Huntr at the United Nations, Vatican Youth Symposium December 2021

Highlights from the Vatican Youth Symposium 2021: Youth Innovation and Leadership at the Forefront

Amid the challenges of the ongoing pandemic, the Vatican Youth Symposium 2021 transitioned to a virtual format for the second consecutive year, enabling over 600 participants from around the globe to join the discussion on sustainable development. This year’s theme, “Global Youth Movements: Leading Change for the Good of Present & Future Generations,” underscored the critical role of youth in driving transformative change.

One of the standout moments of the Symposium was the session led by Samuel Joy, Founder and CEO of Huntr, who shared profound insights into the intersection of youth innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology.

During his session, Samuel Joy highlighted the vital role of entrepreneurship and innovation in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He spoke about the pressing need for technology to evolve in alignment with sustainable development solutions, addressing key themes such as:

• Youth-Led Innovation: Showcasing how young entrepreneurs are at the forefront of creating impactful solutions for global challenges.

• The Future of Work in a Post-Pandemic Society: Exploring how the pandemic has reshaped the workforce and the opportunities it presents for youth-led businesses.

• Sustainable Business Practices: Advocating for businesses to align their strategies with the SDGs to ensure long-term impact and growth.

• Technology as a Catalyst: Emphasizing the transformative power of technology in advancing sustainable development globally.

Here are some key highlights and insights from this remarkable event:

Global Village: A Lively Kickoff

The Symposium began on December 15 with the Global Village, featuring a screening of the ActNow Film. This impactful film showcased the lived experiences of young people grappling with climate change, their hopes, fears, and pledges for action. A vibrant panel discussion followed, featuring members of the production team and students involved in the film, setting the stage for meaningful conversations about sustainability and youth empowerment.

Day 1: Opening Session

The Opening Session on December 16 highlighted youth as pivotal leaders in shaping humanity’s future. Notable speakers included H.E. Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, who emphasized the innate ability of young people to dismantle injustices and foster unity. Additional statements of support came from Professor Jeffrey Sachs, President of SDSN, and H.E. Monsignor Marcelo Sanchez Sorondo, Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences.

Session 1: Transformative Education and Global Citizenship

This session focused on the role of education in advancing sustainable development. Leaders like H.E. Niki Kerameus, Greek Minister of Education, and Amanda Abrom, Manager of SDSN’s Global Schools, advocated for integrating global citizenship and sustainability into curriculums to ensure no one is left behind.

Session 2: Entrepreneurship & Technology

The day concluded with a session spotlighting youth-driven innovation and technology. Panelists, including Mr. Samuel Joy, CEO of Huntr, and Ms. Namita Dutt from the World Bank, explored the critical role of entrepreneurship in aligning business practices with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Day 2: Human Rights and Sustainable Cities

The second day delved into human rights and sustainable urban development:

Session 3: Human Rights and Dignity

HRH Princess Eugenie, Co-Founder of the Anti-Slavery Collective, addressed the global epidemic of modern slavery, urging collective action to combat this pressing issue. She was joined by human rights activists and sustainability leaders who shared strategies to protect human dignity worldwide.

Session 4: Sustainable Cities & Communities

The discussion shifted to reimagining urban spaces to align with SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Youth activists, including Fridays for Future advocate Edwin Namakanga and Earth Uprising Founder Alexandria Villaseñor, emphasized the importance of youth-led climate action in shaping resilient, inclusive cities.

Closing Session: A Vision for the Future

The Symposium concluded with powerful words from Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, who described youth as navigators steering our planet in the right direction. Chris Kelly, CEO of the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need to scale youth-driven initiatives.

The event also introduced the SDSN Youth Seed Fund Awards, a partnership with NOVA Impact to empower young changemakers advancing the SDGs.

As we move forward, the insights and energy from this Symposium will continue to inspire action, proving that youth are not just participants but leaders in shaping a better future for all.