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International Youth Day: Innovation Collaboratory

In honor of International Youth Day, an observance recognized by The United Nations and celebrated annually on August 12, GYAN's Innovation Collaboratory allows global youth to expand their networks, build strategic partnerships, discuss ways to achieve success, and share their positive contributions to their communities and nations.


International Youth Day 2024: "From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development"


The virtual Innovation Collaboratory included five panels (each consisting of one MSU youth group coordinator, one MSU faculty/staff acting as an expert, and three youth presenters) and a space devoted for professional development/networking. We were pleased to hear from a total of 15 youth participants from 9 different countries and nations, with presentations related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as:

  • Exploring critical issues related to youth and the SDGs
  • Showcasing youth-led initiatives, projects, and innovations that contribute to the SDGs
  • Discussing challenges and opportunities in achieving the SDGs

Learn more about all Youth Group Coordinators, Experts, and
Youth Presenters in this PDF!


Group #1

Watch this group's recording on YouTube!

Group Youth Coordinator: Dani Vincent
Expert: Mike Lindhout

Youth PresenterTitle
Ngwa Patrick Shu (Cameroon) Gender-Based Violence In School
Tjedu Moyo (Zimbabwe) Starting The Journey: Youth-Led Urgency For The SDGs
David Kor (Nigeria) Black Soldier Fly Larvae: Transforming Organic Waste Into Protein For A Greener, Food-Secure Nigeria

Group #2

Watch this group's recording on YouTube!

Youth Group Coordinator: Kate Blaszkiewicz
Expert: Bryce Carlton

Youth PresenterTitle
Stepan Svestka (Czech Republic) It All Starts With You
Calvin Manika (Zimbabwe) Building Collaboration, Partnerships, and Consultancy Among Youths In Marginalised Communities Through Media To Achieve SDGs
Elvis Kadhama (Uganda) Enhancing Agricultural Yields and Improving Farmers’ Income through Agritech

Group #3

Watch this group's recording on YouTube!

Youth Group Coordinator: Tianyi Kou-Herrema
Expert: Christina Dokter

Youth PresenterTitle
Michael Diala (Nigeria) Youth Innovation for Urban Systems
Vincent Jemovo (Kenya) Awareness Campaign To Improve Integration Of Climate Smart Livestock System And Indigenous Knowledge In Africa
Murtala Abdullahi (Nigeria) Goro Initiative: Harnessing Geospatial Information In Peace and Climate Action

Group #4

Watch this group's recording on YouTube!

Youth Group Coordinator: Aliya Bizhanova
Expert: Angela Boldrey 

Youth PresenterTitle
Laura Skenderas (Albania)  My "Feminine" Diploma
Joseph Malekela (United Republic of Tanzania Youth Actions for Peace: Bringing Sustainable Development
Ian Kigen (Kenya) Youth Towards Sustainable Development Goals: Reducing Inequality Within And Among Countries

Group #5

Watch this group's recording on YouTube!

Youth Group Coordinator: Aanchal Gidra
Expert: Debra Thornton

Youth PresenterTitle
Uket Friday (Nigeria) Empowering Youths for Collaborative Sustainable Development; Showcasing Impact-Driven Initiatives by YALI Network Cross River
Irene David-Arinze (Nigeria) Rural Women In Green Jobs - Skilling and Promoting Clean Cooking for Rural Women in Nigeria
Mthabisi Ndlovu (South Africa) The Symphony of Sustainability: How Music Ignites Change for the SDGs


Welcome & Opening remarks:

- Dean Steven Hanson, Vice Provost and Dean for International Studies and Programs

Closing Remarks:
- Opal Leeman Bartzis Ed.D., Executive Director of Education Abroad & GYAN Interim Director


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