One Young World partners with leading global brands on the largest investment of its kind
One Young World – the global forum for young leaders that counts Meghan Markle, Justin Trudeau and Emma Watson as Counsellors – today announces the winners of Lead2030, the first coalition of global businesses working together to support youth-led innovation aiming to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
Today, the inaugural Lead2030 Challenge Winners have each been awarded $50,000 and will receive mentorship support from their corporate Challenge Partner to amplify their impact as they tackle some of the world’s most pressing issues. Porter Novelli will be supporting as an activation partner and mentor, providing communications and marketing guidance to all grantees.
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals were agreed upon by 193 countries in 2015. From ending poverty to protecting the oceans, these goals represent an ambitious to-do list to create a more sustainable future by 2030.
Despite improvement in some areas, United Nations Secretary General António Guterres recently said, “The rate of progress in many areas is far slower than needed to meet the targets by 2030.”
Following Lead2030’s launch in October 2018, the initiative began a global search to identify the most impactful youth-led solutions for the SDGs, analysing more than 1,200 submissions in 100+ countries.
The winning businesses, social enterprises and movements were asked to respond to one of ten challenges set by the Lead2030 Challenge Partners. Lead2030’s Challenges and Winners this year are:
SDG2: Zero Hunger – Supported by Reckitt Benckiser
Challenge Winner: Bonita Sharma, Sochai
Improving health and nutrition through education, innovation and entrepreneurship at grassroots level.
SDG3: Good Health & Well-being – Supported by AstraZeneca
Challenge Winner: Quinn Underwood, ADVIN with NGO Partner BURO Bangladesh
Reducing barriers to primary healthcare for vulnerable populations through digital health technology.
SDG4: Quality Education – Supported by Deloitte in collaboration with The Global Business Coalition for Education
Challenge Winner: Ilana Milkes, World Tech Makers
Pioneering technology training with coding bootcamps.
SDG4: Quality Education – Supported by Credit Suisse
Challenge Winner: Spandana Palaypu, ZoEasy
Improving youth employment and reducing gender bias in recruitment.
SDG6: Clean Water & Sanitation – Supported by Reckitt Benckiser
Challenge Winner: Jenifer Colpas, Tierra Grata
Reducing social inequality for rural households by guaranteeing access to energy, water and sanitation services.
SDG7: Affordable & Clean Energy – Supported by BP
Challenge Winner: Ronit Kanwar, Empower Energy
Connecting rural communities to the modern economy through access to life-changing technologies.
SDG9: Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure – Supported by Standard Chartered Bank
Challenge Winner: Edward Neequaye, Built Accounting
Addressing youth unemployment through financial services training.
SDG10: Reduced Inequalities – Supported by Bristol-Myers Squibb in collaboration with Out and Equal
Challenge Winner: Donnya Piggott, Pink Coconuts
Building an inclusive tourism industry for LGBTQ+ people.
SDG12: Responsible Consumption & Production – Supported by Mondi Group in collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund
Challenge Winner: Hope Wakio Mwanake, Eco Tiles
Manufacturing alternative building products from recycled waste.
SDG17: Partnerships for the Goals – Supported by KPMG
Challenge Winner: Bradley Heslop, WSV
Revolutionizing the way aid is provided through long-lasting partnerships with NGOs, businesses and communities.
“Next year will mark 10 years before the world’s target to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals – and it is clear that we are not moving fast enough,” said Kate Robertson, co-founder of One Young World. “With 380 million jobs predicted to be created by achieving the SDGs, and $12 trillion unlocked in market opportunities, the business case for accelerating progress on the Global Goals should not be underplayed.”
We will be profiling all the winners over the coming weeks on the Porter Novelli blog, as well as introducing you to our mentorship team.