22 August 2007
The Competition is part of the Global Knowledge Partnership's ongoing program in the area of youth-led social enterprises. It is fully web-based and open to applicants worldwide until the (extended) closing on 9 September 2007. 100 winners selected by an international online jury will be announced on 20 October 2007.
Global Knowledge Partnership (GKP) is the world’s leading international multi-stakeholder network committed to harnessing the potential of knowledge, and information and communication technologies (ICT) for sustainable and equitable development. GKP brings together public sector agencies, private sector companies, civil society organisations and international institutions to Share Knowledge and Build Partnerships that promote innovation and advancement in the areas of Knowledge for Development (K4D) and Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICT4D).
54% of the world population is aged below 25 years old. Many of these youths – in developing and developed countries alike – are motivated by a job that helps make the world a better place, yet also earns them a living. Enter the young social entrepreneurs of our time.
These young and up-coming social entrepreneurs from all around the globe are in good company – for example the company of Mohammad Yunus, the most prominent social entrepreneur these days who received the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize for his pioneering microfinance social business in Bangladesh (Grameen Bank). But high-profile social entrepreneurs have also made their entry into the World Economic Forum and taken top places in awards programmes such as the World Challenge 2006. They all testify to the increased interest in the concept of social business over the last years, resulting in the coining of the term ‘social enterprise’.
What exactly is a social enterprise? Mohammad Yunus in his Nobel Lecture said: “Let us suppose an entrepreneur, instead of having a single source of motivation (such as, maximizing profit), now has two sources of motivation, which are mutually exclusive, but equally compelling − a) maximization of profit and b) doing good to people and the world.”
Rinalia Abdul Rahim, Executive Director of the GKP Secretariat, says: “The quality of applications received to date indicates that there are a lot of ingenious, innovative young entrepreneurs who are contributing towards a better future with new business models. With our support, they can go a long way”. All submissions are viewable by the public.
The winners receive more than just sponsorship to attend the dedicated Young Social Entrepreneurs’ Forum, 11-13 December 2007, at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Malaysia. In true entrepreneurial spirit, they are presented with the unique opportunity to potentially secure funding, networking, mentoring and knowledge for themselves – key areas in which young social entrepreneurs need support, especially in their early years. 10 of the winners will pitch for secure funding in real-time sessions. All 100 winners will meet various funding organisations, mentors, experts, potential partners or the media; be part of a crowd of innovative and motivated young social entrepreneurs; network and showcase with the 2000 participants of the larger GKP Event on the Future (GK3) – of which the Forum is a special highlight.
The Competition is supported by GKP members UN Development Programme (UNDP), Microsoft, International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).
How to apply?