ACADEMIC VISION
HRADEC KRÁLOVÉ 2022 11th Regional Selection Conference of EYP Czech Republic
Dear reader,
Thank you for your interest in the vision of the Board of Hradec Králové 2022!
This document is divided in two sections: First, it delves into the session theme and its relevance for today’s world. Second, it lays out our vision for how the Academic Team of Hradec Králové will function and what we, the Board, will offer the Chairpersons.
The theme of Hradec Králové reads as follows: ‘Taking a stand in the ever-changing world’. Consequently, the committees will be talking about international relations, geopolitics, and the position of the European Union in the global community.
In the globalised world we live in today, foreign policy is more important than ever, and yet it seems to be failing. COP26, last year’s United Nations Climate Change Conference, ended in a last-minute watering-down of a previous agreement to phase out coal. Human rights violations remain a grim reality for people around the world. And despite years of warning signs, the EU and its allies were not only unable to prevent Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but in many cases seemed taken by surprise by this latest Russian violation of international law.
Despite its relatively small size and population, the European Union wields significant influence on the world stage. Through its extensive diplomatic and trade relations, through the European External Action Service, and through military and civilian missions overseas, the EU has, over the years, gained considerable weight in foreign policy.
How the EU should leverage this influence to promote peace, rule of law, and democracy on the global scale is the question the Delegates will try to answer at Hradec Králové. With their discussions and resolutions, they will bring the perspectives of the next generation of Europeans to the often remote sphere of foreign policy.
At the session, the Chairpersons will be responsible for facilitating this exchange of views among the Delegates. The topics we will be discussing at Hradec Králové are complex and multi-faceted, therefore, we are looking for Chairpersons who aim to ensure factual and interesting debates that yield a strong academic output, but which at the same time are accessible and enjoyable for all Delegates.
This work will already begin in the weeks and months leading up to the session, when the Board will provide each Chairperson with as little or as much support as they need to prepare both themselves and their Delegates for the session. We believe that, especially at regional-level sessions, strong and trusting relationships between the Chairpersons and the Board are crucial, and will structure the academic work accordingly.
With that in mind, we envision a close-knit and supportive Academic Team with Chairpersons that bounce ideas off of each other and enjoy collaborating. While ultimately every Chairperson will be responsible for creating their own output, we hope the academic work of Hradec Králové will be a true team effort.
For this vision to become a reality, we are asking for a few things in return, namely clear and proactive communication, consistency, and reliability. As a Board, we will make it a rule to always inform the Chairpersons about pending tasks as early as possible, allowing for a smooth and stress-free experience for all participants. We hope the Chairpersons will meet us halfway in this endeavour.
Finally, we see Hradec Králové as an opportunity for every Chairperson, no matter their previous experience, to grow into this demanding role, to learn and experiment, and to develop as an EYPer. That said, we will implement regular rounds of feedback, be it feedback for improvement or positive feedback. Within the Academic Team of Hradec Králové, we wish to establish an atmosphere where mutual support, gratitude, and recognition for everyone’s hard work are a common theme.
We hope to see you in Hradec Králové this autumn!
Best wishes,
Iona, Colin, Raphael, and Johann
Board of Hradec Králové 2022
Questions Please introduce yourself and your personal goals for Hradec Králové to the Selection Panel. (up to 250 words) The theme of Hradec Králové is: “Taking a stand in the ever-changing world”. Are there any policy areas connected to this theme that you find particularly interesting? (up to 200 words) Being a Chairperson is always stressful. How have you managed stress in the past and how do you plan on doing so at Hradec Králové? (up to 250 words) Please think of a person you consider a great teacher, perhaps an actual school teacher, a parent or guardian, or a friend. What qualities make that person such a great teacher and how would you try to emulate those qualities as a Chairperson? (up to 200 words) Please provide the Selection Panel with your email address.