In a bid to encourage young people to get involved in shaping the future economy of the region, ACSEF (Aberdeen City and Shire Economic Future) is today launching a first-of-its kind economic youth summit.

The Next Generation Summit, to be held on 26^th of February 2010 at the Aberdeen Business School, will bring together the leaders of tomorrow’s businesses, social enterprises and public organisations to communicate their views and aspirations for Aberdeen City and Shire’s economy in the next twenty years.

Designed to attract a range of University and College undergraduates, young professionals and senior secondary pupils between the ages of 16 – 24, the summit will feature presentations on ACSEF’s plans to grow the economy and enhance its quality of life with workshops to find out if those plans meet young people's expectations for the future.

Rita Stephen, Development Manager at ACSEF said: ”Our vision and action plan for 2025 are based on the needs and ambitions of over 1,500 businesses. However it is the 16 – 24 year olds that will be in the positions of influence in the next ten years or so and we want to ensure that they have the opportunity to be involved in the plans that will deliver the environment in which they will be living and working in the future. Many of the ACSEF board and management will be retired by then!”

“Engaging with young people in this way will ensure they get a better understanding of economic development and the challenges facing the region. We need our young people to see the opportunities, find out how they can be capitalised on make sure they are encouraged to stay in Aberdeen City and Shire and build successful businesses and careers."

Sponsored by Northsound, The Big Picture and Aberdeen Business School with support from Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Council education departments, the summit will also feature a keynote address from Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond. 

Professor Rita Marcella, dean of Aberdeen Business School said: “We are pleased to support this initiative as it involves young people in the decision making process.

“Our graduates will be moving into the public sector where they will be responsible for shaping the future of new services.

“This ACSEF initiative gives our students the chance to gain some valuable experience of how these processes work.”

The afternoon session will see ACSEF Chairman Tom Smith take to the mike to host a discussion on Aberdeen City and Shire’s future before ACSEF Champion Melfort Campbell delves into the key issue of attracting and developing skilled people to the city.

As well as having school pupils present at the event, there will be a satellite link to in place ensuring pupils in Banff; Fraserburgh, Peterhead and Mintlaw do not miss out.

ACSEF is public private sector partnership which drives economic development in the region.