Context
If we want to achieve climate goals we need to accelerate the energy transition. The challenge is to reduce carbon emissions, by switching to renewable energy and phasing out fossil energy while keeping the energy supply safe and affordable.
The Pact for innovation and sustainable growth between France and the Netherlands, signed in April 2023, marks a significant collaborative effort to address global challenges. Both nations aim to leverage their expertise in green technologies and innovation to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable energy practices. This collaboration includes joint research initiatives, investments in clean energy projects, and the development of policies to support the transition. By working together, France and the Netherlands aspire to set a leading example in the fight against climate change and the advancement of sustainable development goals.
France and the Netherlands have a robust and dynamic relationship focused on advancing energy transition. Both countries are committed to international climate agreements and European Union targets, aiming for a 60% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030 and achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
This collaboration is built on a foundation of mutual interest and shared goals. France is significantly increasing its renewable energy capacity while addressing challenges such as local opposition and lengthy permitting procedures. Meanwhile, the Netherlands is striving for a completely sustainable and CO2-neutral energy system, emphasizing the importance of public support for a just transition.
Through initiatives like the Erasmus-Descartes Conference, France and the Netherlands promote bilateral cooperation, sharing expertise and best practices. This annual event serves as a platform for dialogue, bringing together young talents, experts, and policymakers to discuss innovative solutions for a sustainable energy future.
Participants are encouraged to propose innovative ideas and solutions addressing the complexities of transitioning to sustainable energy systems. Projects should also focus on creating public support, accelerating permitting procedures, and ensuring local acceptability of energy projects.
The Challenges for the Young Talents
The transition calls for major technological, social, policy and economical changes for citizens, businesses, governments, etc. Do you have innovative ideas on how this can be achieved ? Do you want to be part of the solutions for tomorrow ? Join the Young Talents programme !
The challenges that you, as participants, will have to address will be based on the question: how do you deal with energy transition ? This can include for example renewable energy, carbon neutral industry, public involvement and acceptance, regulatory frameworks, resource availability, problems of an overloaded network capacity . The exact challenges related to this question will be formulated together with your team members and coaches (TBC).
Practical information
When?
October 24th online and November 25th, 26th, and 27th in Paris consecutively participating in the Erasmus-Descartes Conference on November 28th.
For whom?
MA, PDEng and PhD students aged between 20 and 35 years old with good conversational understanding of English are eligible to apply for this event. International students are also invited to apply.
We are looking for student from scientific domains such as, but not exclusively:
- Political science / Economics
- Engineering / Physics / Chemistry
- Public administration
- Urban planning
- Humanities and social sciences
- Data and computer sciences
- Environmental studies
- Law
Students from other academic disciplines who feel they could contribute to this challenge are also welcome to apply.
Language
The working sessions between Young Talents and the Erasmus Descartes Conference will be entirely in English.
Costs
The organizers will cover the costs of transportation (travel to and from Paris + public transport on-site) and meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner). They will also arrange accommodation (four nights). You are responsible for the costs of any other expenses yourselves. The participation in the Young Talents event does not involve any initial expenses for the participants.
Participation
All 12 selected participants will attend both the online meeting and the physical 4-day session in Paris. Participation in the full programme is mandatory. Any unjustified failure (absenteeism, inappropriate behavior) will lead to exclusion from further participation in the Young Talents event.
For further information, please contact: marnix.satter@institutfrancais.nl
About
The Young Talents event, part of the Erasmus-Descartes Conference, gathers talented young people from France and the Netherlands to debate and work together to find solutions for the future. The debates, ideas and questions raised by the Young Talents are intended to enrich the conference. This event offers ample networking opportunities.
The Erasmus-Descartes Conference (EDC) was initiated in 2002 by the Embassy of France in the Netherlands and theEmbassy of the Netherlands in France. The conference gathers over a hundred French and Dutch renowned experts from universities, research centers, ministries,companies and industry. They exchange knowledge and expertise to strengthen cooperation on key societal issues. The central theme of each edition differs according to the European agenda and following current developments in both countries. A resilient and fair energy transition will be the focus for the 2024 edition. The conference will take place on November 28th in Paris from 2pm to 8.30pm.
Partners
- Organisers: The Young Talents event is organized by the Embassy of France in the Netherlands, the Institut français NL, the Embassy of the Netherlands in France, the French-Dutch Network for research and higher education, and Nuffic, which is the Dutch organization for internationalization of education.
- Partners: Collège Néerlandais Paris
