Lars Westra at CESI : Inspiring Tomorrow’s Engineers to Engage Internationally
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On January 29, CESI welcomed Lars Westra, EU Youth Delegate to the UN , for an exceptional meeting with students and apprentices on campus. Committed from a very young age to civic participation and the rights of children and young people, he continues today to promote these causes on an international scale. The event was part of CESI’s Rendez-vous de l’international, an event designed to encourage direct dialogue between a European institutional representative and future engineers, while inviting reflection on the role of technical skills in an increasingly globalized world.
A Journey of International Engagement
During his presentation, Lars Westra retraced his professional journey and outlined the missions he carries out within international institutions. Founder of his own organization, he actively advocates for youth involvement in public policy development and also serves as Vice Chair of the Dutch NGO Coalition on Children’s Rights. He explained how his role as a EU Youth Delegate to the UN enables him to amplify young people’s voices and build bridges between citizens and international decision-makers.
A Dialogue on Contemporary Global Issues
Discussions covered topics such as artificial intelligence, international cooperation, scientific diplomacy, and new forms of civic engagement among young graduates. Students were able to explore concrete links between engineering education, technological innovation, and social responsibility. The event concluded with a highly interactive Q&A session, highlighting strong interest in international career paths and digital ethics.
Through this initiative, CESI reaffirms its ambition to educate globally minded engineers who are aware of the human, political, and environmental implications of innovation, while strengthening ties between higher education, European institutions, and international organizations.