This groundbreaking programme was set up in 2008 to inspire and motivate young people in China and the UK to develop themselves as global citizens. 400 young entrepreneurs and leaders from both countries are to undertake 10/12-day exchanges during the period 2008 to 2010. The first group of 100 from the UK visited China, November, 2008.
To make the most of the final stages of the UK China 400 Scheme, four days of events spread over two dates in May and November were put together in Edinburgh in collaboration between the British Council and Scottish Young Icebreakers. To add to this the Young Icebreakers in Scotland had 3 representatives on the final delegation to China.
The first set in March kicked off on Monday 24th of May with a day of networking and debate at the stunning Confucius Institute where the 50 young leaders from China and Scotland engaged in talks with Eric Balish (Director of Trade and Finance of Barclays Commercial Bank), Owen Kelly (Director of Scottish Financial Enterprise), Geoff Leask (Head of Operations Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust), Natasha Gentz (Director The Confucius Institute for Scotland) and Paul Docherty (Director British Council Scotland ). The main part of the day was speant working with each other to discuss issues affecting the debate in the environment; the health of future generations, and the material heritage of our culture.
The second day begun with another networking session and lunch at Edinburgh Napiers Craighouse Campus. Here the delegates met some of Napier’s top performing international students and young entrepreneurs from the Moffat Center. Jack Worden, Dean of the International College and staff from Napier’s Business School were on hand to welcome and introduce the university and its students. The highlight and focus of the day was a long conversation with Antonia Swinson (Chief Executive Scottish Social Enterprise Coalition) where the delegates really engaged with the concept of Social Enterprise and how it could be applied to create rapid positive social change in China. The day ended with a trip to the Scottish Parliment where the delegates had a tour and heared from Tom McCabe (Chair of Cross party Group on China).
The final day at Edinburgh Zoo ended with an outstanding positive result. After a talk and reception from David Windmill (Chief Executive of the Royal Zoological Society), Guo Xiangyu (Deputy Secretary-General of the All-China Youth Federation and leader of the delegation) pledged to write a letter to recommend and support the Panda breeding programme to the Head of the Chinese Forestry Commission. He was ‘very impressed with the beauty and high standards of Edinburgh Zoo/ and how happy the animals conditions were’.
After 3 days of events in Edinburgh meeting their Scottish counterparts, Guo Xiangyu (Deputy Secretary-General of the All-China Youth Federation and leader of the delegation) said ‘we learned a lot especialy from the Young Icebreakers in Scotland, we have had the most meaning-full, positive, productive and fun time.’
‘we learned a lot especialy from the Young Icebreakers in Scotland, we have had the most meaning-full, positive, productive and fun time.’
Guo Xiangyu (Deputy Secretary-General of the All-China Youth Federation and leader of the delegation)
The Second delegation arrived on the 25th of November. Again 25 young leaders and entrepreneurs from China met their Scottish counterparts for a full day of networking at the Confucius Institute in Edinburgh. Inspiring talks were given from Peter Budd, Chariman of Arup, Eric Balish, Director of Trade and Finance for Barclays Commercial Bank, Owen Kelly, Director of Scottish Financial Enterprise and Jon Rahgjen, Head of the Greener Scotland Section of the Scottish Government. Again the event was a huge success receiving fantastic feedback from both the delegates and speakers.
‘Opportunities like this offer an occasion to grow closer together in a spirit of mutual understanding and cooperation. The world is turning to you as young leaders to find the means to live and work harmoniously together.’
Eric Balish, Director of Trade and Finance for Barclays Commercial Bank
“Meetings of the Young Icebreakers present an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs and business people from China and the UK to share their insights and ambitions. At a time of economic change and transition around the world, the relationships we build through such encounters matter more than ever！”
Owen Kelly, Director of Scottish Financial Enterprise
‘Hi Adam
Just wanted to drop you a note say thanks for yesterday. It was great for us to have some quality discussions with our Chinese visitors, and to start thinking of innovative ways of bringing emerging leaders from both countries closer together. Speaking both personally and for Standard Life, I can see great value in this event, and look forward to further opportunities in the future.’
Robert Amos HR Graduate, Group Transformation at Standard Life
‘It was exciting to see the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs from Scotland and China working together, sharing ideas and building working relationships for the future. The young Icebreakers put together a great programme and the exchange visits can only serve to strengthen ties between our countries. I was impressed by the level of interest and the detailed and focussed questions that the group asked about Scotland’s Greener policies from the low carbon economy to renewable technology and community action.’
Jon Rathjen, Greener Scotland Division Scottish Government
I know that Scotland was the usual success, and I know the content of the programme was greatly appreciated (mentioned by the group leader at the farewell lunch).
Your enthusiasm and support has helped the whole thing reach a very positive conclusion, from what was a difficult start. We Europeans do not do big numbers well and it challenges our individualism, somewhat, but the strength of interest has grown, and numbers of individuals, on both sides, have made valuable links.
Gordon Blakely, Director Youth Education, Science & Society, British Council
