Developing Youth Leadership, Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship for the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
The GYLA Offline Program is composed of master class and breakout sessions. The master class was held on 6 August 2019 with a focus on the theme of Developing Youth Leadership, Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship for the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The keynote Speakers were composed of Mr. Vic Van Vuuren, Director of the Enterprise Department of the ILO, Mr. Valter Nebuloni, Head of ILO Youth Employment Program Unit, Mr. Michele Clara, Senior Industrial Development Officer and Dr. Tareq Rasheed from London Metropolitan University. They shared their personal experience and discussed how today’s youth can shape themselves to socially responsible leaders in this interconnected and complex world.
As a successful entrepreneur, Mr. Vuuren highlighted the significance of creative thinking. Young people need to improve their technological skills and at the same time make a social impact, adding value to the society. In the face of wealth gap and environmental issues, young people should taek social responsibility. Only can when young people “think out of box” , they will be able to achieve sustainable development.
Mr. Nebuloni stressed that with rapid urbanization and aging, young people would confront increasing pressure, accompanied by new opportunities. Permanent work will step down from the stage of history, which means young people will become job creators instead of job seekers, and they have to be prepared for life-long learning.
Mr. Clara introduced the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), an agency that is dedicated to push global balance and transition of industrial development. He warned the young people that industrialization can bring huge convenience, but we need to be mindful of our ecological environment. Young people should have broader views and potential to innovate and create
Dr. Rasheed in his speech said that “Only the young people who are willing to embrace challenges, who are creative enough, and brave to change with full of courage are qualified to become young leaders and successful entrepreneurs." He also shared the concept of “KASH" (knowledge, attitudes, skills and habit), which details the factors for success.
Flash Mob: Caring Our Planet, Singing for 2030 and We are the World
On the morning of 6 August, the big flash mob was organized by GYLAers. The show of participants demonstrates how they care for our planet, raise awareness of SDGs by singing for 2030, and take action for a better world.
The flash mob kicked off with the rhythm "Homeland Rhyme" performed with Chinese zither a traditional Chinese instrument), passing the care and good wishes to our homeland. Then Peking opera brought the audience to an exotic world. The opera "Mu Guiying Takes Command" brought to life the story of one of China’s most heroic female folk characters and showcased courage and resilience that we need to make an impact.
The main theme of the flash mob was "Our Common Future" with three sub-themes: Caring For Our Planet, Singing for the 2030 SDGs, and We are the World. The three themes are devised to send a message to the world: we need to work together to address pressing global issues with UN SDGs and to heal our world to create a better future. Five songs, under the three themes, were presented to the participants and the staff of the Centre to spread the message.
Theme 1: Caring Our Planet: Earth and Heal the World
Earth is the cradle of life and provides us with abundant resources. However, our Mother Nature has become more fragile than ever after years of exploitation by human beings. There are social, economic and environmental challenges that we need to tackle.
Theme 2：Sing for the UN 2030 Agenda: Sing for 2030.
Yes, today we have the largest youth population ever in history, but how could they make a difference and heal the world? The answer is "achieving the goals of the Agenda". The Agenda provides a global blueprint for dignity, peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and the future.With the Agenda, we can make a world free of poverty and hunger and create a life with melody and laughter, exactly like what the lyrics of the song.
Theme 3:We are the world: My country and I
With the previous songs, we learned the means to build a better future. However, while working on it, we shall never forget to bear our motherland in mind, creating a better future for both our motherland the whole world.
