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As a team we believe firmly in the power of young changemakers to shape the future. Throughout our past engagements with youth programs as well as our on-going engagement with the Georgia Tech School of Industrial Design, we've seen time and time again the enormous potential that young people can have to create positive change. The World Economic Forum has recently announced the winners of the 2024 Global Shapers Innovation Prize. These young innovators tackle global issues, from deforestation in Mexico to financial literacy in Cambodia. Key themes across their projects include enhancing career opportunities, promoting inclusivity, bridging educational gaps, and leveraging technology for healthcare. From Ghana’s career accelerator to Amsterdam’s accessible navigation app, and Kenya’s STEM education initiatives, these projects showcase how innovative tech can be leveraged to create inclusive, impactful solutions. The private sector's role is crucial in amplifying these efforts, providing mentorship, resources, and support to scale these inspiring ideas. By collaborating with both public and private sector partners, we can build bridges and support the next generation of leaders to solve society's biggest problems. Congratulations to all the winners and participants! Let's continue to invest in our collective future and empower young people to create a more inclusive and sustainable world. https://lnkd.in/e5McjbiD #humancentereddesign #openinnovation #externalinnovation #corporateinnovation #innovation#global #technology #socialimpact

“Empowering Tomorrow: How Gulf Youth Are Crafting a Brighter Future for Their Nations” The role of Gulf youth in shaping a more prosperous future for their countries is crucial and transformative. With a unique blend of cultural heritage and forward-thinking, Gulf youth today are stepping up as pioneers in various sectors, from technology and entrepreneurship to sustainable development and social innovation. Their ambition and creativity serve as driving forces for economic diversification and modernization, aligning with national visions across the Gulf. Education and skill development play pivotal roles in preparing Gulf youth to lead the way. By acquiring expertise in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and digital transformation, young leaders are positioning themselves to address regional and global challenges. Governments and private sector initiatives are investing in programs to foster innovation and leadership, empowering youth to launch startups, contribute to the digital economy, and engage in impactful social enterprises. Moreover, Gulf youth are increasingly aware of the importance of sustainable development, understanding that economic growth must be balanced with environmental and social responsibility. This awareness drives them to advocate for green practices, ethical business models, and inclusive policies that prioritize community well-being. In essence, Gulf youth are not only the leaders of tomorrow but also active agents of change today. Through their engagement and dedication, they are helping to create a future that promises growth, stability, and prosperity, ensuring that their countries continue to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

🎉 NEW: We just announced the 25 emerging leaders and entrepreneurs selected for the inaugural cohort of the CGI Fellowship. Meet the inaugural class of CGI Fellows: ♻️ Climate Resilience Fellows ♻️ • Hailey Campbell committed to launching an effort to support young climate leaders. • Lilan Dayananda is providing smallholder farmers with agriculture solutions to leverage limited resources and increase crop-yield. • Cyntia Reyes Hartmann is committed to improving water and sanitation access in Chiapas, Mexico. • Amy Meek is tackling environmental education to empower young people to tackle pressing climate crises. • (Alvin) Ye Tian aims to build a more sustainable future through a new technology platform. 📈 Economic Inclusion Fellows 📈 • Bupe Chikumbi is launching a new STEM curriculum.  • Jean Paul Gisa is supporting smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa with cleaner, affordable, battery-powered irrigation solutions. • W. Leif Van Grinsven is developing agricultural communities in Malawi.  • Courage Matiza is addressing youth unemployment in Zimbabwe. • Juanita Soranno (Juanita S.) is addressing the digital divide through AI education and digital skills. 🩺 Health Equity Fellows 🩺 • Nancy Bosnoian is helping high school students prioritize sleep for optimum brain function and preventive mental health care. • Kylee McGrane Zarnoch is focused on helping children going through treatment for cancer and their families. • Obianuju (Uju) Helen O. is working to leverage artificial intelligence to identify individuals at high risk of adverse health outcomes through a user-friendly platform. • Rachel Sanyu is working to mentor high school students as they pursue higher education and careers in health care. • Kenene Senior, MA, PGDip, BSc aims to address the pressing mental health needs among at-risk youth. 💪 Humanitarian Response Fellows 💪 • Natalia Arkhipova is committing to developing a volunteer-based platform to support Armenian refugees. • Anish Easwaran is tackling the global snakebite crisis through patent pending leg armor. • Elizabeth S. LeBlanc is committing to connect every child and adult in Taos County with access to educational tools and opportunities. • Tabitha Willis is providing college students with volunteer opportunities. 🙋♀️ Women and Girls’ Equality Fellows 🙋♀️ • Selma Bichbich is launching an initiative that aims to address gender disparities and climate change. • Ciera Blehm is providing direct cash to college student survivors impacted by sexual violence. • Mawloda Hassas is working to help Afghan women establish sustainable businesses in their communities. • Olubunmi Olaniyan (Bunmi O.) aims to help 1,000 women transition into tech-based sectors or achieve lateral growth. • Raioni Madison, M.S. is creating safe spaces for girls to explore S.T.E.A.M and social emotional wellness. • Lennox Omondi HSC is working to provide sustainable menstrual hygiene solutions and comprehensive education programs.

In celebration of International Youth Day, learn more about the essential role young people play in digital innovation for addressing global issues. As we observe this day, it's vital to recognize the passion and knowledge that youth bring to the table, especially in advancing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. This year’s theme, "From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development," highlights the need for support, mentorship, and opportunities that enable young innovators to transform their ideas into impactful solutions. Explore how organizations like Youth for Technology Foundation, Thaki, and Whiz Kids Workshop are empowering the next generation through technology, fostering progress and driving sustainable change. https://lnkd.in/g36rVVAF

🌍 Youth in Development Fellowship – Applications Now Open 📢 The Youth in Development Fellowship, hosted by The IMPACT Toolbox, is offering young leaders an exceptional opportunity to gain the skills, knowledge, and support needed to drive sustainable development and create real impact in their communities. 🚀 Backed by Global Institutions This transformative program is supported by: 🏫 Rustandy Center for Social Innovation, Chicago Booth Business School 🚀 Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, University of Chicago 🌎 Appalachian State University, North Carolina, USA These partnerships provide fellows access to a robust global network of changemakers and industry experts. Who Should Apply? 🌟 Eligible candidates must: ✅ Be 19–35 years old as of the application deadline. ✅ Have a concrete idea or project for social change. ✅ Demonstrate a passion for launching a social enterprise or advancing a career in the social sector. ✅ Exhibit English proficiency. 🌐 Applications are welcome from all countries worldwide! Fellowship Highlights 💡 🔹 Social Impact Strategy Course: All applicants receive free access to foundational training on problem-solving, action planning, and developing a theory of change. 🔹 Premium Advanced Training (valued at $1,000): Fellows gain tools in business model creation, financial modeling, go-to-market strategies, and more, complete with certificates! 🔹 Immersive Boot Camps: Three boot camps featuring hands-on training, networking sessions, and mentorship from experienced social entrepreneurs. 🔹 Venture Development Prize: Exceptional fellows receive equity-free funding between $500–$2,500 to launch or scale their initiatives. Why Join? 🤝 Whether at the idea stage or ready to scale, this fellowship provides mentorship, tools, and access to funding empowering young changemakers to turn ideas into real-world solutions. 🗓 Deadline: January 31, 2025, at 8 PM GMT 🔗 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dvsEkppC #YouthInDevelopment #SocialImpact #Changemakers #Innovation #YouthLeadership #SocialEntrepreneurship #GlobalSouthOpportunities #GSO #GlobalOpportunities

I'm excited to share that I am currently participating in the Watson Reasing Leaders of Mexico fellowship Watson Institute. This journey has been incredibly rewarding and challenging, and I want to take a moment to reflect on my experiences and seek support from our amazing community here on LinkedIn. My Story: Four years ago, I founded YBTFG Youth Building The Future Global as a simple project with the vision of empowering young people to take climate action. What started as a small initiative has now grown into an organization that leads international projects, participates in global negotiations on climate policy, and strives to influence international legislation. It’s been a remarkable journey, but not without its hurdles. Current Work: At YBTFG, we are focused on driving climate action in the region. Our efforts include organizing events, leading educational programs, and collaborating with international bodies to ensure that the voices of young people are heard in climate discussions. We are committed to fostering a sustainable future and believe that youth must play a central role in this mission. Challenges: Transitioning from a nonprofit to a profit-oriented model while maintaining our core mission has been one of our biggest challenges. This shift is crucial for the sustainability and scalability of our initiatives, but it requires a strategic approach and support from experienced mentors. Support Needed: - Mentorship: Guidance on navigating the transition from nonprofit to profit, especially in the context of climate action and social impact. - Funding: Resources to support our ongoing and future projects, ensuring we can continue to make a meaningful impact. - Partnerships: Collaborations with organizations and individuals who share our vision for a sustainable future and can help amplify our efforts. A Personal Note: As a young leader, it has not always been easy to balance ambition with the realities of running an organization. There have been moments of doubt and uncertainty, but the passion and dedication of our team have kept us moving forward. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved, but I know that there is still much work to be done. Call to Action: If you have experience in transitioning organizations, climate action, or social entrepreneurship, I would love to connect and learn from your insights. Your support can make a significant difference in our journey and help us create lasting change. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and for any support you can offer. Let’s work together to lead the charge for a sustainable future! Roberto Juarez @Citizen4sustainability #ClimateAction #Sustainability #YouthLeadership #WatsonLeaders #YBTFG #Mentorship #Collaboration #Support #FutureLeaders #ClimateJustice

Here's my 2024 LinkedIn Rewind, by Coauthor.studio: Transformative education flows like a river - sometimes unexpected, always powerful, connecting cultures and ideas across continents. 2024 was a year of remarkable journeys, from the digital classrooms of Vietnam to the innovative shores of climate sustainability. Our international collaborations didn't just create projects; they sparked genuine transformation. Key highlights that reshaped how we think about education and impact: 🎋 Digital Transformation in Vietnam: We didn't just teach technology, we reimagined learning. 300+ transformation projects, 500+ tutors upskilled, 3000+ students empowered to shape their futures. 🎋 Liverpool Research Institute for Climate & Sustainability (LiRICS): Launching an initiative that connects education, innovation, and environmental stewardship. 🎋 'Yesrem - The Rights of the River' Performance: Proving that education transcends traditional boundaries, we performed across London, Liverpool, and France, showcasing how storytelling can illuminate complex ecological relationships. Three posts that captured our collective journey: 1. Digital Transformation Celebration "Làm tốt means 'well done' in Vietnamese - we've just finished an international celebration of our large-scale digital transformation impacts." https://lnkd.in/eFks_CVh 2. Women's Leadership Symposium "Stories of incredibly inspiring innovation and impact!" Bringing together leaders from Auckland to Lagos, Liverpool to Vietnam. https://lnkd.in/eJ_TwRcD 3. Rights of Rivers Project "We have observed that its deep meaning and value connects with people across cultures: we love our rivers and want to enable them and their wildlife to flourish!" https://lnkd.in/ei6dxq2D A personal milestone: Becoming a Principal Fellow of AdvanceHE, a recognition not just of individual achievement but of our collective commitment to educational innovation. Looking ahead to 2025: Our work continues to expand digital transformation across ASEAN, deepen climate sustainability initiatives, and prove that meaningful education is about connection - between people, disciplines, and possibilities. Immense gratitude to our incredible collaborators across Vietnam, Sweden, the UK, and beyond. Together, we're not just changing education - we're reimagining its potential. Liverpool Business School | Liverpool John Moores University | Social Value International | Institute for Social Value | British Academy of Management | Academy of Management | British Council | The British Academy | #2024 | #2025 #OurLiRICSareAlive

It is crazy for me to sit down and realize, that this summer I managed to directly impact more than 120 young people in 3 consecutive projects. 🤯 I worked intensively during August and September as a coordinator and facilitator of short-term non-formal educational mobilities for people aged between 15-30 coming from Poland, Romania, Türkiye, Portugal, Slovakia, Italy, Ireland, Ukraine, Cyprus, and Lithuania. I have prepared and implemented programs for two youth exchanges within Erasmus+ and one within the Polish-Ukrainian Youth Exchange Fund, and I would like to tell you a bit about what I have learned during each of them. 💡 "YASS: Youth As Agents of Sustainable Societies" was an activity held to increase awareness of SDGs among young people and encourage them to explore the topic in more detail, becoming more involved in the cause of environmental care. It was challenging to me, as a person without much prior expertise in the field of sustainability. The theme made it particularly enlightening to me, though, as I had a chance to challenge myself on how to organize my hitherto skill and knowledge in a way that can be beneficial in completely new circumstances. Because of my experience in Inclusion and Diversity strategies implementation, I delved deeper into the social sustainability aspect when assuming the role of the speaker. Meanwhile, when it came to the themes I had less comprehension of, I facilitated the process of creative team research, based on peer learning and exchange. This project equipped me with competencies to approach less comfortable topics more innovatively, at the same time giving me a lot of substantial knowledge on sustainability itself. I realize also, how much this theme is crucial for any kind of work nowadays. 💡 The following "With Healthy Lifestyle For Inclusion" dared me to experiment with new methods of facilitating activities, as the goal of those was twofold. I needed to construct workshops that not only support the theoretical knowledge of well-being but also practically enhance the well-being of present participants. It was the first time for me to include so many sessions exploring the movement of body and mind, and so many sessions I authored from scratch. Additionally, the openness of the group made me enjoy being an integral part of it, which allowed me to reflect on myself - my features and behaviors, as a leader and teammate. 💡 Lastly, I was truly "Challenged" (as in the name of the activity ;)) with building a program interesting enough to maintain attention, engagement, and will to integrate in a group of youth aged 15-17 with linguistic and social barriers. It was the first time I worked with people so young, who additionally came only from two countries, which in my opinion made it more difficult to enhance inter-group cooperation. I also then learned how to facilitate a process of designing a board game, which was so much fun! In the end, I simply wanna thank each individual I encountered.

"How might we – as orchestrators of collective action and as people with the best of intentions – avoid pitfalls of power and design collective action initiatives to address sticky societal challenges?" This question is reflected upon by Schwab Foundation award winners Khushboo Awasthi, Tasso Azevedo and Danya Pastuszek in their blog for the World Economic Forum. They break down their lessons on taking the collective route to solve societal challenges: 💡 Balance collective vision with individual innovation 📊 Ensure transparent governance, accountability and decision-making 🤝 Restore agency and embrace diversity A great example of these learnings is #Shikshagraha, where the design strategy recommends using a unified approach of micro-improvements such that the collective can have a shared measurement system of success, but encourages individual partners to include their own innovation and unique solutions in the programme design for the challenge identified locally. Read the full blog here: https://lnkd.in/e88e5-7J Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship Social Innovation + Change Initiative at Harvard Kennedy School MapBiomas Tamarack Institute for Community Engagement Societal Thinking ShikshaLokam EduMentum #collectiveaction #microimprovement #educationequity #socialimpact

2024 International Youth Day we are taking it a step further with a days Program featuring high-level Conversations aimed at strengthening the of youths and celebrating the contributions of young people towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. From Awareness to Action: Empowering Youth In Nigeria for the SDGs On 12 August, the global community celebrates United Nations International Youth Day, highlighting the significant contributions of young people to society. The 2024 theme, “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,” emphasises the transformative power of digital technology in driving sustainable development. The Digital Generation Young people today are digital natives, leveraging technology to influence and implement sustainable practices. From social media activism to tech-driven entrepreneurship, young people are using digital platforms to address environmental, social, and economic challenges. 2024 Theme: From Clicks to Progress This theme highlights how digital technology empowers youth to advance the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It showcases the potential of digital pathways to connect, mobilise, and implement innovative solutions. Key Areas of Focus 1= Digital Activism: Youth use social media to raise awareness and drive policy changes on issues like climate change and human rights. 2= Tech-Driven Entrepreneurship: Young entrepreneurs develop sustainable products and services in renewable energy, waste management, and agriculture. 3= Education and Digital Literacy: Online learning and digital literacy programs expand educational opportunities, especially in underserved regions. 4= Social Inclusion: Digital technology connects young people globally, fostering collaboration and a sense of global citizenship. Global Celebrations and Activities. International Youth Day 2024 will feature virtual conferences, webinars and Physical events. Jibrin Muhammad Binji SDGs ALUMNI.