My time as a Common Futures Conversations (CFC) member is sadly coming to an end in December 2023. From January 2024, I will no longer have access to the CFC platform. I joined the first cohort of CFC in February 2020.
So what is CFC? CFC is a project by the think tank, Chatham House. CFC is an online platform that brings together 18 to 30-year-old youth from Africa and Europe to discuss ideas and issues affecting the world today. In addition, CFC members have the unique opportunity to dialogue with policymakers and attend various events related to Chatham House. Every so often CFC opens applications so that more youth can join the platform. With this also comes the departure of youth who reach over the age of 30, and I am one of them.
I reflect on CFC with a lot of gratitude. I believe CFC has played a big role in my leadership journey; CFC has enabled me to network with high-profile individuals, policymakers and fellow youth, while also helping me develop knowledge and skills in different areas. Despite CFC being an online platform, I felt incredibly involved with CFC and Chatham House, particularly through their in-person events. Below are a few activities that I was involved with as a CFC member:
1. I wrote an article
In July 2020 I was able to contribute to Chatham House’s magazine called ‘The World Today’ about efforts my organisation was taking to fight the COVID-19 Pandemic in South Sudan. You can read more about it here.
2. I chaired/moderated an online webinar
In June 2021 I had the honour of chairing a great online discussion on modern slavery. The all-women panel was one of my most proudest online moments. You can watch the discussion here.
3. I attended a Chatham House event
In October 2021 I was invited to attend the Chatham House Centenary Lifetime Award, where I witnessed Sir David Attenborough receiving his Centenary Lifetime Award for his commitment to conservation and raising awareness of the growing climate crisis.
4. I attended Chatham House’s annual conference
In June 2022 I attended Chatham House’s annual conference. This conference was special because it marked Chatham House’s centenary (100 years). The hybrid conference had high-profile speakers including the former President of New Zealand (whom I also had the honour of having a side-chat with about healthcare), Helen Clark, former President of Tanzania (who attended via video link, and whom I also had the honour of asking a question around Universal Health), Dr Jakaya Kikwete, former Acting Minister of Health for Ukraine (whom I also had the honour of having my question answered), Dr Ulana Suprun, former Chancellor of the Exchequer, Hon. Kwasi Kwarteng MP, Shadow Secretary for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Hon. David Lammy MP, President of Moldova, Maia Sandu, and so many more great industry leaders and policymakers.
The event also presented CFC members the opportunity to interact and work on group tasks together. Most importantly, as CFC members we were recognised at the event and the then outgoing director of Chatham House, Sir Robin Niblett, also made time to speak with each of us.
The great two days ended with a (great!) dinner and a speech given by former Prime Minister, Sir John Major.
And absolutely last, but not least, CFC members were given something to signify the 100 years of Chatham House. This memento is now on my bookshelf;
A warm thank you to CFC and Chatham House for providing me with incredible opportunities that I will remember and reflect on with gratitude. I am grateful for the skills I have learned, the networks I have created and the friends that I have made through CFC. Let this article be evidence that CFC is not just an online platform, and that Chatham House values the contributions of young people.
Sisi Shares 