In Spring, a group of passionate young people from the 20 most powerful nations in the world ñ known as the G20 ñ were given an opportunity to participate in the recent London Summit, to represent the views of their generation.

Organised by the British Council’s Global Changemakers project, the group engaged in a number of intensive workshops. They met with leading financial experts, including Lord Stern, former Senior Vice President of the World Bank and Matthew Bishop, Business Editor of The Economist. Providing a platform to gain better understanding of the current financial situation, the experts answered questions and made recommendations for the future.

One of the week’s highlights was a meeting with a group of 20 UK school children. Many ideas and solutions were shared, while complex issues, such as the Millennium Development Goals’ were discussed. Impressed by all the student’s suggestions, the Changemakers listened and took some of their points on board.

The group were also given the chance to meet with key policy makers, including UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown, the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling and Felipe CalderÛn Hinojosa, the President of Mexico.

The young Changemakers presented their concerns and those of their peers to David Miliband, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, at a reception at the House of Lords. In a speech to the group, David commented: ‘To effect change in the modern world, you don’t just need governments, you need citizens.’ The MP went on to say: ‘The dynamism and idealism of young people is hugely impressive.’

The Global Changemakers project is a unique scheme. It brings together young people, united under one cause, to make change happen.

Contact: www​.global​-changemakers​.net

The Global Changemakers at this year’s summit. Photo: © British Council

19-year-old Scott Forbes, pictured left in the red t-shirt, is the UK Global Changemaker