Key Impact Points:
- The SDG Innovation Accelerator for Young Professionals provides a unique, nine-month program to empower young talent in driving SDG-aligned business innovation.
- Participants engage in learning experiences that include webinars, workshops, mentoring, and innovation camps to develop and test impactful solutions.
- The program fosters a global network of young professionals, promoting collaboration and sustainability within the business community.
Empowering Young Leaders for Sustainable Innovation
The SDG Innovation Accelerator for Young Professionals, part of the UN Global Compact network, offers an invaluable nine-month opportunity for young talent in participating companies to lead and innovate. This initiative is set to propel young professionals into action, aligning their projects with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to drive both business value and sustainability.
António Guterres, UN Secretary-General, encouraged young professionals, stating, “Be bold, be revolutionary…and disrupt… because without innovation, there is no way we can overcome the challenges of our times.”
Programme Structure and Learning Approach
Participants will work collaboratively within teams to pinpoint opportunities and develop solutions that benefit their companies while advancing the SDGs. The program’s approach is rooted in “learning by doing,” encompassing activities such as:
- Webinars and Training Workshops: Interactive global and local sessions.
- Mentoring and Case Studies: Personalized support from mentors and real-world insights.
- Challenge Labs: Collaborative settings for developing actionable solutions.
Key Phases of the Programme:
- SDG Exploration: Understanding the intersection of business and the SDGs.
- Challenge Identification: Prioritizing SDGs relevant to business impact.
- Challenge Definition: Leveraging SDG tools to outline ambitious goals.
- Solutions Development: Moving ideas from concept to project.
- Solutions Testing and Validation: Refining solutions through company and stakeholder feedback.
Benefits for Participants and Companies
Participants:
- Gain unique learning experiences with workshops, case studies, and expert-led sessions.
- Build relationships through peer networking and receive valuable mentorship.
- Join a global community of innovative young professionals.
Companies:
- Apply practical SDG innovation to current sustainability challenges.
- Embed SDG-focused strategies into business operations.
- Enhance employee engagement and receive global recognition for participation.
Tracks and Participation Details
The Accelerator is offered in various formats:
- In-Country Tracks: Customized to local languages and time zones, featuring live sessions and hands-on support.
- Regional Tracks (Asia, Latin America): Focused on cross-regional best practices.
- Global Track: For companies without local networks, conducted in English with limited space.
Countries Offering the Accelerator:
- Participating countries include Bangladesh, Central Asia, China, Colombia, Egypt, France, Ghana, Indonesia, Mexico, Sweden, the United States, among others. Full participation details can be accessed through the Global Compact Country Network.
Important Dates
- Applications Open: 30 October 2024 – 31 January 2025
- Information Session: December 2, 2024
- Programme Timeline: February 2025 – September 2025
For young professionals eager to drive impactful change, the SDG Innovation Accelerator is a call to action. Engage, innovate, and lead towards a sustainable future.
Apply Here: https://unglobalcompact.formtitan.com/ftproject/sdgi
