Highland Youth Convener takes on role as UK Youth Ambassador for the World Economic Forum

Highland Youth Convener, Gillian Slider, 18, who represented Scotland at the recent Learning from the Futures Programme in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, has been selected to go on to the World Economic Forum on the Middle East as one of two UK Youth Ambassadors.  Gillian flies out to Sharm el Sheikh in Egypt on the Thursday (15th May). 

Gillian, from Ullapool, was selected along with 19 other young people from across the World, but mainly from the Middle Eastern region. The only other UK representative is Kristen Neilson (24) from Glasgow – a fellow member of the Scottish Youth Parliament.

US President George W. Bush will be among 12 heads of state and government welcomed by Egypt’s President Hosni Mubarak at the opening session of the World Economic Forum in Sharm El Sheikh on Sunday 18 May.

The annual World Economic Forum on the Middle East is the foremost global gathering of political, business and cultural leaders. This year’s meeting will use scenarios to explore the region’s future.

Participants will have a unique opportunity to meet the region’s key leaders, contribute to in depth debates and gain a rare insight into the complexities of the Middle East.

Gillian said “I am honoured with this great responsibility and I see this as an amazing opportunity to build up links, networks and shared understanding with other cultures. I am shocked but delighted to have been selected for this opportunity to be the representative for the United Kingdom.”

Councillor Jean Urquhart, Vice-Convener of The Highland Council, said: “The young people in the Highlands get better and better at rising to the challenge and Gillian Slider’s selection to attend such a prestigious meeting with world leaders is further evidence of this.”