Harnessing youth power in India

RSPO India is represented at ninth YIC

RSPO India Representative Kamal Prakash Seth recently attended the ninth edition of the ‘Young India Challenge’ (YIC) in Mumbai, India. The theme of this year’s initiative, #DoWhatYouLove, focused on finding innovative solutions for the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Kamal was invited to speak to and mentor students, youth influencers, young professionals, and entrepreneurs about RSPO’s commitment to UN SDG 12, “Responsible Consumption and Production,” and several other goals that RSPO is directly and indirectly contributing to.

The event drew more than 250 participants, chosen from over 1,500 applicants. A further 16 special guest mentors from various organisations and industries addressed the audience, speaking on India’s challenges and opportunities in meeting the SDGs. “Empowering youth influencers and people in general to take action on these goals is a very important part of the work we do in India and around the world,” said Kamal.

Other keynote speakers included Vaibhav Chhabra, founder of Maker’s Asylum, a community makerspace, who highlighted the value of indigenous innovation at the the grassroots level; and Maurici Rolo, director of ESADE Summer Programme, Spain, who stressed the importance of developing a global mindset through study opportunities abroad.

Three innovative startup ideas are chosen by judges

The teams at YIC presented startup concepts, innovative campaigns, and ideas for unique products and services. This was followed by narrations from the “You Are The Story” contest by a talented and deserving group of delegates. After a thorough debate and discussion, the judges selected three out of 24 winning ideas, which were recognised for excellence and outstanding entrepreneurial spirit. With more than 500 million people under the age of 35 in their nation’s population, India’s youth have a big role to play for the country to contribute substantially towards the 17 SDGs.

YIC is curated and organised by Human Circle every year in major Indian cities like Delhi and Mumbai. In 2018, the team is looking to take the 10th edition to the northeast region of India, where 80% of the area still has forest cover, but where there is growing concern about deforestation and lack of opportunities for the youth.