2. A B O U T
GMF is dedicated to fostering the next generation of
transatlantic leadership. The Young Professionals Summit
(YPS) at Brussels Forum is a unique opportunity for rising
stars to grow, gain new skill sets, engage in peer learning,
interact with senior leaders and influence transatlantic
policy debates.
GMF’s signature annual event, Brussels Forum, brings
together senior members of the political, industrial,
commercial, and intellectual community. The Young
Professionals Summit offers access to Brussels Forum’s
tightly knit community and diverse network.
Buildingonthiswork,theSummitaimstobroadendebates
and include diverse perspectives, thus forging links across
generations,sectors,andgeographies.YPSoffersastrategic
perspective on the transatlantic partnership in a world
defined by new actors, and increasingly interconnected
policy challenges.
We invite you to join YPS as a partner and send rising stars
from your organization to gain insight into major trends
affecting the next generation of leaders and benefit from
in-depth exchanges with policy makers from the United
States and Europe.
Engaging emerging leaders globally
is central to addressing the policy challenges of today.
DEVELOP KEY SKILLS
3. F O R M A T
YPS features programming tailored to the next generation of leaders. Through interactive workshops and training
exercises, YPS participants have the opportunity to take away concrete professional and personal tools that can
be utilized in the workplace and beyond. Highly interactive debates featuring seasoned policy leaders, cutting
edge formats, and small tailor-made workshops prompt individual reflection, network building across sectors and
nationalities, and peer-to-peer learning. In addition, YPS facilitates structured networking opportunities and
in-depth leadership training. These formats allow for concrete take-aways for YPS partners and participants:
• Participation in a highly rated professional development program.
• Ability to connect to a global network of established and emerging leaders.
• Opportunity to contribute important perspectives to pressing policy challenges.
• Opportunity for the organization’s leadership to engage with rising leaders.
INFLUENCE DEBATES
Opening Dinner
Audience: 60-70 people
Setting: Informal
Night Owl and Breakfast Sessions
Audience: 40-80 people
Setting: Informal, off-the-record
Workshops
Audience: 20-30 people
Setting: Interactive, informal
4. James Manyika
Director,
McKinsey Global Institute
Xenia Wickett
Head, U.S. and Americas Programme,
Chatham House
Marietje Schaake
Member, European Parliament
Gordon Brown
Former Prime Minister
of the United Kingdom
61NATIONALITIES*
The target audience for YPS are young leaders between the ages of 25 and 36 who have demonstrated leadership
capacity in their community or profession; interest in policy issues affecting transatlantic relations; intellectual
curiosity; professional growth; and a commitment to transatlantic and global engagement.
High-level speakers who have engaged with the young professionals over the years include Gordon Brown, former
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom; Gro Harlem Brundtland, UN Special Envoy for Climate Change; Fawzia
Koofi, Member of the Afghan Parliament; James Manyika, Director, McKinsey Global Institute; Marietje Schaake,
Member, European Parliament; Wendy Sherman, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, U.S. Department
of State; Anne Marie Slaughter, President and CEO, New America Foundation; Xenia Wickett, Head, U.S. and
Americas Programme, Chatham House; and Robert Zoellick, President of the World Bank.
Notable past speakers:
P A R T I C I P A N T S Y P S PA R T N E R B E N E F I T S
BUILD NETWORKS
NEXT GENERATION
PARTNER
($50,000)
ALLIANCE
PARTNER
($25,000)
SUPPORTING
PARTNER
($10,000)
Number of candidates organization
4 2 1
can nominate to attend YPS
Number of invitations for senior
1 1
representative to attend Brussels Forum
Opportunity for executive to speak during YPS session ★
Engage in brainstorming sessions on YPS agenda ★
Recognition on Brussels Forum app ★ ★ ★
Opportunity for thought pieces on app ★ ★
Logo recognition on YPS backdrop ★
Logo recognition on YPS banners ★ ★ ★
51%
WOMEN*
49%
MEN*
37%
34%
29%
PRIVATE
SECTOR
PUBLIC
SECTOR
THINK TANK
ACADEMIC
MEDIA
*2016 data
5. T R A N S A T L A N T I C
L E A D E R S H I P
I N I T I A T I V E S
To rise to the top in today’s world, leaders from all sectors must think and act globally. Successful leaders recognize the
value of collaboration — both to meet their own professional objectives and to forge partnerships that develop sustainable
solutions to global problems. To meet these opportunities, GMF offers a portfolio of initiatives for established, mid-career,
and next generation leaders who are committed to strengthening transatlantic relations.
MANFRED WÖRNER SEMINAR Berlin • Brussels • Washington, DC
Started in 1982 as the Multiplikatoren Seminar (Multiplier Seminar) and co-sponsored by the German Marshall Fund
and the Armed Forces Office of the German Defense Ministry, the annual Manfred Wörner Seminar brings together 30
young Americans and Germans to examine German and European security policy and to discuss U.S.–German and U.S.–
European security interests. The seminar serves to deepen understanding between participants from both countries and
offers an excellent opportunity to broaden professional networks and horizons.
MARSHALL MEMORIAL FELLOWSHIP Across the United States and Europe
GMF’s flagship leadership development program. Created in 1982 to introduce a new generation of European leaders to
the United States, it now prepares leaders from both sides of the Atlantic for transatlantic relations. The program relies on
6 months of distance learning and 24 days of first-hand experience to facilitate knowledge and network development for
effective transatlantic engagement.
TRANSATLANTIC INCLUSION LEADERSHIP NETWORK Brussels
Supports young, diverse elected leaders from the United States and Europe. In partnership with the U.S. Department of State,
the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and other stakeholders, TILN inspires, informs, and connects diverse young leaders to excel in
elected office and other leadership roles, advance inclusive policies, and engage with senior transatlantic policymakers.
YOUNG STRATEGISTS FORUM Tokyo, Japan
Seeks to develop a new generation of strategic thinkers in the United States, Japan, Europe, and other like-minded
countries. The program includes a unique combination of seminar discussion, grand strategy simulation, and study tours
with a focus on Asia and the role of the US-Japan alliance. Alumni publish short policy briefs.
YOUNG TRANSATLANTIC NETWORK
Belgrade • Berlin • Brussels • Warsaw • Washington, DC
GMF initiative specifically geared toward young professionals 35 years old and younger. The network aims to strengthen
transatlantic relations by offering the next generation of leaders opportunities to engage critically on core challenges facing
Europe and the United States, as well as new issues posed by the increasing geographic reach of transatlantic cooperation.
6. The German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF)
strengthens transatlantic cooperation on regional, national,
and global challenges and opportunities in the spirit of the
Marshall Plan.
GMF contributes research and analysis and convenes leaders
on transatlantic issues relevant to policymakers. GMF offers
rising leaders opportunities to develop their skills and
networks through transatlantic exchange, and supports civil
society in the Balkans and Black Sea regions by fostering
democratic initiatives, rule of law, and regional cooperation.
Founded in 1972 as a non-partisan, non-profit organization
through a gift from Germany as a permanent memorial to
Marshall Plan assistance, GMF maintains a strong presence
on both sides of the Atlantic. In addition to its headquarters
in Washington, DC, GMF has offices in Berlin, Paris, Brussels,
Belgrade, Ankara, Bucharest, and Warsaw. GMF also has
smaller representations in Bratislava, Turin, and Stockholm.
JOIN THE CIRCLE
7. Washington, DC | Brussels | Berlin | Paris | Ankara | Belgrade | Bucharest | Warsaw
Development Office
The German Marshall Fund of The United States
1744 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
+1 202 683 2650
development@gmfus.org
brusselsforum.org