WIPO, ITC and Sidley Austin LLP Celebrate International Youth Day 2023
August 28, 2023
This International Youth Day, the worlds of environmental passion, green skills development and youthful innovation came together in a joint collaboration between the International Trade Centre (ITC), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and Sidley Austin LLP.
The recently concluded International Youth Day 2023 virtual event is a testament to the power of young minds and the significance of green skills for young innovators and entrepreneurs.
If you missed it, worry not! We've got you covered with a few highlights.
Watch the recording on YouTube
We celebrated young leaders in green business
Fresh from their win at the Youth Ecopreneur Awards at the World Export Development Forum, we invited two young innovators to share their green journeys this International Youth Day.
From Bangladesh, Mashrur Shurid, shared the story behind the agricultural service he created called iPage, - that connects local farmers to international markets. He rooted his entrepreneurial pursuits in a deep desire to support local farmers—who are often on the frontline of the effects of climate change. His journey serves as a testament to the power of merging skills with passion. A few key nuggets that he tactfully provided as actionable wisdom for budding entrepreneurs: learn to write with clarity, practice how to pitch with confidence, and become fluent in the language of numbers. He not only urged them to stretch the boundaries of their comfort zones but to redraw them entirely. Another key takeaway that he also emphasized is the importance of Intellectual Property (IP) as an integral part of his entrepreneurial journey. With a registered trademark for iPage and copyrights for his technical source codes, he highlighted how IP protection fosters creativity and business growth.
Virtually journeying further east to Mongolia, Oyungerel Munkhbat, also shared the story of her business, Airee where she developed air purifying technology using biodegradable Mongolian wool which is a green alternative to synthetic filters. Oyungerel has secured a utility model certification for her pioneering wool filter and is in the process of obtaining another utility model, a design right, and a trademark. Additionally, an application for a patent on the technology for an improved wool filter is pending. She spoke passionately about the significance of continual personal growth. A key highlight was her analogy to "sharpen one’s sword after every battle" speaks to the essence of lifelong learning, resilience, and evolution and never giving up. For her, the journey of an entrepreneur is one of continuous refinement, both in skill and spirit. It's this blend of emotional well-being and technical prowess that empowers her to develop solutions that are not only innovative but also deeply empathetic. She also championed the importance of being part of larger networks and communities, emphasizing that collective strength can advance individual success.
We offered a technical green learning opportunity
In line with the theme of green skills for youth, we delved into specialized areas crucial for every budding ecopreneur. Sidley Austin LLP reps, Netanya Clixby and Ellen Pesch, unraveled the interaction between financial mechanics and ecological sustainability. They highlighted the potential of green financing in driving sustainable initiatives and the role of carbon credits in promoting environmental accountability.
The essence? Green financing revolves around tapping into opportunities for eco-centric projects. Imagine you've got a cool idea to help the planet, like a tree-planting drone or solar-powered shoes. Green financing is like a special piggy bank that helps fund these green projects. But, as with all opportunities, challenges arise and 'greenwashing' - where entities misleadingly project green virtues, stands out as a major one.
We also dived into the world of carbon credits, think of them like green-brownie points! When companies do good for the planet by reducing their carbon emissions, they earn these points. They can then sell these points to other companies that haven't reduced their emissions as much. But watch out, sometimes there are claims of more brownie points than were actually earned, which can mess up the real positive impact.
Thankfully, financial institutions now have stricter rules for eco-businesses to prove their green actions, ensuring they truly make a positive impact on our planet. For those gearing up to tread this path: engage with your local financial institutions, decode the intricacies of green financing and leverage the available tools to support entrepreneurs in their ventures.
We brought a splash of creativity
Attendees had the unique opportunity to not just hear the dialogues but to see them unfold in the art of Kathryn Gichini, a talented young artist.
She visually captured key moments, emotions, and narratives around green skills for youth during the virtual event, allowing the conversation to take color and shape in real time.
Check out her work at, KG Designs.
In a nutshell…
The International Youth Day 2023 joint event by ITC, WIPO and Sidley Austin LLP provided a robust platform for meaningful dialogue, exchange of ideas, and fostering a collective consciousness towards sustainability. The event, while celebrating youth aspirations, laid emphasis on the essential tools, skills, and knowledge that young people require to usher in a sustainable future. The Youth Ecopreneur winners made it clear that advancing in green business is all about leveraging platforms, seeking mentoring and support networks, leveraging technology and continuously refining one's skills. Intellectual property emerges as a powerful tool, allowing young entrepreneurs to protect, sustain, and grow. Intellectual property emerges as a powerful tool, allowing young entrepreneurs to protect, sustain, and grow, while networks like the Ye! Community provide spaces to refine and explore such tools.
Related: Explore these tools from ITC, WIPO and Sidley Austin LLP for green innovators and ecopreneurs.
As we reflect on the discussions, one thing stands clear: the future is green, and it is in the hands of informed, skilled, and resilient young entrepreneurs.
What’s on the Horizon?
The dialogue may have wrapped up, but our journey in cultivating green business acumen has just begun. Mark your calendars for these forthcoming events, as we continue to champion our collective vision for a sustainable tomorrow.
Upcoming Green Skills Webinar Series:
12th September: Ecopreneurs, gear up for the global stage and prepare to export!
26th September: Be part of an enlightening session on Climate Smart Network & Voluntary Sustainability Standards.
Here's to a future that integrates innovation, sustainability, and lifelong learning.
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