Reflections on the 2024 EU-US Young Leaders Seminar

6 May 2024
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Read about 2023–24 community-based combined grantee Katherine Kustes's experience at the annual EU-US Young Leaders Seminar.

By Katherine Kustes

2023–24 Community-based combined grantee

 

Held in Brussels, Belgium, the 2024 EU-US Young Leaders Seminar, which focused on the security implications of climate change, brought together 50 young leaders from Europe and the US to discuss one of the most cross-cutting issues of the century. Climate change has reached the forefront of the security agenda and requires an intersectional approach. The three-day seminar, co-hosted by the European Commission and the US Department of State, gave me and my colleagues on both sides of the Atlantic an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussion and gain further knowledge on this topic.

During our seminar, we had the opportunity to hear from a variety of distinguished panelists, such as experts from the World Health Organization, the US Department of Defense, and NATO. These experts shared their knowledge on a wide range of climate change-related issues, including risks of involuntary displacement, the threat to natural resources, and more. We heard about the common key topics and challenges facing the EU and the US. On the final day of our seminar, we engaged in discussions centering around solutions to these pressing issues. Panelists emphasized the importance of accountability, cooperation between stakeholders, and inclusive policies. In between panels, my colleagues and I were divided into small “breakout” groups, where we debriefed and offered fresh perspectives.

I was honored to be surrounded by such an amazing group of international students and scholars. It was a unique experience to be in the same room as other young individuals who share the same passion for education and advocacy. I enjoyed connecting with other Fulbrighters and exchanging stories of cultural experiences. These conversations in Brussels left me full of hope and inspiration, and I’m eager to work with my colleagues in the future to advance transatlantic relations.

Group photo of attendees

My time in Brussels was eye-opening. As a social worker, I strive to engage in advocacy efforts that promote the human rights of everyone. One of the guiding principles of the social-work profession is that all individuals have the opportunity to meet their needs and live in an environment that enables them to prosper. Throughout our seminar discussions, I gained a deeper understanding of the injustices marginalized communities face and how developing countries are more susceptible when it comes to security risks relating to climate change. I walked away from the seminar with a better understanding of how to globalize human rights and how we can work collectively to prevent unintended consequences for the livelihoods of all people. I will certainly carry this knowledge with me as I continue to pursue a career in the field of social justice, law, and human rights.

I am honored to have been invited to attend the seminar and am grateful to Fulbright Austria for their nomination. Many thanks to the co-organizers of this event, including the Delegation of the European Union to the United States, the US Department of State, the German Marshall Fund of the United States, the Fulbright commission in Brussels, and the Directorate-General for Education and Culture of the European Commission. To my colleagues, thank you for everything and I hope to eat more Belgian waffles with you in the future.

Photo of Katherine engaged in discussion

Katherine Kustes is a 2023–24 community-based combined grantee teaching English at Austrian secondary schools and working on a research project entitled Exploring Legal and Social Frameworks in Refugee Support Services.