In the 21st century, young people are proving to be a driving force for change and progress across the globe. From leading social and environmental movements to spearheading technological innovation, the contributions of young people are reshaping our world for the better. Here are some examples of how young people are changing the world for the better in the 21st century:
Entrepreneurship and innovation have been a driving force behind the positive changes made by young people in the 21st century. With access to technology and resources, young entrepreneurs are disrupting industries, creating new markets, and solving societal problems through innovative business solutions. One such example is Boyan Slat, a Dutch inventor and entrepreneur who founded The Ocean Cleanup, a non-profit organisation focused on developing technologies to remove plastic from the ocean. Slat started his work on The Ocean Cleanup when he was just 18 years old, and now his organisation is making significant progress in cleaning up the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, an area in the Pacific Ocean where plastic waste has accumulated.
Another young entrepreneur making a difference is Iddris Sandu, a computer scientist and entrepreneur who has worked with major companies such as Google, Uber, and Instagram. Sandu is also a mentor and advocate for underrepresented groups in tech, using his platform to promote diversity and inclusion in the industry. He has also created educational programs and workshops for young people, teaching them the skills needed to succeed in the tech industry and inspiring them to pursue their passions.
In addition to individual entrepreneurs, young people are also contributing to innovation through social entrepreneurship. Social entrepreneurship is a business model that focuses on creating social and environmental impact, rather than just financial gain. A notable example is TOMS Shoes, a company founded by Blake Mycoskie in 2006. For every pair of shoes purchased, TOMS donates a pair to a child in need. Since its founding, TOMS has donated over 100 million pairs of shoes to children in need around the world.
Young people are also utilising technology to innovate and create positive change. For example, the rise of social media has given young people a platform to raise awareness about social and environmental issues, and to connect with others who share their passions. In addition, young people are leveraging technology to develop new solutions to societal problems, such as using drones for conservation efforts or creating apps to address mental health issues.
Overall, entrepreneurship and innovation have been powerful tools for young people to make a positive impact in the world. By combining their passion with their skills and resources, they are creating new solutions to old problems and working towards a better future for all.
Philanthropy and volunteerism have been important ways that young people are changing the world for the better in the 21st century. Many young people are passionate about social and environmental issues and are actively engaged in giving back to their communities through philanthropy and volunteer work.
One example is Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani activist for female education and the youngest Nobel Prize laureate. Yousafzai started advocating for girls’ education when she was just 11 years old and continued her activism despite being shot by the Taliban at the age of 15. She has since founded the Malala Fund, a non-profit organisation that advocates for girls’ education and provides resources to help girls access education in developing countries.
Another example of philanthropy and volunteerism is the work of Jack Dorsey, the co-founder and CEO of Twitter. In 2020, Dorsey announced that he would be donating $1 billion of his equity in Square, a financial services and mobile payment company he also co-founded, to COVID-19 relief efforts and other charitable causes. The donation is being distributed through Dorsey’s Start Small LLC fund and has already supported a number of organisations working on a range of social and environmental issues.
Young people are also actively volunteering in their communities to support causes they care about. For example, the student-led organisation UNICEF on Campus engages college students in volunteer work and advocacy for children’s rights around the world. Similarly, the organisation DoSomething.org mobilises young people to take action on a range of social and environmental issues through volunteerism and community service projects.
Philanthropy and volunteerism offer young people a way to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond. Through giving their time, skills, and resources, they are able to create meaningful change and contribute to a better world for all.
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Entrepreneurship and innovation:
Philanthropy and volunteerism: