The longstanding One Young World Counsellor, International Tennis Legend, and founder of the Roger Federer Foundation has personally congratulated the 2019 winners of Lead2030, a first-of-its-kind initiative that sees $500,000USD invested in youth-led projects tackling the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Formed by One Young World, Lead2030 is the first coalition of global businesses working together to accelerate youth-led innovations. The winning young entrepreneurs, social enterprises and movements were asked to respond to one of ten challenges aligned with the SDGs and set by the Lead2030 Challenge Partners – a range of major businesses working with One Young World.
The inaugural Lead2030 Challenge Winners have each been awarded $50,000USD and will receive mentorship support from their Challenge Partner to help amplify their impact as they tackle some of the world’s most pressing issues.
Federer paid special homage to Spandana Palaypu, founder of ZoEasy and winner of Lead2030 Challenge for SDG4 - Quality Education - supported by Credit Suisse. He recognised the importance of innovative ideas and partnerships that complement financial investments increasing access to education.
Over the past 14 years the Roger Federer Foundation has been shaping a world where children living in poverty are able to take control of their future with access to quality early education. The Foundation supports educational projects located in the region of southern Africa and Switzerland under the guiding principle that children should be ready for schools and in turn, schools ready for the children.
ZoEasy is a social enterprise working for the benefit of the migrant workers, which is largely made up of young people who, due to lack of educational opportunities and guidance, are often employed in exploitative conditions. Spandana and her team combine online and offline techniques to facilitate skill development and job creation with fair salaries and working conditions by directly matching migrant job seekers with validated best-fit employers.
With educational training, skills development and government collaborations, ZoEasy ensures sustainable job creation and reduces inequalities through knowledge exchange among job seekers.
“We can't wait to embark on this amazing journey and amplify our social impact through Lead 2030 and Credit Suisse's guidance and mentorship.” said Spandana Palaypu, Founder of ZoEasy.
Marisa Drew, Chief Executive Officer, Impact Advisory and Finance Department at Credit Suisse added, “At Credit Suisse, we believe the UN Sustainable Development Goals serve as a tremendous unifying force which allows our NextGen clients to align their values with their investing habits. The ambition, innovation and entrepreneurialism that the One Young World delegates have demonstrated with their business plans surfacing from the Lead2030 challenge gives us confidence that youth-led impactful businesses will not only make great investments but will also go a long way to helping the world address the SDGs.”
