YTF President, Njideka Harry, will join world leaders, around the globe at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2015 to contribute expertise on some of the world’s most pressing challenges. The World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting convenes global leaders from across business, government, international organizations, academia and civil society in Davos for strategic dialogues that map the key transformations reshaping the world.
“These are interesting times for the world. I expect this year’s conversations to be on complex issues that are of greater societal relevance; climate change, gender equality, monetary policy. I come here to engage and to meet directly with the stakeholders that have an impact on shaping trust and I’m excited to represent Africa in Davos.
Mrs. Harry will moderate a session on “Reimagining Africa’s Future” at this year’s Annual Meeting, in which she will contribute to some big ideas to boost Africa’s growth and prosperity. The goal of this session is to identify some big ideas which can be amplified at the Africa regional meeting in June.
“In another 25 years, we will have a labour force bigger than China and India combined, Mrs. Harry said. What does this mean in terms of the roadmap? What do we need to rethink? Where can we be bolder and where can we be more pragmatic? We are 8 years into the financial crises, Europe is still struggling and has pumped 1 trillion Euros to try to jumpstart their economy. The U.S. is no longer buying African oil. In fact they are on target to produce 9 million barrels a day. That’s Nigeria, Angola, Equatorial Guinea Libya combined. All the large emerging markets have now slowed down (China, India, Brazil), so basically everyone is looking to Africa as a continent”.
Mrs. Harry will also moderate a session, “Designing Out Poverty,” which will explore how design-driven innovations help put an end to extreme poverty.
25 other social entrepreneurs will contribute their thinking this year at Davos. “These social entrepreneurs are at the forefront of addressing the most pressing social and environmental challenges, ranging from inclusive employment solutions, consumer waste, education, affordable health services, and more,” said Hilde Schwab, in an article on the importance of social entrepreneurs to the Annual Meeting.
“As business and government leaders seek new, innovative solutions to many of the systemic issues they face, social entrepreneurs are called upon to provide solutions. Together with the Young Global Leaders and the Global Shapers, they highlight that global issues need entrepreneurial solutions.
Follow updates from the Annual Meeting on Twitter, using the hashtag #wef15.
