Geopolitical Stakes: Young Leaders Trained in Geopolitical Challenges

The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom proceeded on Thursday, April 30th with the launch of the fourth cohort of the Liberal Academy in Dakar. Fifteen young people were selected for this program focusing on leadership and political training.

During the ceremony, the regional director of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, Alexandra Heldt, stated that the institution has been organizing leadership and political training for young people in Senegal for many years. This fourth cohort consists of fifteen young leaders from various political backgrounds, including journalists, human rights activists, politicians, and young party activists.

The theme of the inaugural panel was “Geopolitics and Global Recomposition: Challenges for Africa,” a choice justified by Alexandra Heldt in the context of global geopolitical changes and challenges for Africa, particularly in the Western region.

According to the director, “the situation in the world is changing. Old partnerships are being questioned, new partnerships are forming, and at the same time, there are multiple wars, multiple conflicts,” citing examples such as Ukraine, the Middle East, and closer to home, Mali.

She emphasized the need to face these challenges, find solutions, and prepare the youth to understand and respond to the issues at hand, in order to contribute to societal renewal.

When asked about other levers for a better global balance, she highlighted the importance of dialogue, exchange, and building trust among different sectors and political factions to ultimately find consensus and move forward together.

In conclusion, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation’s political training aims to foster dialogue and collaboration among diverse political actors, with the goal of building trust and readiness to work together towards a better future.