UN-Habitat and the International Ecological Safety Collaboration Organization (IESCO)
supported by China Development Orient Urban Development and Investment
Company Limited (“CDB-ORIENT”), a major private sector organization in
China have jointly launched a biennial Youth Innovation Awards
Programme.
These organizations have consequently sent out the first calls for
entries for those interested in being considered for the award. The
award intended to recognize, honor and promote young generation of
leaders who are in a unique position to leverage the power of invention
to establish businesses which would contribute to solving social and
environmental problems.
Culturally innovative proposals and projects which promote local
culture in the concept, design and operation of the project will also be
considered for the Award. “This initiative aims to attract, support and
inspire some of the most innovative, high-impact young innovators and
entrepreneurs in a number of countries in Africa and Asia,” said
Oyebanji Oyeyinka from UN-Habitat.
Encouraging youth talent
The aim of the Award is to acknowledge and recognize initiatives
which will create positive impact socially, economically and
environmentally. The initiative should act as catalyst towards the
promotion of sustainable cities and towns and encourage talent needed
for future urban development measured by creation of youth employment,
poverty alleviation and ensuring ecological safety. This Award will be
granted to outstanding inventors, innovators, and entrepreneurs from all
corners of the globe – particularly those from developing countries in
Africa, Asia and Latin America and depending on the success of the pilot
initiative and subject to the availability of resources, it will be
replicated in other parts of the globe.
“The 5 categories span the breadth of the Award and are judged by the
steering Committee and panel of expert judges in their field. Awards
will be given in the following categories:
- Youth Leadership,
- Green inventions and Innovations,
- Urban Ecological Safety,
- Youth Entrepreneurship, and
- Social and cultural innovations.
Young Entrepreneur of the Biennium will also be recognized and
awarded,” said Jiang Mingjun of IESCO. Winners will not only receive a
cash Prize and a certificate from UN-Habitat and IESCO, they will also
get a trophy and will benefit from extensive media coverage. The total
amount of the prize pool is USD 200,000 and the individual cash grant
will be USD 20,000 to be given to two winners in each category.
Bottom up transformation
Citation will also be given to institutions and mentors who have been
instrumental in innovators’ achievements. The scheme is comprehensive
mechanism which touches all walks of life and is geared to bringing
serious and meaningful changes to society.
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