Farhana Shahnaz, a postgraduate student of development studies at Brac University’s BRAC Institute of Governance and Development has been selected to participate in the Next Generation Leaders Program, sponsored by Mastercard Foundation.
Next Generation Leaders Program is a partnership between Mastercard Foundation and The Talloires Network of Engaged Universities, a growing global coalition of 417 university presidents, vice-chancellors and rectors in 79 countries who have publicly committed to strengthening the civic roles and social responsibilities of their institutions.
Farhana Shahnaz is also working as a communications officer at United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on a project focused on preventing violent extremism and fostering inclusivity and peace. She is one of 41 Next Generation Leaders scheduled to attend a Talloires Network Global Leaders Conference (TNLC2021) to be hosted by Tufts University and Harvard University, 30 September – 3 October 2021.
The programme seeks to assemble a diverse cohort of Next Generation Leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others by practicing values such as good citizenship and social responsibility by way of their civic engagement (community-based research, applied research, service-learning, experiential learning, extension, volunteerism, public service, political activism, social entrepreneurship).
Next Generation Leaders will connect with other students around the world to discuss diverse and ethical approaches to civic engagement and activism. These conversations will deepen their capacity for leadership and strengthen their work with communities. An international selection committee chose the 41 participants, who will be organised into smaller working groups. Each group will focus on a particular civic engagement theme: Pandemic Recovery and Resilience, Innovations in Gender Equity, Structured Listening Methods, and Civic Engagement Future.
Student participants (undergraduate and graduate) represent 21 countries: Australia, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Canada, Ghana, India, Ireland, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Mexico, Pakistan, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Sudan, Uganda, the United Kingdom and United States).
“I am looking forward to broaden my horizon, deepen my knowledge on contemporary issues, and formulate concrete and inclusive solutions to global challenges, with the youth at the helm, by partaking in the Next Generation Leaders Program,” said Farhana Shahnaz. “I hope I will be able to uphold BRACU’s stature and represent BRACU and Bangladesh well at the Talloires Network Global Leaders Conference 2021 (TNLC2021),” she added.