will be holding two online introductory sessions of around 40 minutes on the following dates:

• Thursday, 30 July at 3.00 pm
• Thursday, 6 August at 3.00 pm

Please indicate your available dates on the registration form. We will then contact you to arrange your session. During the online meeting, you will have the opportunity to meet potential fellow participants, and we will briefly discuss a case study.

We are looking for a diverse group of youth representatives and believe that equal opportunities for all are important. If you require specific facilities to participate fully in this project, please let us know via the application form.

Do you have any further questions about this think tank or the registration process? Please get in touch with Annefloor Robijn via arobijn@foundationmaxvanderstoel.nl