The MPs2030 – Gestärkt im Engagement program is a flagship diaspora leadership initiative designed to bridge the significant gap in political and civic participation among migrants in Germany. While 30.4% of the German population has a migration background, only 11% of young migrants are civically active. By comparison, 40% of young people without migration history are civically active.
The program reframes the role of the diaspora, viewing them not as “powerless dependents” but as unique strategic resources for their host nations. This program aims to introduce young migrants to models and leaders within diasporic communities to encourage greater civic participation. Active and well-represented migrant communities serve as bridge-builders between Germany and their countries of origin.
By equipping newcomers with practical leadership skills and an understanding of the German political system, civil society, media, and business, MPs 2030 enables them to dismantle the constraints of insufficient political education and lack of representation and actively integrate to social and political life in Germany. This program’s name – Members of Parliament of 2030 (MPs2030) – reflects a vision of its participants serving in the highest representative bodies.
The Mission
From Newcomers to Leaders
MPs2030 programming targets young newcomers (aged 18–32) who have arrived in Germany within the past ten years from non-EU countries. The program equips participants with practical skills for civic engagement—such as project management, fundraising, and public speaking—while deepening their understanding of the German political system and the civil society sector. Simultaneously, the project aims to foster connections between participants and established civil society actors, including NGO leaders and members of political parties. These connections give participants the opportunity to develop collaborative initiatives or join existing civic projects. Ultimately, MPs2030 aims to equip participants with the confidence and tools they need to become agents of change within German society and international bridge-builders.
The Four Pillars of Empowerment
Practical Engagement and Success Stories
MPs2030 emphasizes a “learning-by-doing” approach. Participants are encouraged to join political parties, social movements, or NGOs, and are provided with mentors to navigate these structures. The program’s impact is evidenced by its growing reach and the transformative experiences of its participants over the past seven years:
- Program Reach: To date, the 210 young adults have participated in the program, representing diverse countries of origin and all federal states across Germany.
- Expanding Participation: So far, the program has delivered 327 individual consultations, 43 weekend seminars, and 64 online workshops.
- Impact and Engagement: Participants consistently report that the project has strengthened their engagement. Various forms of participation have included joining political parties, being elected to city councils, founding civic associations, and becoming members of migration advisory boards.
Future Prospects and Strategic Expansion
IMPACT’s goal is to continue its intake of new cohorts while strengthening the alumni network as the MPs 2030 community continues to grow. This includes providing long-term support through advanced seminars and mentorship opportunities that go hand-in-hand with initiatives alumni are already involved in. Overall, the project envisions increased empowerment of migrant voices and representation in German society, beginning with the next generation of young leaders.
Partners and Donors
