Bjørn Ihler Announced as New Obama Foundation Europe Leader
Today, Bjørn Ihler announced that he is among the 36 emerging leaders selected to join the Obama Foundation Leaders Europe program. The program will train participants in leadership development and civic engagement to help build their skills and scale their work across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. This year’s cohort represents 24 countries across the region.
Bjørn Ihler is an internationally renowned expert in countering and preventing radicalization into violent extremism through the design of healthier communities on and off-line. Ihler is also a member of the group Extremely Together working under the Kofi Annan Foundation to empower youth internationally to challenge violent extremism in their local communities and work against radicalisation across the globe. He is currently serving as Chairperson of the Independent Advisory Committee of the Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism. Through his international work, Ihler has among others worked with and advised both local organizations, national governments and international institutions such as the EU, OSCE and the UN to develop strategies to more effectively prevent radicalisation into violent extremism that may lead to terrorism, and build more peaceful communities.
As part of the six-month, non-residential program, these dedicated changemakers will convene virtually each week for interactive sessions designed to help them drive change by honing their leadership skills, building deep relationships with their peers, and engaging with thought leaders and members of the Obama Foundation community. They will also have an opportunity to participate in various virtual experiences and special events, including one-on-one conversations with experienced mentors in the Foundation's global network.
Launched in 2020, Leaders Europe builds upon the legacy of the Obamas and their deep commitment to the region, with a focus on shared values and ethical leadership. The program is creating a network of leaders who drive positive, innovative change in their communities throughout the continent and across the globe. The 2022 class of Europe Leaders are working across a broad range of issues and focus areas, including human rights, climate change, strengthening democracy, and more.
The Obama Foundation Leaders program is designed to further inspire, empower, and connect emerging leaders from Africa, Asia Pacific, and Europe to change their respective communities and the world. To learn more, visit obama.org/leaders.