Livia Jaroka

Livia Járóka is a Member of the European Parliament, representing the European People's Party and European Democrats. She is a member of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs and the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality and program director of the EPP-ED working group on the Roma integration and vice-president of the Anti-Racism and Diversity Parliamentary Intergroup. Her primary areas of political interest are the promotion of equal gender rights and the advancement of the position of the Roma in Europe, and these ideals are reflected in her work both within and outside the European Parliament. Namely, she is completing her doctoral degree in Social Anthropology at University College, London.

In January 2006, The Forum of Young Global Leaders selected Livia Járóka to be a member for a five-year period. The Young Global Leaders are selected globally amongst exceptional leaders under the age of 40 in the fields of business, civil society, culture, media, politics and science. The Forum is a newly formed, unique, multi-stakeholder community of 1111 exceptional young leaders who share a commitment to shaping the global future, bringing together young leaders who are currently internationally prominent and those who are destined for future greatness.

Each year 200-300 exceptional individuals are chosen, drawn from every region in the world and many disciplines and sectors. Together, they form a powerful international community which can dramatically impact the global future. In addition to being under age 40, they must have substantial leadership experience; have already clearly demonstrated a commitment to serving society and must be willing to devote their energy and expertise for five years to tackle the most critical issues facing the world. In shaping the future, the Young Global Leaders will engage in the 2020 Initiative. This is a comprehensive endeavour, aimed at establishing a framework for understanding the problems and risks faced in the coming decades and beyond. They will focus their abilities on exploring what the world will be like in 2020, if current and projected trends continue; their goal is to identify the dynamics and complexities of future industrial and social developments, so that a shared vision for a better world in 2020 can emerge.