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91�鶹������Ʒ���� a 20-year track-record of empowering young people to drive positive change and supporting them in responding to societal issues and crises. The Organization produces knowledge and tools, such as the UNESCO Toolbox for Youth Policy and Programming, supports youth policies, and coordinates global youth networks such as the UNESCO Global Youth Community and the UNESCO Youth Climate Action Network.

Nestlé has decided to join UNESCO's efforts by mobilizing CHF 1.55M (approximately USD 1.7M) to bolster the climate and environmental sustainability initiatives of young leaders, youth-led organizations, networks or businesses across 5 regions: Africa, the Arab region, Asia & the Pacific, Europe & North America, and Latin America & the Caribbean.

One hundred grants will be awarded for innovations in climate mitigation and adaptation strategies, including developing sustainable food systems, regenerative agricultural practices and sustainable packaging. A dedicated call for applications has just been published [LINK]. The agreement between UNESCO and Nestlé will also offer training, mentoring, and networking opportunities, with the goal of helping 500,000 people directly or indirectly. 

A successful pilot phase in 2023-2024

UNESCO and Nestlé partnered on a pilot project in 2023-4, which covered 12 countries across Latin America and funded with USD 500,000. Entitled Impulso Joven, the pilot awarded grants to 20 young leaders and organizations on the continent, directly or indirectly impacting over 130,000 people. 

Three young people who received grants during the pilot phase travelled to UNESCO Headquarters this week to explain how they benefitted from the experience:

Ms Domenica Cobo (Ecuador) runs a sustainable business supporting mental health services. She channels the profits from her paid service for professionals, 4WB, into a free service for women across the country, 4WIN.

Ms Gabriella dos Santos Ferreira (Brazil) runs AFRORICAS LAB, which helps black women in Brazil to access their basic rights as well as goods and services, providing free materials on financial education and career development.

Mr Esteban Silva (Argentina) runs Protiva Bioinks, which offers a wide range of natural colorants derived from microorganisms that are cost-effective, sustainable, and can replace synthetic dyes. Protiva's mission is to transform dyeing in the textile industry, creating a more sustainable future. 

About UNESCO

With 194 Member States, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization contributes to peace and security by leading multilateral cooperation on education, science, culture, communication and information. Headquartered in Paris, 91�鶹������Ʒ���� offices in 54 countries and employs over 2300 people. UNESCO oversees more than 2000 World Heritage sites, Biosphere Reserves and Global Geoparks; networks of Creative, Learning, Inclusive and Sustainable Cities; and over 13 000 associated schools, university chairs, training and research institutions. Its Director-General is Audrey Azoulay.

“Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed” – UNESCO Constitution, 1945.

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