Applications are open for UNLEASH 2019!

Applications are open for UNLEASH 2019! Calling all change-makers! Do you have talent for sustainability and passion for the UN Sustainable Development Goals? Then you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to be one of the 1,000 UNLEASH talents who will collaborate on solutions to the world’s most pressing problems. UNLEASH is a global initiative aiming to create the world’s largest innovation lab for the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Every year leading up to 2030, UNLEASH will gather 1,000 of the world’s brightest young talents to problem-solve, innovate and collaborate in teams to develop new solutions to global challenges. In less than two years, UNLEASH has gathered 2,000 talents from 143 countries, developed 370 tangible solutions to the SDGs, partnered with +300 organizations, and been recognized as one of the world’s most influential sustainability brands. The next UNLEASH Innovation Lab will take place in Shenzhen, China between 6-13 November 2019. UNLEASH gathers top talent from all over the world and invites them for a week of innovation in Shenzhen in China, from November 6-13, 2019. UNLEASH covers all expenses for travel, accommodation, curriculum and activities and provides you with a new toolset for how to innovate, create impact at scale and collaborate with experts, mentors and facilitators from all over the world. Apply from March 18-April 18 at www.unleash.org What will happen at UNLEASH 2019? At UNLEASH 2019 you will be introduced to a curriculum which allows you to come up with new solutions to the SDGs. You will work in teams of 4-5 people, who share the same passion area as you. As we are in Shenzhen, known for “Shenzhen speed” and moving from idea to implementation rapidly, this is an area we are specifically focusing on this year. That means that talents have the opportunity of seeing their product becoming a reality within just one week. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA UNLEASH talents are selected based on an assessment of five criteria: 1. Demonstrated passion and commitment to solving the world’s pressing challenges 2. Possession of a creative and innovative mindset 3. Willingness to engage in co-creation with peers and experts 4. High proficiency in English with the ability to engage in complex discussions 5. Approximately 20-35 years of age As such, applicants will not qualify for UNLEASH if they have a specific idea for a solution to the SDGs that they are intending on pursuing further, and are unwilling to work on a completely new idea or to challenge their existing idea significantly. Program: Kick-off and welcome to Shenzhen: November 6 Talents are introduced to the city of Shenzhen, the Sustainable Development Goals, and each other. SDG Innovation Lab: November 7-11 Talents convene around core SDG themes to co-create and generate tangible solutions to global challenges. Culmination and UNLEASH Awards Show: November 12-13 UNLEASH culminates with massive collaboration activities and final award show. The best solutions will be given awards and some of the most influential people in the world will speak about the importance of the 2030 Agenda. Who should apply? UNLEASH accepts top talents typically aged 20-35. Successful applicants will excel across 5 general criteria. Demonstrated passion and commitment to solving one of the world’s pressing challenges. Possession of a creative and innovative mindset. Willingness to engage in co-creation with peers and experts. High proficiency in English with the ability to engage in complex discussions. Bonus: working in the field in a global context The profiles UNLEASH is looking for are: Entrepreneur: Recently launched/or considered launching start-ups, organizations or campaigns at a very early stage (both non- and for-profit). Intrapreneur: Improved or changed entities, e.g. through R&D, business development or organizational changes. Academic: Top class academic with in-depth content knowledge, e.g. via courses, research projects or a PhD. Technical expert: Posses skills, tools and know-how (e.g. with engineering, design or finance) enabling development of physical or software based solutions. *** Interested applicants should contact 2017 UNLEASH Talent Partner- Helen N. Okpala @ helen.okpala@unn.edu.ng, for application nomination codes. Note that only 3 codes are available for three applicants. — Helen Nneka Okpala (MLS; CLN; SAP) Coordinator, UNN Bloggers Association E-Reference Librarian, Nnamdi Azikiwe Library, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. : Phone: +2347031030171 Website: http://library.unn.edu.ng/helen Blog: www.helenokpala.com www.helensfood.com www.openaccessunn.blogspot.com www.libraryunn.blogspot.com www.frib.info Twitter: https://twitter.com/helenekez Google Scholar: http://tinyurl.com/gqe24pu Researchgate: researchgate.net/profile/Helen_Eke-Okpala