Salzburg Global Fellows of the Public Policy New Voices Europe program are seizing opportunities to participate in European policy convenings
Since its inception in 2021, the Public Policy New Voices Europe program has connected, supported, and empowered a new generation of diverse leaders in public policy across Europe.
Fellows represent global perspectives and a diversity of lived experiences, including people of color, ethnic and religious minorities, refugee and migrant backgrounds, LGBT* and non-binary individuals, and those with disabilities.
By providing access to networks and opportunities, the Public Policy New Voices Europe program aims to break down structural barriers that restrict access to public policy career networks for people from underrepresented communities. Furthermore, Fellows’ engagement with the Public Policy New Voices Europe program and Salzburg Global does not end after their in-person session in Salzburg at Schloss Leopoldskron.
Through strategic partnerships with Diversify Nordics Summit and Creative Bureaucracy Festival, Fellows are given further opportunities at convenings across Europe to practice their communication skills and lead impactful discussions. These external opportunities are integral platforms for these rising leaders to raise their profiles, showcase their knowledge, expand their professional networks, and continue shaping their voice for policymaking and advocacy.
Diversify Nordics Summit
In October 2024, Fellows from the program’s third cohort participated in the Diversify Nordics Summit (DNS) in Oslo, Norway. Centered on scaling hope, justice, and belonging, the all-star lineup of speakers included not just members of Google, Coca-Cola, AWS, and Swedish Parliament, but also Public Policy New Voices Europe Fellows. Chisom Udeze, Salzburg Global Fellow and one of the session facilitators at the Public Policy New Voices Europe program, is the founder of DNS.
Diren Helin Herlbauer, gender specialist at United Nations office at Vienna/United Nations office on drugs and crime (UNOV/UNODC), is a Fellow of the program’s third cohort who seized the opportunity to speak at DNS. Helin led her session with the intention of fostering dialogue that not only raised awareness among the participants but also “inspired everyone to consider how they can take action against everyday sexism and contribute to meaningful change in their own communities.”
Connecting Fellows to professionals in the policymaking field is an integral aspect of the Fellowship experience. Helin advised future Fellows to take advantage of this opportunity. “Be your authentic self, everyone at these gatherings is there to learn and connect, just like you, so there’s no need to put on a mask”, she said. She also emphasized that bringing one’s own unique personality is incredibly valuable, especially when breaking into new spaces.
Also invited to speak at DNS was André Gorba Ferreira Biveti, legal advisor to the Portuguese Cabinet of Secretary of State Maritime Affairs, and Fellow in the program’s third cohort. André shared the same appreciation for DNS’s effort to construct a space that safely discusses diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), reflecting that “[DNS] made me feel connected, because, despite coming from different backgrounds, we all share similar structural challenges.”
André’s leadership at the conference did not come without its challenges. Like many other young professionals, he struggled with imposter syndrome. He credits his experience at DNS with enabling him to confront self-doubt. After completing the program, André said, “I now feel more empowered to pursue opportunities that come my way, and I understand the importance of embracing vulnerability as part of my growth journey.”
Creative Bureaucracy Festival
The Creative Bureaucracy Festival (CBF), which focuses on sustainable administrative transformations, welcomed a group of Public Policy New Voices Europe Fellows. Robyn Bennett, International Program & Partnerships Lead at the Creative Bureaucracy Festival, served as a facilitator and Group Champion at the Public Policy New Voices Europe program.
CBF, which emphasizes the importance of cooperation, creativity, and empowerment in policymaking, aims to appeal to young innovators willing to embrace the public sector. One of these young innovators is Michael Chiunda, a Fellow who attended the third cohort of Public Policy New Voices Europe. Michael reflected on his experience at CBF, saying, “there was a genuine desire to cross-pollinate ideas and projects people were working on immediately.” These interactions left an impression on Michael, as he believes that “networking in some way is an exchange of stories.” He encouraged future Fellows to find their stories and share them in a similar manner.
Dennis Edem Kofi Degbor, a Fellow from the program’s third cohort and research officer at Youth Impact Network in Germany, joined the group of Fellows at CBF in 2024. Dennis and Michael had the opportunity to be speakers and facilitators of a session at CBF. Dennis said that before the program he was, “excited to connect with like-minded individuals and learn from their experiences.” His work facilitating a discussion with Michael was instrumental in overcoming his anxieties of being inadequate in the environment. “I struggled with feelings of self-doubt,” reflected Dennis after the festival, “but as I connected with so many amazing individuals at the festival, I felt much more confident in my abilities.”
Metkel Yosief and Eden Tadesse, Fellows from the third cohort, also led a CBF session together on racism in Europe. Their collaboration helped Eden shed doubts on her goals to pursue a political career in Germany, highlighting that Metkel’s courage and insights gave her a “renewed sense of purpose and commitment to making a positive impact in my field.”
In describing his experience at CBF, Metkel said the atmosphere was like an idea market, a place of “lively and pleasant exchange, various (work)shops, presentations, interesting people and, above all, great interest in creativity and solutions for public administration.” He was especially intrigued by the human-centered work being done in technology advancement, where he gained knowledge that he can apply towards his career. “In applying these learnings,” said Metkel, “I plan to foster a more inclusive environment in my projects, actively seeking diverse opinions and encouraging open dialogue.”
Through seizing these opportunities for personal and professional growth, Fellows of the Public Policy New Voices Europe program are amplifying their voices, showcasing their expertise, and gaining confidence. They are rising to the challenge of shaping public policy and meaningfully impacting their communities.
*LGBT: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender. We are using this term as it is currently widely used in human rights conversations on sexual orientation and gender identity in many parts of the world, and we would wish it to be read as inclusive of other cultural concepts, contemporary or historical, to express sexuality and gender, intersex and gender non-conforming identities.
The Salzburg Global Fellows mentioned in this article all attended the Salzburg Global Public Policy New Voices Europe program.
Learn more about the Public Policy New Voices Europe program.
