The Igbo ethnic group strongly believes in the philosophy: Igwebuike - k’anyi dozie obodo-anyi. It is a model that translates: “Together we can achieve more, so let’s rebuild our land.” Kenyans have the Ubuntu way of life and it simply translates: “I am, because we are.” The Ubuntu philosophy explores Africans’ interconnectivity, kindred, and oneness.

These existing systems are the exact things the sustainable development goal is about. How we can live together in harmony with ourselves and our environment. There are pan-African passions and spirit which resonates within the Kilimanjaro declaration that, among other things, Africa is a rich continent whose wealth belongs to all the people, and not to the narrow political and economic elites. Therefore, there’s need to fight for economic development that embraces social inclusion and environmental care. Now, imagine what will be the results if young people from the nooks and crannies of Africa and the world, who have been living this ideology subconsciously, is presented with a beautifully crafted event that will not only open up their start-ups and help them network, but present them with a chance to pitch their very own business projects at a global event, with the winner receiving Youth Time’s ‘Idea Grant’ to realise their idea.

The event, which is partially funded, will take place in Paris, France, from December 2 – 6, and will gather together more than 100 participants, experts and trainers from all over the world with the aim of discussing ideas and solutions to some of the most prevalent youth issues. The topic of the annual event is “Worldwide Impact Investment: the Role of Entrepreneurs.”

We need to realise that with the world is facing a plethora of social and environmental challenges; the practice of impact-investing has become something of a trend in the past decade. In fact, such investments are now beginning to question the archaic notion that global issues can be tackled only through philanthropic contributions, with market investments focusing exclusively on monetary gain. This emerging form of investment comes with a promise to bring out the best of the non-profit and for-profit systems, combining them to yield positive social and environmental impact, in addition to tidy financial returns. It appears to be a win-win formula and, as the call for addressing global problems and reaching sustainable development goals amplifies, so do the opportunities for both investors and innovators.

This consciousness will be repositioning the people to unite and organise to gain support from investors and access funds, then lobby for change in policy-making process and still be co-owners of their contents. This event will help entrepreneurs work out sustainable basic needs and how the services can be delivered.

Set in the cosmopolitan city of Paris, France, the Youth Global Forum is designed not only to equip young business people with the necessary tools to thrive in the realms of impact investment, but also to foster leadership, human values and a strong sense of social responsibility. Through a harmonious combination of educational programmes and cultural exchange activities, participants will leave the event feeling empowered and inspired to generate positive change within their communities. A series of informative keynotes, master-classes, case-studies and highly-interactive workshops conducted by esteemed experts will help attendees to gain insight into the complex world of impact-investing and learn about the opportunities, which could allow them to realise their maximum potential.

So, if you are a young person aged 20-35 from anywhere in the world, being master’s/PhD student who is a social entrepreneur, young professional, working at/with start-up incubators and/or accelerators, and fluent in English (reading, writing, speaking).

Then you can either apply as a project presenter or a basic participant, using http://www.youthglobalforum.org/

Deadline to apply is September 30, 2018. You can also follow the discussion online: #youthglobalforum18.

•Ekene Odigwe, an OAP @coalcity929fm, advocate @afrikaYM, fellow @YALINetwork, Human Rights Ambassador @projects_human, director of PR @TheWellbeingI, writes from Enugu. He can be reached via ekeneodigwe@gmail.com

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