Call for Africa Youth Think Tank Representatives 2025

This fall, a group of 30 youth representatives will start the second edition of the FMS Africa Youth Think Tank. Do you have a nose for politics and an interest in international cooperation between Europe and Africa? Do you want to gain presentation, lobbying, and advocacy skills? And do you want to be part of an active group of youth representatives with the same passions and interests? Then you could be one of the 30 youth representatives! 

About the project 

The Dutch and European cooperation with the African continent faces major challenges in a changing geopolitical world order. For example, many African countries are already experiencing the effects of the climate crisis, despite having the least responsibility for climate change. How can we in Europe and the Netherlands take responsibility?  How can we create fairer climate policies that align with the needs of those most affected? Social and economic inequality, building on a colonial past, is still palpable in international cooperation. Africa is the world’s youngest continent, while Europe’s population is increasingly aging. Is it possible to shape migration cooperation with Africa in a fair, sustainable, and reciprocal way?  

You can contribute to this debate!

Together with other participants, you will think about the relationship between Africa and the Netherlands/Europe.  We are looking for critical thinkers and dreamers with vision, who strive for international solidarity and structural change. Together, you will bring a fresh perspective and creative ideas on how to work together internationally based on equality. Through workshops and training sessions, you will also learn the right skills to present your ideas in your session at the annual Africa Day on November 15 and to publish a policy recommendation for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European decision makers. For the past 30 years, with some 750 visitors, the Africa day is the largest event about the African continent in the Netherlands. It is a day full of workshops, debates, conversations, movies, and music.  

This year we will explore two themes. One of the themes we will explore will be introduced by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and will focus on cooperation between the Netherlands and the African continent. The other theme will be brought in by the EU Africa Progressive Network – an initiative of the Foundation for European Progressive Studies - and focuses on building a socially just an democratic cooperation between the EU and Africa.  

What do we expect? 

• You are interested in Dutch and European politics; 
• You have affinity with the African continent, because of your personal background, study, work or just because you are interested; 
• You are passionate and/or interested in social justice and NL/EU Africa cooperation. 
• You can express yourself in English, both verbally and in writing, as the sessions will mainly be in English; 
• You are motivated to learn and grow; 
• You want this initiative to succeed and therefore attend and actively participate in all sessions; 
• You are willing to be open towards the other participants and their ideas; 
• You are between the ages of 18-25; 
• You are available on the dates stated below; 
• You are willing to travel to the locations where the sessions are organized. The workshops and trainings are mainly organized in The Hague, but sometimes at other locations in the Netherlands and one session is in Brussels.  

What do we not expect? 

• That you are extremely knowledgeable about the collaboration between the EU and the African content, and politics; 
• That you have done a similar course before; 
• That you do a certain education or have certain work experience; 
• That you pay. There is no participation fee and your travel expenses will be covered by us. 

What will we do? 

In a series of eight sessions, you will discuss, learn, and engage with your fellow participants and different experts. The workshops are diverse, from lectures by professionals to interactive sessions with young people from organizations in Africa. Based on these sessions, you and your fellow participants will develop ideas and recommendations on equal cooperation of the Netherlands and Europe with Africa. Through workshops and trainings you will also learn the right skills to present your ideas in your own session at the annual Africa Day on November 15.  

The preparatory workshops will take place on the following dates - mark them down in your calendar! The exact times and locations will be announced. Dates and may be subject to slight changes. 

• Saturday August 30, 2025: Session 1 
• Saturday September 13, 2025: Session 2 
• Monday September 22, 2025: Session 3 in Brussels 
• Saturday, October 11, 2025: Session 4 
• Saturday, November 1, 2025: Session 5 
• Friday, November 14, 2025: Session 6 
• Saturday, November 15, 2025: The Africa Day! 
• December 2025 session 8; date tbd.

On November 14, you will present your vision for the EU Africa Progressive Network, and on November 15 during Africa Day. After Africa Day in November, you will start promoting your recommendations on social media. Finally, you will discuss your recommendations in a meeting with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

What do you get in return? 

• Working together with young, ambitious people from different backgrounds with the same passion; 
• Participation in workshops and trainings where you will learn from experts, policy makers, civil servants, and politicians how to write policy briefs, lobby, present, and speak in front of a group or how to put together relevant programs; 
• The chance to expand your knowledge and insights on NL/EU Africa cooperation; 
• A chance to set up your own Africa Day activity,  
• Experience in analyzing policy and making policy recommendations; 
• The chance to expand your network and gain more knowledge about politics; 
• Reimbursement of travel expenses to workshops and meetings. 

Want to participate? 

Sign up no later than Sunday, July 13, through the FMS Website, and include a short motivation letter (maximum 500 words) and your CV. We will organize three online introductory meetings of about 40 minutes on the following dates: 

• Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at 15:00 
• Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at 15:00 
• Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 15:00 

Please indicate the dates you are available in the registration form. We will then get in touch to schedule 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 equal opportunities for all are important. If you need specific facilities to (optimally) participate in this project, please let us know through the application form. 

Do you have any further questions about this think tank or the registration procedure? Please reach out to Annefloor Robijn at arobijn@foundationmaxvanderstoel.nl