Under this year’s theme ‘Green innovations and sustainable skills development for inclusive growth’, the Green Youth Indaba discussions started with Campus Dialogues throughout May, under the auspices of which organisers and keynote speakers visited universities across the country to educate students about climate change, green jobs and unleashing their inner ‘eco-preneurs’.
“We encourage the youth to be proactive with their future and come up with innovative products, ideas, solutions and concepts that will decrease and even eradicate youth unemployment, and from these concepts partnerships are created - partnerships which increase the opportunities for investment and an entrepreneurial spirit which we believe will put South Africa on the fast track to a greener economy,” says Candice Moodley from EWSETA.
Green Youth Indaba will see ministers including Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation Pamela Tshwete and Minister of Science and Technology Naledi Pandor share their experience, knowledge and thinking on sustainable concepts that will ensure that the eco-preneurs are well-prepared for a successful future in the green economy. They will be joined by leaders from Water Research Commission, Joburg City Parks & Zoo, the Department of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries, and the National Recycling Forum promoting collaborative thinking and development to accelerate eco-preneurship and green skills needed to support rapid economic growth.
“It’s the only event of its kind to deliver youth-focused intelligence in a compact but comprehensive format, combined with categorised and sector-industry presentations on the latest environmental advancements specifically focused to all that affect the youth. The third annual Green Youth Indaba aims to create a platform for young innovators to collaborate and build co-operatives, while rallying the necessary support from both government and private sector to ensure our young people, whether green startups or students studying courses relating to the green economy, gain access to support and funding to pursue their dreams,” says FP&M SETA CEO Felleng Yende.
Budding and established eco-preneurs are invited to pitch their business ideas to potential invetors and test their ideas and products to green experts and mentors. Pitchers will gain access to green funders and experts that will assist them in competing and establishing their businesses in the green economy.
The indaba takes place in partnership with Energy Water SETA (EWSETA), Fibre and Processing and Manufacturing SETA (FP&M SETA), the Department of Environmental Affairs, The Innovation Hub and TCTA.
For more info, go to www.greenyouthindaba.co.za.
