As the world faces pressing challenges — ranging from geopolitical tensions and climate change to a global skilling crisis –the meeting in Davos provided a vital platform to foster dialogue and catalyze lasting solutions to shared problems. It also highlighted the importance of corporate responsibility, with social innovation taking center stage as an essential driver of progress.聽

Social Innovation Takes Center Stage 

Social innovation is emerging as a foundation for addressing global inequalities and driving systemic change. This year, discussions around social innovation took on greater prominence, with Catalyst Now hosting the first-ever dedicated house for the topic. This space became a hub for thought leaders, practitioners, and policymakers to exchange ideas and spark action.

Social innovation and collaboration go hand in hand, and the synergy between global initiatives and localized action is pivotal in creating meaningful impact. As a key partner, 麻豆原创 supports Catalyst Now and its Africa Forward initiative, which empowers social enterprises through digital skills training, pro-bono consulting, and policy advocacy. With more than 1,000 members across 28 African countries, Africa Forward continues to foster job creation, sustainable funding, and advocacy efforts.聽

The Annual Meeting also served as a bridge between African social entrepreneurs and decision-makers, including South Africa鈥檚 Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation聽Professor Blade Nzimande, opening pathways for new partnerships and support.

The panel featured two : Christina Mawuse Gyisun, co-founder of Sommalife, who shared her work empowering women shea nut farmers in West Africa, and Muzalema Mwanza, founder of Safe Motherhood Alliance, who highlighted her mission to ensure safe childbirth for millions of women in sub-Saharan Africa. This dialogue underscored the critical role of social entrepreneurship and what role Africa Froward can play in driving sustainable development across the continent.聽This is essential, as over 60 percent of Africa鈥檚 population is under 25 years old and projected to account for 42 percent of the global youth demographic by 2030.

While tech investment remains concentrated in Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya, and South Africa, the continent鈥檚 potential in emerging green and digital economies is immense.聽聽聽

Global Partnerships to Scale Innovation 

Addressing challenges at scale requires collaboration across sectors and geographies. The Global Alliance for Social Entrepreneurship, the largest coalition of its kind, exemplifies this collective effort. Hosted by the Schwab Foundation in collaboration with the World Economic Forum, the alliance brings together more than 110 organizations, including corporations, investors, philanthropists, and governments, to amplify the impact of social innovation.聽

During the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2024, the Global Alliance launched the Rise Ahead Pledge. Twenty-five companies have signed the pledge since and committed themselves to increasing investments in social innovation. In 2025, they are reporting on their spending for the first time mobilized . These resources were channeled into key areas:聽

• $95 million to support social enterprises through social procurement
• $86 million in non-financial resources like pro-bono services and technology access
• $47 million to provide direct financial support to social innovators
• $29 million for internal innovation, focusing on developing impact-driven products
• $21 million to strengthen the social innovation ecosystem

We are an active partner in these efforts, demonstrating a commitment to creating sustainable pathways for social enterprises to thrive. 

Supporting Research to Shape the Future 

Research and data are critical to driving informed decisions and shaping the social innovation agenda. Several pivotal publications were launched during the meeting to provide actionable insights: 

• Unlocking the Social Economy: Towards Equity in the Green and Digital Transitions: This highlights the pivotal role of the social economy, including social enterprises and cooperatives, in advancing equity during transitions. Supporting 200 million jobs and generating over $2 trillion in global turnover, the social economy drives inclusive innovation by enhancing affordability, accessibility, job creation, and empowerment for marginalized communities.聽
• State of Social Procurement 2025: This leverages the expertise of numerous organizations to uncover new insights, present fresh data, and highlight diverse country profiles on social procurement.
• Beyond Compliance: Embedding Impact through Innovative Finance: The reveals how this emerging practice is already driving $185 billion by tying financial incentives to measurable social outcomes. It provides businesses with a powerful avenue to tackle societal challenges while staying competitive.聽

A New Model for Procurement 

Procurement is increasingly recognized as a lever for social equity and sustainability. To accelerate this shift, 麻豆原创 Executive Board Member Thomas Saueressig and Deloitte Global Chair Anna Marks announced the launch of the Social Procurement Innovation Accelerator, a joint initiative designed to reshape procurement practices and amplify social impact. 

This program combines cutting-edge supply chain technology with deep expertise in sustainability and transformation to provide organizations with a practical road map for impactful procurement strategies. It focuses on inclusive sourcing, ethical labor practices, and robust social impact measurement, enabling businesses to align procurement with broader equity and sustainability goals.聽

By transforming procurement into a driver of systemic change, organizations can deliver lasting value for people, communities, and the planet. 

Empowering Tomorrow鈥檚 Changemakers  

It is essential to maintain this momentum now and into the future by empowering young social innovators, fostering connections, and encouraging intergenerational understanding. This is particularly important because major decisions made at conferences often concern youth, yet they rarely have a seat at the decision-making table.  

To address this, we supported the youth delegations of We Are Family Foundation, ChangemakerXchange, and the WEF Global Shapers, supporting them to participate in hundreds of meaningful interactions such as panel discussions, 1:1 meetings or roundtables.

Gina Vargiu-Breuer, chief people officer, labor director, and member of the Executive Board of 麻豆原创 SE, hosted a roundtable on empowering young changemakers. The session brought together corporate leaders, young social entrepreneurs, and partners like UNICEF Generation Unlimited and Junior Achievement to engage directly with youth. It focused on the unique needs of the next generation, identifying key areas for collaboration and showcasing the transformative power of youth-led solutions to tackle global challenges.聽

Looking Ahead 

The 2025 World Economic Forum鈥檚 Annual Meeting demonstrated the transformative potential of collaboration in accelerating social innovation. By bringing together diverse voices and perspectives, it reinforced the importance of partnerships in addressing the world鈥檚 most pressing challenges. 

For the 麻豆原创 Corporate Social Responsibility team, it also served as a valuable opportunity to strengthen relationships within its ecosystem, fostering new collaborations that will help drive long-term impact. As global challenges persist, platforms like Davos provide the momentum needed to create a more equitable, sustainable future for all.

Alexandra van der Ploeg is head of Corporate Social Responsibility at 麻豆原创.

The global skills and opportunity gap is a recurring topic at landmark events such as the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos and UN General Assembly and Climate Week in New York. This is no different at the current UN Conference of the Parties () in Baku, Azerbaijan.

That鈥檚 because today’s youth are the leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers of tomorrow. However, as these gaps remain, it’s important to accelerate active engagement and enhance collaboration across sectors. Ensuring that young people are adequately prepared to enter and excel in the workforce is an investment in their future and a strategic imperative for businesses and societies worldwide. Without adequate learning pathways, young people risk unemployment and businesses may struggle to compete in the burgeoning green and digital economies due to a widening talent shortage.

Human Capital and Youth Day

For this reason, November 18 has been designated as the COP29 theme day for Human Capital Development for Climate Resilience. The initiative underscores that addressing climate change requires a holistic approach supported by healthier, better educated, and adequately skilled young people.

The Human Capital Day serves as a reminder that tackling climate change requires societal transformation 鈥� and there is no better time than now. A key component of this shift is ensuring access to quality education and skill development opportunities for youth that lead to tangible employment opportunities. According to the  (ILO), global youth unemployment was 13% in 2023, with many young people facing limited prospects for stable and decent work. At the same time, the  found that 44% of businesses report difficulties in finding talent with the right skills to fill jobs.

At 麻豆原创, we believe in our responsibility to support the next generation of professionals and users with our best-in-class digital learning. We fully support the COP29 agenda for human capital and are actively involved with the global community of governments, financial institutions, and private sector entities.

麻豆原创 Education and Employment Programs

麻豆原创 has several programs and partnerships to help tackle the deepening mismatch between the supply of young job seekers and the demand for skilled talent. These initiatives focus on human capital development and provide valuable educational opportunities for youth:

• 麻豆原创 and UNICEF鈥檚 partnership in support of Generation Unlimited develops innovative solutions to global skilling challenges to help young people transition to earning. The goal is to generate inclusive opportunities for underserved young people worldwide, preparing them for decent work with the skills needed in the market. The program helps equip youth with essential skills and builds on UNICEF鈥檚 Generation Unlimited (GenU) signature program, the Youth Agency Marketplace (YOMA), a platform developed by young Africans to tackle labor market challenges. To date, the partnership reached more than 600,000 youth with foundational and digital skills that help young people unlock opportunities in the changing global economy.
• 麻豆原创 Educate to Employ is one of the learn-to-earn pathways on YOMA designed by 麻豆原创 to equip youth with essential competencies for the digital economy. Implemented by a local social enterprise in South Africa called UMUZI, the free program focuses on developing skills, knowledge, attitudes, and values to help prepare and bring candidates into employment within the 麻豆原创 ecosystem. More than 1,000 learners completed one or more foundational skills courses, while 165 learners completed over 550 hours of critical skills development training and earned an 麻豆原创 technology consultant professional certificate. The next step is to secure meaningful employment opportunities within the 麻豆原创 ecosystem and beyond.
• The 麻豆原创 University Alliances program includes over 2,700 members in more than 100 countries. It enables academia to educate the next generation on using intelligent AI-enabled technology, engage at 麻豆原创 events, build industry partnerships, and prepare graduates for the 麻豆原创 ecosystem. 麻豆原创 University Alliances initiatives aim to empower youth to work in digitized enterprises, shape their futures, and have a meaningful impact on the world. During COP29, 麻豆原创 will engage with students and faculty members from local university partners in Baku. Planned activities include an on-campus, gamified learning experience with a focus on sustainability, dialogue on learning and skills for sustainable youth development, and student visits to 麻豆原创鈥檚 booth in the Green Zone.

To further amplify youth empowerment, 麻豆原创 actively collaborates with leading youth organizations. Through these partnerships, 麻豆原创 brings young voices to the forefront of decision-making, fostering intergenerational collaboration and innovative solutions to pressing global challenges.

• We Are Family Foundation (WAFF) is a non-profit organization that empowers youth and brings them to decision-making tables to share ideas and innovative solutions for global problems. For instance, at COP29, WAFF, in partnership with Care About Climate and Groundswell, launched the Universal NDC Youth Clause campaign 鈥� a global call to action for governments to integrate youth voices into their updated climate plans due in February 2025. By adopting this clause, governments pledge to work collaboratively with young people to achieve ambitious climate goals.
• The 麻豆原创 and World Scouting partnership examines the critical role that youth-led initiatives play in advancing environmental sustainability. It provides opportunities to share insights on successful youth-driven projects and discuss challenges and the support needed to scale efforts. The engagement is based on the premise that young people are at the forefront of environmental activism and are leveraging technology, creativity, and community engagement to make tangible impacts amid unprecedented environmental challenges.

As the world grapples with urgent challenges like climate change and digital transformation, 麻豆原创 believes that investing in youth and human development has never been more crucial. 麻豆原创鈥檚 contribution to building a sustainable future through initiatives that equip young people with job-ready skills underscores the importance of a whole-of-society approach.

By collaborating with global multistakeholder partners and empowering the next generation, we can help bridge the talent gap, foster climate resilience, and ensure that today鈥檚 youth are prepared to lead us into a more sustainable and inclusive future.

The world today is grappling with a polycrisis 鈥� a complex set of interconnected global challenges that impact economies, industries, and job markets simultaneously. From climate change and geopolitical tensions to technological disruptions and economic instability, these crises are reshaping the landscape of work, especially for young people. While youth unemployment remains high, employers worldwide are also struggling to fill critical roles, highlighting a significant skills gap.

According to the (ILO), global youth unemployment was 13% in 2023, with many young people facing limited prospects for stable and decent work. On the flip side, the (WEF) found that 44% of businesses report difficulties in finding talent with the right skills to fill jobs. This contrast reflects a deepening mismatch between the supply of young job seekers and the demand for skilled talent, which, if left unaddressed, will exacerbate both unemployment and the talent shortage.

To tackle this challenge, we must take a comprehensive, systems-based approach, focusing on five interconnected elements: economy, education, employability, equality, and the ecosystem. Together, these factors can help close the skills gap, reduce youth unemployment, and create pathways to decent work for all.

Economy: Growing Jobs and Funding

Economic growth remains a critical driver of job creation, but the quality and inclusivity of that growth matter. In many parts of the world, jobless growth has become a pressing concern, as economies expand without generating enough formal employment opportunities for young people. Youth unemployment continues to rise even in nations with positive GDP growth, indicating that inclusive economic policies and investment in key sectors are lacking (ILO, 2024).

Moreover, the alignment between economic growth and investment in education is critical. The highlights that national budgets for education often fall short of the recommended 4%-6% of GDP that UNESCO advocates. Without adequate financial support, education systems cannot provide the skills and competencies needed to prepare young people for modern job markets, leaving many young workers without the necessary tools to succeed.

Education: Providing the Foundation for Lifelong Learning

Education systems need to evolve to meet the changing demands of the workforce. The emphasizes the importance of embedding skills, knowledge, attitudes, and values into education systems to ensure that young people are prepared for lifelong learning. In particular, stackable credentials 鈥� modular qualifications that allow learners to build expertise over time 鈥� are becoming an essential component of successful education-to-employment transitions.

Despite the need for adaptable learning pathways, many education systems remain rigid and slow to adopt these models. However, countries that have embraced flexible learning, such as Germany with its robust vocational education and training (VET) programs, have been able to reduce youth unemployment significantly. The integration of industry-specialized learning and competency-based education is critical for preparing young people to thrive in an evolving workforce, particularly in sectors like technology and sustainability.

Employability: Training the Right Skills for Employment or Entrepreneurial Success

One of the most significant barriers to reducing youth unemployment is the skills mismatch 鈥� the gap between what young people learn and what employers need. The projects that 50% of employees will need reskilling by 2025 due to rapid technological advancements. Yet, traditional education systems are often not aligned with industry needs, leaving many young workers without the skills required for high-growth sectors.

Governments and businesses must collaborate to ensure that training programs are directly linked to market demand. Public-private partnerships, such as apprenticeship programs and industry-led training initiatives, can play a pivotal role in closing the skills gap. For example, in Switzerland, where education and training are tightly integrated with the labor market, youth unemployment is among the in the world. Building a system that continually adapts to changing workforce needs is essential for improving youth employability.

Recent trends show that many young people increasingly prefer entrepreneurship over traditional employment, driven by the desire for independence and the ability to create change. A 2019 study by Deloitte found that 76% of millennials view entrepreneurship as a key vehicle for driving social impact. However, research highlights the need for robust support systems to help these young entrepreneurs succeed. emphasizes that access to entrepreneurial education, mentorship, and skill development is critical for youth to thrive in their ventures.

Equality: Ensuring an Inclusive and Diverse Talent Pipeline

Any strategy to reduce youth unemployment must prioritize equality, ensuring that opportunities are equally accessible to all young people, regardless of their background, gender, or location. Despite advances in education, women and marginalized communities continue to face barriers to entry in high-growth industries, particularly in STEM fields. According to , only 35% of STEM graduates are women, highlighting the gender gap in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Programs that specifically target underrepresented groups 鈥� such as mentorships and women-in-tech initiatives 鈥� can help diversify the talent pipeline. Furthermore, companies that emphasize inclusive hiring practices, gender parity, and equity in leadership are not only contributing to social justice but also benefiting from a more innovative and dynamic workforce. The is clear: promoting diversity is a strategic advantage in the modern economy.

Ecosystem: Aligning Stakeholders for Maximum Impact

A thriving job market requires more than just a functioning economy and well-prepared workers 鈥� it needs a cohesive ecosystem where governments, businesses, educational institutions, and civil society work together efficiently. The underscores the importance of synergy across the value chain, ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned toward the goal of reducing unemployment and fostering decent work.

Successful models of ecosystem collaboration, like those seen in Singapore, offer valuable lessons for other nations. In these countries, the government plays a central role in orchestrating cooperation between educational institutions and industries to ensure that young people are being trained in fields that are projected to grow. Such synergies foster an environment where young people can transition smoothly from education to employment and where employers can easily find the talent they need.

As respective leaders, 麻豆原创 and UNICEF join forces to create innovative solutions to global skilling and workforce challenges with an aim to help young people transition to earning. Together, we鈥檙e generating inclusive opportunities for underserved young people worldwide, preparing them for decent work with the skills that employers need.

We expanded our partnership in 2022, with a three-year investment focused on impacting youth in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa through a new program that supports learning to earning pathways in growing digital and green economies. The program helps equip youth with the essential skills they need to flourish 鈥� wherever they may see their future. Further, it builds on UNICEF鈥檚 Generation Unlimited (GenU) signature program, Youth Agency Marketplace (YOMA), a platform developed by young Africans to tackle labor market challenges and increase youth agency across the globe. By the end of the first year, 麻豆原创 and UNICEF鈥檚 GenU reached more than 600,000 youth, granting them access to foundational and digital skills opportunities that help young people unlock opportunities in the changing global economy.

One of the learn to earn pathways on YOMA is the 麻豆原创 Educate to Employ initiative designed by 麻豆原创 to help equip beneficiaries with essential competencies for the digital economy. The free initiative, implemented by the local non-profit UMUZI, focuses on developing skills, knowledge, attitudes, and values to help prepare candidates for employment. It also aims to assist employers in accessing diverse and certified talent, thereby accelerating digital transformation in each country through a skilled talent pipeline. More than 1,000 learners completed one or more foundational skills courses, while 165 learners completed over 400 hours of critical skills development training and achieved an 麻豆原创 certification for technology consultant beginners. Additionally, 100 learners have completed their intermediate training on the 麻豆原创 Learning site and are preparing for 麻豆原创-certified associate exams.

This multistakeholder approach underscores the power of partnership in addressing complex social challenges. By pooling expertise and resources, 麻豆原创, UNICEF鈥檚 GenU, and UMUZI are collectively ensuring that youth not only gain relevant skills but also access meaningful pathways to employment. These partnerships exemplify the collaborative frameworks needed to drive sustainable impact on a global scale. As digital and green economies continue to reshape the future of work, partnerships that unite private, public, and civil society actors will remain crucial in ensuring that marginalized youth are not left behind.

A Path Forward

The polycrisis we face today demands multidimensional solutions that address both the supply and demand sides of the labor market. By focusing on the interconnected elements of economy, education, employability, equality, and ecosystem, we can create a comprehensive strategy to reduce youth unemployment and foster decent work for all.

Policymakers, business leaders, and educators must come together to close the skills gap, promote inclusive growth, and build resilient labor markets. The challenges are great, but so are the opportunities. With coordinated effort and sustained investment, we can build a future where young people have the skills, opportunities, and support they need to thrive in the global economy.

For more information on how 麻豆原创 is helping the world run better and improving people鈥檚 lives all year round, visit .

It’s easy to pour funds into the next big idea, but without a robust ecosystem to support these innovations even the most groundbreaking social enterprises struggle to scale their impact. That’s why at 麻豆原创 we’re putting our money where others won’t 鈥� into unrestricted funding for organizations such as the Global Alliance for Social Entrepreneurship, Catalyst2030, or the Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF). These organizations are the backbone of social innovation yet often operate on shoestring budgets and tight resources. It’s high time we all recognize that building ecosystems isn’t an overhead, but essential infrastructure.

Ecosystem development isn鈥檛 just another way of funding organizations. Think of it as creating interconnected pathways that enable social enterprises to thrive. Over the years, we’ve discovered three critical areas where focused efforts can make a transformative difference: integrating social enterprises into supply chains, fostering radical collaboration, and empowering social entrepreneurs worldwide, especially the next generation.

Integration into Supply Chains: A Game Changer and the Biggest Lever

Integrating social enterprises into mainstream supply chains is our biggest lever. Through 麻豆原创 Business Network, 麻豆原创 runs the world’s largest B2B marketplace, where more than US$5.3 trillion in annual commerce is transacted across 190 countries. If 麻豆原创 can help its customers shift a small percentage of that spending to impact business suppliers, we can create a significant financial investment in sustainable development.

As of November 2023, 麻豆原创 Business Network recognizes verified social enterprises, and in less than a year the number of verified social enterprises on 麻豆原创 Business Network has surged from 1,200 to over 4,400. Beyond the numbers, this growth is about creating real opportunities for businesses that prioritize social and environmental impact. By enabling these enterprises to identify themselves as potential sellers, we provide them with access to B2B opportunities, allowing them to scale their operations and increase their influence on global supply chains. In addition, we support a unified standard for social enterprises called the 鈥淧eople and Planet First Verification鈥� in partnership with the Social Enterprise World Forum, which reaches social enterprise suppliers in more than 120 countries.

Frankly, this is not an altruistic move, but fulfills the clich茅 of a win-win situation. We鈥檝e learned that by opening doors for impact-driven businesses to compete on a level playing field, we’re enriching the entire supply chain with innovation, sustainability, and social value. To help prepare markets for these kinds of trading relationships, we are hosting social procurement roundtables in multi-stakeholder settings and are also integrating social procurement into more customer-facing events and campaigns, helping to ensure our customers have the tools and resources to prioritize sustainability in their purchasing decisions.

Ultimately, when social enterprises succeed, we all win. Integrating them into supply chains transforms their businesses and ours, fundamentally changing the procurement system.

The Urgent Need for Radical Collaboration

Integrating social enterprises into supply chains is just one piece of the puzzle. Today, offerings to social enterprises are too fragmented. Non-profits, private sector initiatives, and governmental programs often operate in silos, duplicating efforts and diluting impact. Radical collaboration is something that鈥檚 needed on all ends.

That’s why, for example, we collaborate with Unilever, EY, and MovingWorlds to run the TRANSFORM Support Hub 鈥� an on-demand acceleration platform that provides personalized guidance, access to consultants, mentors, and coaches, and introductions to sales and partnership opportunities. We’re collecting and summarizing the offerings, breaking down barriers, and creating a location for unified support.

Just last year, 120 麻豆原创 employees completed 51 projects via the TRANSFORM Support Hub, providing pro-bono consulting to social enterprises and generating an in-kind contribution of $458,835. One of these employees was David Elliott, a senior user assistance developer who collaborated with Faces Up Uganda, a youth development NGO that uses arts and crafts education to help young people overcome psychosocial challenges and develop essential personal and professional skills. He leveraged his expertise to review the organization鈥檚 website and strategic plan, enhancing the communication of its vision, mission, and values, and wrote grant applications to help secure funding.

But collaboration must go beyond platforms. It requires a collective shift in mindset. It’s time we stop asking, “What new thing can I create?” and start asking “What can we achieve together?” and 鈥淲hat is already out there?”

To sum it up with a fact: 70.6% of young social entrepreneurs believe access to relevant global connections is critical to their work while 94.1% believe increasing collaboration with other organizations is important. So, corporations should start to open their networks and resources to connect industry experts with social entrepreneurs to foster the entire social innovation ecosystem.

Empowering the Next Generation of Social Entrepreneurs

While we are already talking about young social entrepreneurs, let鈥檚 not overlook them, as they are the future of this movement. They face unique barriers 鈥� limited access to funding, mentorship, and networks 鈥� that can stifle their potential before it even takes root.

We’re investing in programs that provide tailored support to young innovators. Through mentorship opportunities, capacity-building workshops, and access to our global networks, we’re leveling the playing field. Collaborations with organizations like Social Impact Award, We Are Family Foundation, and initiatives like Africa Forward can ensure that the next generation doesn’t just have a seat at the table, but is helping to set the agenda.

Let’s talk about Africa Forward, a critical step in our strategy to empower the next generation of African social entrepreneurs. Co-created by African members of Catalyst2030, this initiative is designed to advance progress on the UN Sustainable Development Goals and address the continent’s most pressing challenges through a partnership-driven approach.

This is about investing in long-term solutions by building a Pan-African data platform, promoting policy reform, and facilitating leadership training. Africa Forward is helping to create an ecosystem where social businesses can thrive. The goal is to enable a new wave of innovators, giving them the tools and opportunities they need to scale their impact. By focusing on capacity-building, youth training, and financial development, we’re laying a foundation for lasting change in Sub-Saharan Africa.

A Call to Action

So, after 14 years, what’s our biggest takeaway? Real change doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when we invest in the connective tissue 鈥� the ecosystems 鈥� that empower social enterprises to scale and succeed. I鈥檓 challenging corporations, investors, and policymakers to rethink their approach. Don’t just fund the next shiny project; invest in the infrastructure that supports them all.

Why are so few willing to invest in ecosystem development? Perhaps it’s not as immediately gratifying as funding a new app or launching a big campaign to reach a big number of people. But if we truly want to tackle systemic issues 鈥� poverty, inequality, climate change 鈥� we need to dig deeper. We need to build the foundations that allow solutions to grow sustainably.

We鈥檇 like to invite you to join us. Let’s pool our resources, break down the silos, and build an ecosystem that accelerates social impact on a global scale. Together, we can transform not just businesses but entire industries.

So, here’s the question: Are you ready to invest where it counts? Are you ready to invest in social entrepreneurship ecosystems?

It makes me proud to think about the 676 麻豆原创 colleagues who, in 2023, participated in our pro bono consulting programs, offering their expertise to these visionary social entrepreneurs. As in previous years, this collaboration has proven mutually beneficial, with 74% of our employees reporting a positive, lasting impact on their careers. Furthermore, 96% of the supported organizations and 77% of their beneficiaries have seen significant improvements. These numbers speak volumes about the shared value of our engagement.

But the 2023 SEWF wasn’t just a personal highlight; it marked the beginning of another significant milestone. We announced our investment in the Social Enterprise People and Planet First Verification with Good Market and SEWF. This initiative aims to set a global standard for recognizing organizations prioritizing social and environmental impacts. Social enterprises can now also identify themselves on 麻豆原创 Business Network, the world’s largest B2B commerce platform. This breakthrough can make it easier for these businesses to explore new business-to-business opportunities while also helping 麻豆原创 customers achieve their goals of being more environmentally and socially responsible. Saying it鈥檚 a win-win situation is a bit clich茅, but in this case it鈥檚 actually true.

Working with SEWF shows how much we believe in working together and driving towards collective impact. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: we can’t do this by ourselves. Working with others is the key to driving the kind of systemic change our world needs. This idea is a big part of what we stand for at 麻豆原创, and is at the heart of our corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy.

This idea of working together really comes to life in our collaboration with UNICEF and Generation Unlimited. In 2023 鈥� the fourth year of our partnership 鈥� we set out to make a real difference by not just developing the skills of young people but also finding jobs in the 麻豆原创 ecosystem. Launching the 麻豆原创 Educate to Employ program is a big step in that direction. Helping 25 young people get jobs with 麻豆原创 in each of our pilot countries 鈥� Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and the Philippines 鈥� might not sound like a lot, but it’s a huge deal for each of those young people. For them, it’s a gateway to a sustainable livelihood, offering them not just gainful employment but a chance to build a career, achieve financial stability, and make meaningful contributions to their communities and the broader world. It’s about unlocking their potential and enabling them to participate in the digital and green economy. By the end of the year, we saw amazing results. While more than 2,500 had already passed the aptitude test, over 1,000 young people in Africa finished our “Boost Your Career with 麻豆原创 Skills” course and more than 500 got through the first big part of their training.

But, what’s a year recap without some high-level numbers? Let’s dive into some impressive numbers from 2023. More than 20,000 of our 麻豆原创 colleagues volunteered over 140,000 hours. Our initiatives reached over 2.8 million young people 鈥� almost half girls 鈥� and supported over 41,000 teachers. Our partner network reached 1 billion people in over 140 countries. These stats are just the tip of the iceberg, showing our big reach and impact together with our partners.

Building on this, our signature partnerships with Africa Code Week, Meet and Code, and Latin Code Week have always been at the heart of our achievements. As we handed over these initiatives in 2023, we took a moment to reflect and evaluate Africa Code Week and Latin Code Week outcomes more deeply. For instance, by empowering 14.6 million participants with the education, knowledge, and ICT skills needed to participate in the digital future, Africa Code Week has increased the likelihood that beneficiaries will realize higher earnings during their working lives. Common Good Marketplace estimates that Africa Code Week catalyzed up to US$1 billion in social value for program participants between 2015 and 2022 based on future increased income.

As we close the chapter on 2023 and look ahead, the journey we’ve embarked upon at 麻豆原创 CSR is a testament to the power of collective action and shared vision. The stories, numbers, and outcomes shared in our eBook reflect our commitment to making a meaningful difference.

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey. Your passion, dedication, and commitment are what drive us forward.

Alexandra van der Ploeg is global head of Corporate Social Responsibility at 麻豆原创.

These are not just numbers: futures are at stake, particularly for young people whose education and opportunities are being disrupted right before our eyes. This stark reality drives home the need for inclusive and equitable strategies in our climate action plans.

Youth are at the frontline of these environmental challenges. Their futures depend on how effectively we can address the impacts of climate change. It is a call to action for all of us across various sectors to unite and empower the voices of these young people, harnessing their potential to create innovative solutions.

At 麻豆原创, we’ve embraced a four-pronged approach specifically designed to support and empower youth in their journey to a sustainable and just world: rally, represent, reskill, and resource.

Sharing these insights at the during COP28, where education is a focal point, reminds me of the critical need to intertwine education funding with our climate goals, addressing the immediate and future climate challenges.

At the core of our mission for climate justice is rallying the energy and passion of the younger generation. I sincerely believe that climate action among young people is a key component of climate justice, and we need to promote that in various ways.

That is why we support Green Rising, an initiative led by UNICEF and Generation Unlimited along with partners that supports children and youth-led grassroots climate action for a faster and fairer transition to a low-carbon economy. The aim is to directly engage 10 million youth, particularly girls, to take action by 2025 through volunteering, green skills, jobs, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. Our 2023 collaboration with Goodwall and Accenture has already launched digital challenges like #ClimateAction, #DigitalCleanUp, and #GoingZero with 15,000 active youth participants.

However, I鈥檓 keenly aware that passion alone is not enough. The journey from raising awareness to finding real change requires more than just enthusiasm; it demands skill and knowledge. This realization bridges us to the next critical phase of our mission.

Green Rising also recognizes the importance of equipping youth with the tools they need to make a lasting impact.

The reskilling effort at the heart of Green Rising is about transforming energy and concern into potent, informed action. As we confront the reality of “eco-anxiety” affecting 57% of global youth, we understand that empowerment comes from giving these young minds the ability to turn their worries into wisdom and their fears into a force for good. By fostering climate literacy and developing green skills, we are not just creating activists; we’re nurturing future leaders, problem solvers, and innovators who will shape a sustainable world in areas like biodiversity, air quality, water conservation, and waste management.

I’m fortunate to see how our dedication to reskilling is making a real impact. We are charting a clear course in initiating and nurturing programs that significantly boost young people’s employability and entrepreneurial capabilities.

For instance, through accessible online resources like open.sap.com, learning.sap.com, and collaborations with our colleagues from 麻豆原创 University Alliances, we are empowering individuals with the necessary insights to contribute positively to climate action. Efforts extend globally. With UNICEF鈥檚 Generation Unlimited, we have empowered more than 7.6 million young people in India, Turkey, and Vietnam with vital digital and life skills.

Looking ahead, Youth Agency Marketplace (YOMA), co-created with young people from the continent, will reach 1 million youths in Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and the Philippines by 2025, offering opportunities for learning and reskilling. Additionally, the 麻豆原创 Educate to Employ initiative is shaping future careers, training 100 young talents in each pilot country annually, with 25 stepping into internships or roles within the 麻豆原创 ecosystem.

These are steps toward nurturing a generation ready to lead the charge in sustainability and innovation.

In my experience attending conferences, I have often noticed a missing crucial element: the direct input of the young people we’re talking about. It is one thing to teach and upskill them with the crucial knowledge, but it’s another to truly empower them to be part of the conversation. It is about going beyond just training and providing youth with real platforms to contribute their fresh skills and innovative ideas to the global climate conversation.

This is what drives our approach to representation, with long-time partners and organizations such as We Are Family Foundation and ChangemakerXChange in programs like Youth To The Table.

I truly believe that this is the real game-changer. Ultimately, it is something quite simple yet often overlooked: genuinely including young people in the conversations and decision-making that shape their future.

This approach is encapsulated in the phrase “Nothing about us without us.” It’s about flipping the script, moving from merely discussing climate issues about young people to actively collaborating with them. They are not just on the sidelines, they are in the room where decisions are made.

For instance, we are bringing 50 young leaders from across the globe to the COP28 conference to get their innovative opinions and learn from their solutions. We have done it in the past and will continue in the future at global forums like the World Economic Forum and the United Nations General Assembly. Watching young leaders confidently take the stage and influence global conversations is a powerful reminder of why we do what we do — it’s about empowering them to shape the world they will live in.

A mere 0.76% of grants from major climate foundations currently support youth-led climate initiatives. This means while rallying, reskilling, and giving them a voice is crucial, it is not enough. To combat climate change, we must funnel more resources toward the projects and innovations led by youth, especially in the most affected communities. This means not just talking about, but investing in their ideas through project grants, mentorship programs like Climate Hacks, and corporate pro-bono consulting programs that connect experts with social and climate enterprises to amplify their impact and turn youthful enthusiasm and innovation into tangible, world-changing solutions.

As I reflect, I’m reminded of the unique and impactful role corporations can play in driving long-term social change. Leading these efforts at 麻豆原创 has been a responsibility and a privilege, offering a front-row seat to the transformative power of education.

Seeing young people full of potential and eagerness to make a difference has been a constant reminder of why our work matters. Every digital challenge we launch, every skill we teach, and every voice we amplify is not just a tick on a corporate checklist. It’s about lighting up a path for these young leaders who will one day take the reins in creating a sustainable and just world.

The conversations I have, the stories I hear, and the evident enthusiasm and determination among youth leave a lasting impression on me. They remind me that our commitment to empowering young people goes beyond the boardrooms and conferences. It is a reminder of the potential for corporations to contribute meaningfully to a sustainable, equitable, and bright future for all. It鈥檚 about nurturing a future we all share.

Alexandra van der Ploeg is head of Global Corporate Social Responsibility at 麻豆原创.

The SDG Summit takes center stage at UNGA this year, a crucial gathering that occurs every four years. This year’s summit holds particular significance for many, including 麻豆原创, as it signifies the midpoint toward the 2030 target for implementing the (SDGs). Adding to the prominence of the agenda is the UN Secretary-General’s assertive Climate Ambition Summit and a trio of high-level health meetings.

As 麻豆原创 anticipates the start of UNGA 78, we find ourselves at a pivotal juncture in our commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR). On September 5, 2023, global leaders will converge in New York under the theme 鈥淩ebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs toward peace, prosperity, progress, and sustainability for all.”

As a Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) constituent, the cornerstone of 麻豆原创鈥檚 social investment strategy rests on recognizing that our responsibility transcends traditional acts of charity. Although the DJSI recognizes 麻豆原创 as the industry benchmark for social responsibility, UNGA provides a platform to assess and reflect on our journey so far, and also to chart a course that truly accelerates our dedication toward empowering social innovators, nurturing future skills, and paving the way for a collaborative approach to sustainability.

In our experience, the best way to accelerate change is to be open to new approaches, For that we engage with social innovators and young leaders, and also prepare future leaders with the skills needed to be successful in this unpredictable world.

Sustainable partnerships — especially those focused on youth — are at the heart of us making progress in our KPIs around the UN SDGs, particularly when it comes to Quality Education.

Our partnership with UNICEF in support of Generation Unlimited (GenU) is one of our largest investments to date. As part of this partnership, 麻豆原创鈥檚 support will help expand the reach of Youth Agency Marketplace (YOMA), GenU’s signature program, in Kenya, Nigeria, the Philippines, and South Africa, equipping youth with essential skills for employment. This partnership also supports the 麻豆原创 Educate to Employ initiative, aimed at educating youth in need on skills, knowledge, attitudes, and values to build their competencies for the digital economy. Since the beginning of 2023, more than 500,000 young people have been reached through different communication channels, with more than 50,000 incremental signups on YOMA. Additionally, 400 young people are being selected for training under 麻豆原创 Educate to Employ.

Further to this, our long-standing partnership with the We Are Family Foundation (WAFF) also stands as a testament to our dedication to collaborative sustainability. Through WAFF’s Youth To The Table (YTTT) program, 麻豆原创 contributes to inter-generational dialogues that empower young changemakers. YTTT’s role in bringing young individuals to the forefront of pivotal global discussions — including UNGA, COP, and WEF — reinforces our joint belief in fostering meaningful opportunities for youth to influence decision-making processes across sectors.

The youth delegation at UNGA 78 includes an inspiring and diverse panel of changemakers from South Africa, North Macedonia, Brazil, Ireland, the U.S., Brazil, Israel/Palestine, Nepal, and India. If you would like to assist these delegates in their efforts to build a more sustainable world, you can lend your voice to WAFF鈥檚 on inter-generational leadership by . Your contributions can help to derive insights, document challenges, and define best practices for working better together.

We are hopeful you can join in alongside our collaborative partnerships. After all, they are the bedrock of our progress. UNGA 78 offers an ideal platform for greater collective sustainability efforts. By working closely with governments, NGOs, academia, and local communities, we co-create solutions that address the most pressing global challenges.

The work cannot simply last for two weeks each fall in New York City, it must be embedded into all that we do throughout the year.

As we gear up for UNGA 78, we acknowledge that our social impact journey consists of much more than symbolic gestures. It is about being catalysts of transformation, accelerating social business, fostering future skills, and nurturing collaborative sustainability.

This year’s theme of rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity resonates deeply with our chosen SDGs. Let us seize this opportunity to redefine the essence of CSR in the context of accelerating action, progressing toward peace and prosperity, and ensuring a sustainable future for all.

Alexandra van der Ploeg is head of Corporate Social Responsibility at 麻豆原创.

To underscore the vital role of partnerships in creating a global environment where refugees are fully integrated and valued members of society, we hosted a webinar, “Hope, Inclusion, Action: Building Opportunity for Refugees.” (.) Joining me were two remarkable social entrepreneurs, Innocent Tshilombo, co-founder of , and Mozamel Aman, co-founder and CEO of and founder of .

In 2022, the number of forcibly displaced people for the first time exceeded due to war, violence, and persecution. Unfortunately, this number is expected to rise even further given the current global challenges, such as conflicts, political tensions, and climate change.

These social entrepreneurs are among many who are playing a role in supporting refugees to integrate into their new environment by finding meaningful work and education opportunities. After an hour with Tshilombo and Aman, I felt privileged to hear their personal narratives and gain valuable insights into navigating challenges with authenticity and vulnerability.

To provide some context: Tshilombo, an entrepreneur and humanitarian professional, has spearheaded educational, business, and humanitarian initiatives in the Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya. As the co-founder of Kakuma Ventures, a renowned social enterprise, Tshilombo aims to enhance the well-being of refugees and host communities by leveraging digital services and opportunities through energy and internet access for education, trades, and employment. Meanwhile, Aman is deeply passionate about the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship, and social impact. Through his involvement in various startup organizations, Aman has developed a unique perspective on problem-solving. He firmly believes that privilege comes with great responsibility, forming the foundation of sustainable social ventures.

The Transformative Power of Social Entrepreneurship

Despite operating in challenging environments with limited resources, these founders did not seek traditional employment for stability and security. Instead, they cultivated their own skills and forged ahead, building their social businesses in the face of adversity while remaining driven.

The Kakuma Camp hosts approximately 200,000 refugees, and Germany, where Aman operates, is home to around . One might assume that scaling their ventures should be a top priority from the get-go. However, both entrepreneurs emphasized the significance of starting small and witnessing the impact created. By demonstrating success, they gradually gained access to additional resources, facilitating further growth.

This reminded me of a powerful notion: systemic change doesn’t necessarily require focusing on the big picture; it can begin by positively impacting one individual at a time. Through this approach, social enterprises have the opportunity to learn, adapt, and secure the resources needed to expand their efforts over time.

Partnerships Are Crucial to Overcoming Challenges

Many corporations have strict criteria and predefined standards that often hinder the inclusion of individuals from diverse backgrounds. However, more companies have started to recognize the potential in these individuals and consider them as potential employees. This realization has led to the development of tailored programs in collaboration with companies. However, there is a challenge in Germany, for example, where many open positions exist. Still, the skills companies require are often too specific or need to be adequately addressed in generic training programs. It is, therefore, essential to work with employers and partners to design and develop programs that meet their specific needs.

These entrepreneurs have managed to navigate this barrier by forging strategic alliances and fostering a mindset shift among potential hiring partners. By showcasing the skills and potential of their participants, they have successfully broken down these barriers and opened doors to new opportunities.

Sustainability and Scalability Make the World Run Better

Both Tshilombo and Aman鈥檚 experiences highlight the importance of sustainability and scalability in social enterprises. While charitable and nonprofit organizations undoubtedly play a crucial role, integrating a business model offers long-term viability. Social enterprises create a continuous cycle of positive impact by generating profits and reinvesting them into sustainable projects. This approach supports self-sufficiency and allows for scalability, replication, and the ability to address specific community needs effectively.

At 麻豆原创, we are dedicated to accelerating social enterprises and take great pride in providing continuous pro bono consulting support to organizations like these. The recent discussion held in commemoration of World Refugee Day and SME Day underscores a powerful message: when we work together, we have the ability to create a transformative ecosystem that empowers purpose-driven enterprises and positively impacts the lives of individuals in need.

Recognizing the importance of creating economic opportunities and education for refugees and migrants, 麻豆原创 has established robust partnerships that began several years ago. One notable program is in the Middle East, which aims to equip young refugees with the necessary skills to pursue employment opportunities in the IT sector. Additionally, 麻豆原创 collaborates with the , offering free scholarships to refugees seeking bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The nonprofit tuition-free American accredited online university has an impressive enrollment of more than 120,000 students from 200 countries, including 16,500 refugees.

If you are a social enterprise in need of our support or an experienced professional who can offer skilled expertise, join us on the .

Together, we can create change and be changed.

Alexandra van der Ploeg is head of Corporate Social Responsibility at 麻豆原创.

Many companies are already embracing and working with the so-called social economy.

The social economy is a referring to social enterprises, nonprofits, cooperatives, and other organizations prioritizing social and environmental values.

This commitment is a way for them to gain recognition for their engagement with social entrepreneurship and for Catalyst 2030 to raise the profile of social enterprise in business supply chains. 麻豆原创 has signed on to the commitment, achieving platinum status, alongside other businesses that include Compass Diversified, eBay, EY, Lex Mundi, and Microsoft.

Leading Through Partnership

The commitment is fully aligned with the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy. At 麻豆原创, we firmly believe that supporting the social enterprise sector is the key to driving long-term social and environmental impact, creating business value, and meeting global environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals. That is why, for over a decade now, we have been actively investing in this sector.

We have developed deep and strategic partnerships with organizations such as Acumen, ChangemakerXChange, Euclid Network, MovingWorlds, PYXERA Global, Social Enterprise World Forum, Social Enterprise UK, We Are Family Foundation, Yunus Social Business, and others. They have all fundamentally shaped and influenced our strategic thinking around the role that 麻豆原创 can play in accelerating the sector, many of them working together as partners and champions in the .

鈥淲hat I find exciting about 麻豆原创 is that they have internalized the lessons learned from their work with social entrepreneurs, such as the need for systems change and collaboration, and applied that to their own business strategy.鈥�

– Daniel Nowack, Head of
Global Alliance for Social Entrepreneurship

Our participation in the Catalyst Business Commitment builds on our existing partnership. In June 2022, we were honored to receive the , which recognizes our commitment to collaborating with social entrepreneurs and delivering work that focuses on inclusiveness, equity, and sustainability.

We were celebrated for our commitment to efforts that include our pro-bono consulting programs. These programs connect 麻豆原创 employees with social enterprises from all around the world and open up new opportunities for social impact and leadership development on a large scale. It enables social enterprises to leverage 麻豆原创’s expertise and adjust their businesses to the current challenging environment, while also refining and adapting their innovative business models in areas such as climate action, circular economy, and equality.

In fact, end-to-end impact measurement company and social enterprise, 60 Decibels, found that after a decade of impact, pro-bono consulting programs from 麻豆原创 increase . With results like these, we knew we could not keep this to a program only available to a select few at 麻豆原创. So, together with social enterprise MovingWorlds and alongside Unilever, EY TRANSFORM, and others, we , a virtual pro bono consulting platform. We invite all organizations and sectors to join us in contributing to and benefiting from the hub.

Catalyst 2030 is a global network of social entrepreneurs and innovators committed to developing the social economy. It was launched at the World Economic Forum in Davos in 2020.

By working in partnership with organizations like 麻豆原创, Catalyst 2030 aims to build the social economy ecosystem, promote entrepreneur well-being, and shift the narrative, challenging traditional power structures and creating partnerships.

Jeroo Billimoria, cofounder of Catalyst 2030 says, 鈥淚f we truly respect each other鈥檚 strengths and partner on an equal footing, we can, through partnerships, accelerate change and impact.鈥�

Catalyst 2030 is a hub of collaboration. It provides a space where organizations can partner across traditional divides for systems change. There are currently 35 named collaborations, each with their own objectives as well as multiple working groups, regional chapters, and country chapters focusing on a variety of challenges and sectors.

Partnering to Eliminate Risk and Achieve Sustainability Goals

麻豆原创 has been a leading organization and key collaborator with Catalyst 2030 members for many years. They have played a valuable ecosystem building role sitting at the intersection among various groups in social enterprise and the private sector to create new market access for social enterprises through business partnerships such as social procurement.

For example, 麻豆原创 has collaborated with Catalyst 2030 member since 2020. Buy Social USA worked with us to identify verified social enterprise suppliers for our own supply chain in the U.S., which also helps to meet our sustainability goals. Based on our own experience, we introduced other corporate partners searching for responsible procurement solutions to Buy Social USA. 麻豆原创 has repeated this model both inside and outside the U.S. — for example, with Buy Social Canada, Social Enterprise Netherlands, and Social Traders — creating much needed demand and raising the profile of social enterprise for potential buyers.

鈥淪ocial procurement needs to be built from both sides. We need to show demand from the buyer side as well as incentivize social enterprises to bring the supply. When 麻豆原创 commits and engages, it is showing and encouraging demand as well as bringing their tools to help identify social enterprises as suppliers.鈥�

– Rebecca Dray, Executive Director of
Buy Social USA, Catalyst 2030 member

One of the key risks for businesses seeking to incorporate social enterprise into their supply chain is that of social- or impact-washing, or green-washing. Businesses need to know that suppliers are credible and verified social enterprises. This has, until now, been difficult to establish due to varying legal structures and definitions from country to country. To overcome this issue, 麻豆原创 partnered with Social Enterprise World Forum and Good Market to co-create a for social enterprises.

麻豆原创 has been praised for its active participation in recognizing these issues and, through its supply chain and , working on solutions to enable customers to partner seamlessly with verified social enterprises. Together, our efforts will achieve a shared goal of creating a more sustainable and equitable world.

鈥淭he global challenges we鈥檙e facing at the moment such as biodiversity loss, climate change, structural racism, and global inequality are too big for any single organization, business, or network to address alone. We must focus on our niche and find ways to collaborate and partner with each other.鈥�

– Amanda Kiessel, Co-Creator of
Good Market, Catalyst 2030 member

Unlocking the Social Economy Together

As was shared at a live-streamed session featuring 麻豆原创, Catalyst 2030, and the International Labour Organization at the , this week, every organization and sector has a role to play in unlocking the social economy. We invite all sectors to join us on the TRANSFORM Support Hub, and specifically the private sector to join us in the Catalyst Business Commitment. Get recognized for the important steps you are taking to help the world run better or use it as a guide to give you a place to start.

For more information on how 麻豆原创 helps companies record, report, and act on their sustainability goals, visit .

Alexandra van der Ploeg is global head of Corporate Social Responsibility at 麻豆原创.

The theme of UNGA 77 was: 鈥淎 Watershed Moment: Transformative solutions to interlocking challenges.鈥� It stems from recognizing that the world is at a critical moment in history 鈥� just think of the complex crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. These unprecedented humanitarian challenges have negatively impacted education, leaving thousands of children and young adults in worse positions than before 2020.

We are also at a tipping point in climate change. Climate-related disasters displaced in 2020, jeopardizing education for millions of children. Climate change is also why the renewable energy sector is booming, opening new jobs with new challenges and skill requirements. But this is not industry-specific. The global economy is shifting toward high-skilled industries that demand green and digital skills, making the skill mismatch even bigger.

Without the necessary education and qualifications, many young people will be vulnerable to a lifetime of underemployment, lack of decent work opportunities, and significant impacts on their families鈥� health, education, and life outcomes.

In light of these and other global challenges, the 麻豆原创 Corporate Social Responsibility (麻豆原创 CSR) team revisited its approach. Do you remember the education sweet spot? It鈥檚 the opportunity where 麻豆原创 can bring the most value within the vast field of education. Our education sweet spot is about dedicating 麻豆原创鈥檚 core competencies while improving our contribution toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) by 2030. We wanted to bridge the gap between what education teaches and what the world of employment requires.

For many years, 麻豆原创 has believed that investing in education is investing in the skills and talents of the next generation. As a result, we build our new education efforts on a solid foundation. For example, just look at Europe鈥檚 largest digital skills youth initiative, Meet and Code, as well as Africa Code Week, which empowers millions of young Africans with digital skills.

Our new approach involves investing in innovative education models and fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships to enable pathways to employment and entrepreneurship among under-represented, under-served, and underprivileged youth. Simply put, we equip youth in need with the skills necessary to improve their chances of decent work and social mobility. Or even more simply, we build future skills to bring young people into employment.

A perfect example of how we advance our education efforts toward increased employability is our partnership with UNICEF and Generation Unlimited (GenU). Over the past three years, in supporting GenU to upskill 1.8 billion young people and connect them to employment, entrepreneurship, and social impact opportunities. To date, 3 million youths in India, Turkey, and Vietnam have been reached.

This year, we have renewed the partnership for three more years in two ways. First, 麻豆原创 will support GenU and the (Yoma), an online learning platform, to enable young people to find jobs in the digital and green economy. In the first year, we plan to reach more than 500,000 young people with learning opportunities for soft and digital skills. Second, 麻豆原创, UNICEF, and GenU will pilot , supporting learning-to-earning pathways in the digital and green economy for young people. The program equips participants with hard and soft skills needed to flourish in the global economy. Young people will gain on-the-job experience and critical future-oriented skills while benefiting from coaching and mentorship to help them launch their careers in the 麻豆原创 customer and partner ecosystem. The new program will launch in early 2023.

Every year, UNGA enables us to reflect on what we have already achieved. The format allows us and our partners to consider what more we can do. Now, it鈥檚 time to tackle the skills mismatch with other businesses, governments, and NGOs to create equitable access to education and improve the employability of young people for the green and digital economy.

Alexandra van der Ploeg is global head of Corporate Social Responsibility at 麻豆原创.

As we know, . It creates a ripple effect to solve many social and environmental issues far beyond economic growth. And with almost experiencing interrupted education each year because of conflict, emergency, and disaster, 麻豆原创 Corporate Social Responsibility (麻豆原创 CSR) has increased its efforts to mitigate this negative impact.

Optima School in Ukraine

Russia鈥檚 invasion of Ukraine in February has emphasized the plight of refugees, many of whom face closed borders, discrimination, and inhumane treatment when they attempt to flee their home countries. And 1.5 million of refugees from Ukraine are children.

In a recent discussion with Justin van Fleet, executive director of Global Business Coalition for Education and president at , he outlined the impact of the Ukraine war on education and said that refugees make us think about the urgent need for humanitarian relief: food, water, shelter, and clothing. He also noted that we must ensure children鈥檚 education is central to the immediate response to their suffering 鈥� because war doesn鈥檛 just destroy lives, it breaks education and learning too.

Adding to this, refugee children are to be out of school than other children and youth around the world. Therefore, we have partnered with several like-minded organizations to help fast track opportunities that support this cause, with an increased focus on Ukraine this year.

One of these initiatives is the , which provides a free distance-learning platform to help 100,000 Ukrainian pupils whose education has been disrupted. The school is backed by 麻豆原创 and several organizations, including Alliance4Ukraine, the Bosch Foundation, and the DFB Stiftungen.

Supporting children among the Ukrainian refugees has been one of the most pressing challenges since the war began. Education is vital in boosting young people鈥檚 prospects in life as they integrate in their new country. We believe that by attending Optima School, young Ukrainian refugees will be able to resume their education based on the Ukrainian curriculum with minimal interruption to their learning.

University of the People Scholarships

In order to support refugees in accessing equitable higher education, earlier this year 麻豆原创 partnered with , a non-profit, tuition-free, U.S.-accredited online university. 麻豆原创 has sponsored 50 associate degrees and 50 bachelor鈥檚 degrees in computer science and business administration for refugees and displaced youth ages 18 to 30. This commitment has now increased by another 50 scholarships to include Ukrainian youth as part of the 麻豆原创 scholarships program.

In the words of University of the People President and Founder Shai Reshef: 鈥淩efugees and displaced people have the greatest need for educational support right now.鈥� Figures from UNICEF show that only 3% of refugees have access to higher education, which is why the University of the People enrolls more than 10,000 refugees, many of whom need financial help because of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the spiraling costs of higher education.

Through these scholarships, we can connect willing learners from around the world with the first step in their tertiary education journey, but also support employment opportunities and innovation for years to come.

One of the many refugees who has benefited from University of the People鈥檚 online degrees is Marina Evseeva, who arrived in the U.S. as a Russian asylum seeker in 2016. These studies have helped improve her English and understanding of business administration. After graduating, she hopes to go to law school to further her education, as well as volunteer at the University of the People to give back to other students.

It’s incredible stories like Marina鈥檚 that illustrate how opportunity for education goes beyond just a degree. She now plans to advocate for others and give back to students on their own journeys. Education is truly the catalyst for positive change.

Digital Skills for Today

Another way 麻豆原创 is helping refugees is through , an initiative supporting young people in the Middle East and North Africa. Batoul Husseini, executive director of Government Affairs, MENA Strategic Markets, and CSR MENA at 麻豆原创, highlighted that youth often face limited employment prospects and an inadequate or collapsing education system, especially near conflict zones.

麻豆原创 founded the program in 2016, when it was still called Refugee Code Week, to directly improve the quality of life for beneficiaries by providing in-demand skills for today鈥檚 job market and long-term opportunities for digital innovation and entrepreneurship.

To date, Digital Skills for Today has exposed over 112,000 young people to coding and produced over 1,270 bootcamp graduates who have found gainful employment. In addition, over half of its participants are female. As Husseini puts it: 鈥淭he program is about helping young people, including refugees, leapfrog their situation through intensive code and 21^st century skills training that leads to job placement.鈥�

A World of Equal Opportunities

We know the positive impacts of investing in equitable education and how it uplifts under-resourced communities through innovations, economic growth, job opportunities, and overall stable living environments for youth all around the world. When youth have access to quality education and feel inspired to learn, we become that much closer to solving the world鈥檚 biggest problems.

Through proactive humanitarian efforts and the power of partnerships, these initiatives and scholarships are just small steps that can help bring us closer to a world with equitable education opportunities 鈥� especially for those adjusting to the challenges of uprooting their lives in search of a hopeful future.

To find out more about World Refugee Day, visit the . Or learn more about 麻豆原创鈥檚 scholarships at University of the People and our partnership with in support of Ukrainian Optima School.

Alexandra van der Ploeg is head of Corporate Social Responsibility at 麻豆原创.

• The 麻豆原创 Corporate Social Responsibility team is embarking on a refreshed strategy

In 2002, Brazilian engineer Alfredo Moser had a brilliant idea. Triggered by yet another blackout of the electricity system that plunged the area into darkness, he wanted to do something about it. After several attempts, Moser created a revolutionary light device by filling a 1.5-liter plastic bottle with water and 10 milliliters of chlorine. Skeptical about how it works? .

Across Latin America, millions continue to live beyond the electricity grid. While only 46.9% of the population has access to electricity in Haiti, the number is significantly higher in countries like Honduras (93.2%) or Ecuador (98.8%). Electrical coverage is simply not a given everywhere. Therefore, it was no surprise that Moser鈥檚 idea was embraced by social entrepreneurs worldwide. This includes Colombia-based NGO (One Liter of Light), which went on to help more than 237,000 people in eight countries light up their homes with glowing plastic bottles.

Social enterprises like One Liter of Light are impact-driven businesses established to achieve social and/or environmental objectives. They are on the rise for good reason. According to the European Commission, the social entrepreneurship sector employs around 40 million people and engages over 200 million volunteers globally. Compared to other companies, social entrepreneurs are not solely driven by the need to maximize profit for shareholders and owners. Instead, financial surpluses are principally reinvested to support their purpose-driven mission. From promoting quality education and tackling global inequalities to fostering climate protection, social entrepreneurs do it all through the power of business — and the market is taking note.

The force of sustainability is unfolding in finance too. The pressure from investors on companies is increasing. Businesses have started to understand that financial and social performance are no longer , as demonstrated in the 麻豆原创 Integrated Report 2021.

Companies can no longer look at business activities from a 鈥渄o no harm鈥� point of view; instead, they must create and integrate economic, social, and environmental impact. Today, over 6,000 publicly traded companies emphasize environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. Also, ESG funds see a record inflow from investors and account for 10% of worldwide fund assets.

Beyond the financials, global developments like climate change and mounting inequality are serious issues that all stakeholders in the global economy must face. In fact, The World Bank affirmed that the pandemic neutralized all gains made to alleviate poverty since 2017, deepening global inequalities. Moreover, the consequences of climate change often affect the poorest people in the world. The demands nothing less than a worldwide and economy-wide structural change in our behavior in its last report.

We must accept and respond to these realities, refocusing our actions as a company. To do so, the (麻豆原创 CSR) team is asking tough questions: Are we still on the right track? Is our CSR strategy aligned to the needs of both our business and the world?

To achieve meaningful and tangible results, I鈥檓 convinced that entrepreneurial thinking in social and ecological innovations must be combined.

鈥�When corporations and social enterprises work together, they can change the world,鈥� our peers at IKEA, Acumen, and Yunus Social Business. This is not only an aspiration — it demonstrates the power to create systemic change when organizations with different areas of expertise work together. For instance, at 麻豆原创, we enable thousands of employees to lend their expertise to help social enterprises address systemic, environmental, and business challenges through pro-bono consulting. We accelerate social business, and just as we do in partnership with our customers, accelerate their ability to help the world run better and improve people鈥檚 lives.

Recently, I had the pleasure to help launch the for employees together with Unilever and MovingWorlds. The hub is primed to be the global one-stop online shop for transforming business as a force for good through non-financial support for social entrepreneurs. It activates the public, social, and private sectors鈥� most important assets — their people, ecosystems, and supply chains — in service of people, planet, and profit. To offer an example, organizations like One Liter of Light can now seek streamlined, bespoke business coaching and pro-bono consulting from the Hub, among other services. With more than a decade of impact and experience in this space, we hope to connect thousands of 麻豆原创 employees with social enterprises across the globe. Ultimately, unlocking new opportunities for social impact and leadership development at scale.

A recent study of nearly 1,000 young social entrepreneurs showed that more than . Why? Because these innovators understand what many still, don鈥檛 acknowledge: . Education creates a ripple effect to solve many social and environmental issues far beyond economic growth. For instance, studies demonstrate additional investment in education can reduce carbon emissions. Farmers educated in field schools reduced their environmental impact by 39% and they decreased pesticide use by 17% while increasing their yield by 13% and revenue by 19%.

Innovation starts with all of us, so historically, the 麻豆原创 CSR team has focused on education as a core tenant of our strategy. Last year, we revisited our approach, questioning what our education sweet spot truly was. What is an “education sweet spot,” exactly? In the vast education space, it is the opportunity where 麻豆原创 can bring the most value by dedicating our core competencies. Our strategy is now clear. Simply put: we鈥檒l build future skills to get more people into employment.

Reshaping our education investments to achieve this goal will be a challenging transformation. How will we do it?

We will wrap up and reshape our multi-stakeholder initiative with UNICEF and Generation Unlimited (GenU). After successfully reaching more than 2.9 million adolescents in the last two years, we will continue to equip and empower young people with the 21st century digital and life skills to make them ready for the job market.

There is no time to waste when more than 64 million unemployed youth and 145 million young workers worldwide live in poverty, according to the International Labor Organization. In 2022, we will build and reshape our global and regional programs to provide under-resourced youth training on soft skills, technical knowledge, and 麻豆原创 software expertise. Take the program TechSaksham: in India, 麻豆原创 partners with Microsoft to provide 62,000 young graduating women and 1,500 teachers with Industry 4.0 skills for careers in emerging technology by 2022.

As a responsible company, we must consider all of these issues. 麻豆原创 has already demonstrated its holistic view of sustainability by incorporating social responsibility into its wider sustainability strategy. In the past year alone, we have engaged 20,000 employees who collectively have supported 2,000 social enterprises and nonprofit organizations reaching 7 million people across 94 countries. Read more about 麻豆原创鈥檚 impact over the last year in our .

As we move forward together, we will tackle these issues strategically and innovatively to create equitable access to economic opportunity, education and employment, and the green economy.

Alexandra van der Ploeg is global head of Social Responsibility at 麻豆原创.

Then, a devastating pandemic hit the world and everyone鈥檚 soon-to-be least favorite word hit the air over and over again: unprecedented. It threw us all in a fix at first and, for a brief while, we waited for a return to normalcy. In time it became clear that all of those plans we had made would need to pivot and evolve 鈥� but now was not the time to pull back. As the impact of COVID-19 spread and the inequalities of our world served only to exacerbate its impact, our team challenged one another to think differently about how we were best served to support our ecosystem of partners and to execute our portfolio of programs.

Our response? Hold fast to our strategy and our mission, stay true, and renew our commitment to powering opportunity through digital inclusion. The COVID-19 crisis is multidimensional and discriminatory in many ways. It is also a very real and very deep education crisis, and with extreme poverty on the rise for the first time in two decades, it will continue to influence vulnerable populations for years to come.

The naivety of early 2020 gave way to necessity which, in time, gave way to enthusiastic transformation. Together with our partners, we quickly adapted program content and execution for virtual environments, , and expanded our view of how to best engage 麻豆原创鈥檚 employee base.

Our is a collection of spotlights and stories that we share with pride in celebration of the impact we were able to achieve in the year that was. It is our celebration of the 8.3 million lives impacted through our investments and the over 130,000 hours dedicated by more than 20,000 麻豆原创 employees.

It was mutual trust and shared conviction around social impact that enabled this journey, and we are exceedingly proud of our entire CSR community and the role they played. To all of our partners, volunteer leaders, and every employee who lent their time and talents as a volunteer or opened themselves up to learning during an October Month of Service virtual session: You were instrumental in helping us adapt our work and redefine success. Your continued dedication, perseverance, and passion inspired us.

Our is dedicated to you. Thank you for making our work possible.

With 2020 behind us, we are forging ahead into the new year and into our renewed commitment to power opportunity through digital inclusion. In the coming months, we hope to bring our ecosystem together through hosting virtual forums for our partners. Our goal is to bolster and strengthen the network of incredible change-makers and impact-drivers that we are lucky enough to work with around the world and sketch a path forward together.

Alexandra van der Ploeg is head of Corporate Social Responsibility at 麻豆原创.