A leadership development programme will give young people from across Greater Manchester the chance to shape the city's future.
Starting next month and organised by charity Common Purpose, online scheme GM100 will challenge a diverse group of 100 young people to work together to tackle a challenge facing the city region.
With climate change conference COP26 taking place in Glasgow later this year, participants will be asked how people can act to transform the community into a cleaner, greener place.
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Participants will investigate issues, collaborate, hold "difficult conversations" and work up ideas. They will then test, refine and present the ideas to local senior leaders.
Marie Mohan, UK MD of Common Purpose, said: “Our Legacy programmes pre-dated the pandemic but they are coming into their own now given how important it is that we invest in young people after the year they’ve had – in terms of the damage to their education, employment prospects and social lives.
"Equally, we need to involve them in shaping the recovery plans for the future of their communities and to let them know that their perspectives are valued.
"We need a new generation of young leaders to come through who have the commitment and ability to bridge divides and we all need to hear and support our young people with their big ideas and long-term thinking.”
GM100 is part of Legacy, a global campaign by international leadership development organization Common Purpose, which invests in young people across the world so they can become a connected generation of leaders - "with a clear vision for what their legacy will be".
Common Purpose said everyone who completes GM100 will have the opportunity to connect with young leaders from other global Legacy Initiatives in the US, Singapore, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria and Germany - as well as UK locations Newcastle, Sheffield, Leeds and Lancashire.
Dr Julian Skyrme, director of social responsibility at The University of Manchester, said: "We're delighted to support the Legacy programme in Greater Manchester.
"As future leaders, this programme offers our students a fantastic opportunity to network with others, think big and consider how they can address the most significant social and environmental challenges facing our world."
The programme will start on October 7. To apply, click here.
