The annual One Young World Switzerland Caucus was back in-person this year taking place in Uzwil, Switzerland. Hosted by Buhler, the two day event welcomed over 100 young leaders, innovators and OYW Ambassadors. The focus for the two days was Reshaping business today for a brighter tomorrow.
The Caucus was opened by a Keynote speech from Diane Holdorf who is the Executive Vice President at the World Business Council for Sustainable Development in Geneva. She spoke of the impact climate change has on us, the loss of nature and the increase in conflicts, and consequences for the economy.
Diane Holdorf Executive Vice President at World Business Council for Sustainable Development
The day brought together many inspirational and motivational speakers. “Be inpatient” was a strong message from Renée La Plante, Founder of Decabonista, a social impact project on a mission to swiftly reduce the world's carbon emissions. Reneé spoke alongside Sarah Perreard Founder of One Nature Foundation during the ‘Climate Nature and Inequality: the need to change’ session. Sarah gave us a futuristic view on what the world and nature could look like if we drastically reduced our carbon, saying "for biodiversity to thrive again we need to protect 50% of the world's oceans and lands by 2050 and 30% by 2030, and so as employees and individuals this is something we need to advocate for actively and proactively".
Nana Antwi Owusu-Ansah from Partners in Food Solutions addressed the Caucus sharing his story of becoming the first-ever engagement associate in Africa along with the devastating food insecurity in Africa. Partners in Food Solutions is his answer to the food security crisis and shares the many opportunities for individuals and organisations to volunteer and partner and become part of the solution.
Three role models for change took to the stage speaking of their journeys and organisations that are changing the way for climate, nature and inequality. Matt Lashmar from Masschallenge Switzerland, followed by Andrea Orsag, Co-Founder of MissionC who spoke of waste, pollution and the disconnect we have with nature. Andrea called on everyone to take part as the path forward must encompass everyone from all sectors. Followed finally by entrepreneur Izzy Obeng, Founder of Foundervine an international training consultancy specialising in start-up and scale-up acceleration programmes.
Izzy Obeng Founder of Foundervine
To conclude the first day of the Caucus, Pascal Jenny of Arosa Tourismus moderated a Fireside chat ‘Building a Net Positive Generation’ with Kate Robertson Co-Founder of One Young World, Caroline Omondi Food Do Good Founder and Former US Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, Suzi LeVine. Suzi LeVine spoke of the obligation to create spaces for the next generation of young leaders. “It is our obligation to listen and make space and to bring you in and to really flatten organisations so you don’t have to”.
The second day of the Caucus brought everyone back together for workshops and a pitching session to Drive the Change as was the theme of the day. The attendees worked together in groups to create initiatives focused on the three key areas; Climate, Nature and Inequality. The first workshop was shaping initiatives for change followed by bringing the change to actions.
Two keynote speakers also took to the stage between pitches Josephine Herzig Team Lead at B-Labs Switzerland shared how she drove change within her organisation followed by Tom Crowther. Tom is the Founder of Restor, a science-based open data platform to support and connect the global restoration movement.
