Leadership Foundation has been appointed as facilitator for the British Councils Challenge Europe program in Norway for 2009-2010!

Program Outline Challenge Europe: Norway 2009-2010

The program in Norway for project cycle May 2009 – April 2010 will have two main conceptual frameworks: diversity and the development of sustainable climate solutions. The project cycle and all meetings and training sessions will be facilitated by Lisa Cooper (Leadership Foundation) and Karen Sund (Sund Energy).

The ability and process of designing and implementing climate change initiatives will improve by using techniques from diversity training, as well as through an overall understanding of the diverse approaches needed to effectively find solutions to mitigate and adapt climate change. By understanding different people’s perspectives, preferences and values, including “morale” and quality of life, it is believed that a diverse approach will empower sustainable climate solutions.

Themes focused on diversity will cover several issues and tools to help to define and appreciate diversity and frame it in the mindset of Climate Advocates. The Advocates will be trained in new skills and in how to use these actively in their work. This training will include:
• Assumptions and how they guide our behavior
• The power of questions
• Systems thinking & tipping points (climate, social, economical, and political)
• How to make change happen
• How to work in diverse groups

What is Challenge Europe?

Challenge Europe aims to take strides towards addressing one of the urgent global challenges we face today; climate change. The program offers younger generations the opportunity to focus valuable time and invaluable talents to find real answers to address the climate crisis.

In 2008 the British Council launched the European element of its global climate program; Challenge Europe. The Challenge is a three year program that aspires to make a definite and lasting impact on the climate change debate, and is ambitious in its aim to accelerate change to a Low Carbon Future.

In each of 15 countries 15 young influencers, aged 18-35, will work together as Climate Advocates to unearth new ways to reduce carbon use or utilize methods already found but not yet properly exploited. Each group of Climate Advocates offers a broad representation of skills, attitudes and ideas from all walks of life, working across disciplines to seek, gather, develop and then refine scores of ideas to agree just on three concrete project ideas. Climate Advocates will delve into current knowledge, merge new thinking with old, and formulate project ideas that seek to change the way we use carbon. Their ideas can address absolutely anything that has the potential to accelerate change to a Low Carbon Future.

The outcome: a network of 200+ bold and young influencers working together to develop 40+ concrete, tangible project ideas.

British Council is actively partnering with a number of organizations across Europe spanning all sectors. Through these partnerships Climate Advocates are offered access to established networks of experts and professionals in their fields. The groups will pitch their ideas to broader publics, including eminent experts, philanthropists, commercial organizations and entrepreneurs across a range of fields in an effort to make the ideas become reality.

The philosophy of the campaign is simple: to create momentum towards change through collaboration, innovation, energy, can-do attitude, drive, passion, understanding and knowledge-sharing.