About the programme

Young Leaders in Diabetes Dubai 2011

The IDF World Congress in Dubai was the staging ground for the first international young leaders in diabetes leadership training programme. 85 young people with type 1 diabetes, 20 to 30 years of age, representing 55 countries from all around the world, participated in this programme. These young leaders had to find their own funding for travel and accommodation. This was a difficult challenge for many but their perseverance paid off offering them the opportunity of a lifetime. Member associations were asked to recommend applicants resulting in a cohort of young people with established leadership skills and a fundamental understanding of the federation.

The programme was ambitious, with sessions starting early in the morning and finishing late at night. Much of the success of this programme was due to the international faculty who came together from around the world to share their experience and expertise. Several faculty members put together creative ice breaking events in first few days which helped the young leaders to bond, both as friends and as a unified and cohesive group.

The young leaders rapidly earned the respect of the faculty and all with whom they came in contact with because of their commitment and determination. They proved themselves time and again, examples being an outstanding performance at the IDF member associations ‘strategic planning session, enthusiastic participation in the global village and awareness walks and various speaking engagements at the Congress.

One of their goals was to form a Young Leaders Council and elect its first officers. The newly elected president is Alex Silverstein from the UK. The President Elect is Keegan Hall from South Africa, with Sana Ajmal from Pakistan as Vice President. In addition two elected members from each of the seven regions serve on the council. Several of the young leaders have been identified to assist with the webpage. This will provide a valuable forum for discussion and reporting progress in the development and implementation of projects in the period between Dubai and Melbourne.

Through role play, interactive sessions and talks from well known people with diabetes the young leaders developed skills that enhanced their leadership abilities and the prospect of their becoming agents for change. They had the opportunity to experience sailing with an ocean racing crew, who have participated in international diabetes challenges, and enjoyed a traditional night in the desert where they danced as one under a full moon.

At the beginning of the programme they almost unanimously identified hope for people with diabetes as a principal goal. They now have to return home to their respective countries and work with their member associations to make a difference. For many this will be relatively easy as they return to a strong organization ready to support them. For others, though, it will prove to be more difficult as their member associations are not so well developed and have less resources to call upon. However, through shared communication within the young leaders group and their pledge to help the disadvantaged, it is believed that any such challenges can be successfully met.

This programme was made possible through the generous support of several sponsors to whom we are eternally grateful. The founding sponsors are Bayer HealthCare, Medtronic and Novo Nordisk. The other sponsors are Lilly Diabetes, Sanofi Diabetes, FEND and Roche Diagnostics.