Written by: Channel Africa
The United Nations (UN) Global Compact Network South Africa (SA) is today hosting the Young Professionals, Business, and Innovation Conference in Sandton, Johannesburg.
Under the theme “Where are we now?”, the conference is reflecting on the contributions young professionals have made in driving innovation towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The event serves as a platform for collaboration and action, reinforcing the importance of sustainable and innovative business practices in achieving the SDGs by 2030.
Speaking about the purpose of the conference, Dr Achieng Ojwang, Executive Director of the UN Global Compact Network SA, emphasised the need to engage young professionals in sustainability efforts.
“This conference brings together young people from companies in
SA that have made a public commitment to sustainability in the UN Global Compact. About six years ago, we decided to target young people in business so that they become part of the solution through the work that we do,” she said.
Since 2019, the initiative has graduated over 240 young professionals, providing training in innovation, design thinking, and addressing national challenges.
“We guide them to look at the SDG, consider SA’s priorities, and come up with scalable solutions that create impact for society. Businesses are more likely to support these solutions when they add value and align with corporate objectives,” Ojwang explained.
The conference is also an opportunity to track the success of past participants and explore ways to expand the programme beyond the corporate sector to young people in Technical colleges, communities, and entrepreneurial spaces.
“We are consolidating the talent we have and co-creating solutions to scale up this work beyond the business sector, ensuring broader support for young people,” she added.
Key issues under discussion include energy, water shortages, and unemployment, with a focus on how businesses can support young innovators in addressing these pressing challenges.
Ojwang also highlighted the impact of the programme on sustainable business strategies.
“Young professionals in companies sometimes come into this programme without prior knowledge of the Sustainable Development Goals. After nine months, they become champions of sustainability, driving change within their companies and advocating for business models that centre society.”
