A young leader's take on the EU-US Young Leaders Seminar

24 February 2023
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With this year's seminar in Brussels approaching, we asked 2021–22 US Fulbright student Diana Sosa to reflect on her time at the 2022 EU-US Young Leaders Seminar.

By Diana Sosa

The 2022 EU-US Young Leaders Seminar on the Future of Democracy could not have come at a more crucial moment. Hosted by the European Union, the US Department of State, and the German Marshall Fund, the four-day conference connected US and European peers to discuss the democratic challenges we face in our respective countries and global community.

Not to be boastful, but conducting my Fulbright grant in the 2021–22 program year was nothing short of historical. As a combined grantee in Linz, I have experienced the struggles of teaching during a pandemic, debated over politics with my university peers, and related to the difficulties of adjusting to European society with my diverse colleagues at the nonprofit for immigrant women that I volunteer at. The last few years have particularly challenged democratic structures, pluralism, and cohesion across the world, and witnessing it across two countries has deepened my interest in international affairs and policy.

I was delighted to attend the Young Leaders Seminar to further question how democracy can be safeguarded. The seminar began with panels that focused on key threats to democracy, such as compliance with the rule of law, disinformation, and political polarization. After hearing from experts, we worked in groups to envision a “Marshall Plan 2.0” that could unite the US and Europe in addressing pivotal challenges to democracy. As this year is the 75th anniversary of the Marshall Plan, it was particularly interesting to consider how much the transatlantic relationship had evolved and what areas of cooperation were now more crucial.

 

“Democracy does not guarantee good governance.”

Photo of Diana Sosa and colleague standing in front of seminar rollup
Photo of DIana Sosa and colleague sitting at seminar table

This was my favorite quote from the seminar, and it came from panelist Oana Popescu-Zamfir, a former state secretary for EU affairs. Because at the most basic level, democracy is only as strong as its institutions and trust. Security and prosperity must come first. Thus, it is up to us— young leaders in business, technology, education, and government—to foster the conditions in which democracy thrives. It is through this that we can combat the surge of authoritarianism, polarization, and social inequalities that fuel democratic backsliding. This may seem daunting, but after getting to know my fellow bright and ambitious seminar participants, I’m more hopeful towards the future of democracy.

Thank you so much to the European Union, the US Department of State, and the German Marshall Fund of the United States for this fifth edition of the EU-US Young Leaders Seminar in Brussels!

Diana Sosa was a combined grantee in Linz during the 2021–22 program year. She attended the 2022 EU-US Young Leaders Seminar in Brussels, Belgium, from 27 to 29 April 2022. All photos courtesy of Diana Sosa.