TONNY: Why youth’s innovative solutions should align to United Nation’s SDGs

Agoro Sare Mixed Secondary students pose for a group photo after the Agile Mentorship Programme session.

The current global landscape demands a paradigm shift toward sustainable development, requiring innovative solutions from the younger generation.

As we strive to achieve the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, nurturing the entrepreneurial ideas of young people becomes crucial. I delve into the importance of fostering entrepreneurial skills in youth, relating it to the 17 SDGs, and exploring how initiatives like the Agile Mentorship Program are empowering the next generation to become agents of change.

Entrepreneurship is a critical driver of economic growth, job creation, and innovation. For the younger generation, entrepreneurial thinking offers the potential to address various global challenges, such as poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation. By encouraging youth to become entrepreneurs, we can make significant strides in achieving the SDGs.

First and foremost, SDG 1: No Poverty, Entrepreneurship provides opportunities for youth to create businesses that generate income, reducing poverty. Young entrepreneurs can develop solutions that empower marginalized communities, creating sustainable livelihoods.

SDG 4: Quality Education, Entrepreneurship education fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills. By providing entrepreneurial training to youth, we equip them with the tools needed to innovate, create businesses, and adapt to changing market demands. Furthermore, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. Through entrepreneurship, young people contribute to economic development by creating jobs for themselves and others. This, in turn, stimulates economic growth and supports productive and decent work for all.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, Young entrepreneurs often spearhead innovative solutions in technology, energy, and infrastructure, contributing to sustainable industrialization and fostering innovation-driven economies. SDG 13: Climate Action, Entrepreneurial ventures focused on environmental sustainability can mitigate climate change. Youth-led businesses can innovate eco-friendly products and services, promoting sustainability and addressing environmental degradation.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, Collaboration is key in entrepreneurship. By fostering partnerships between young entrepreneurs, governments, and private sectors, we create opportunities to achieve sustainable development collectively.

My involvement in ‘The Agile Mentorship Program’ at Agoro Sare Mixed Secondary School in Homa Bay county reflects my belief in empowering young people with entrepreneurial skills, particularly in sustainable ventures. One of the key initiatives within this programme is guiding young leaders in the ‘production of eco-friendly liquid soap’.

This project not only equips the youth with practical entrepreneurial skills but also promotes environmental consciousness, aligning with several SDGs, particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

The process of making eco-friendly liquid soap emphasizes sustainable practices by using natural ingredients, reducing chemical waste, and minimizing plastic packaging. Through hands-on training and mentorship, participants in the program learn how to produce and market this product, enabling them to generate income while contributing to environmental conservation.

The Agile Mentorship Program is structured to provide young people with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to become successful entrepreneurs. By focusing on eco-friendly projects like liquid soap production, the program ensures that young entrepreneurs are not only economically empowered but also environmentally responsible.

Key components of the program entails; Entrepreneurial Training: Participants are trained in business management, marketing strategies, and financial literacy, providing a strong foundation for their entrepreneurial journeys. Additionally, Environmental Education: Youth are educated on the importance of sustainability and are encouraged to incorporate eco-friendly practices into their business models. This aligns their ventures with SDG 12, ensuring responsible consumption and production patterns.

Furthermore, Practical Skills Development: The production of eco-friendly liquid soap serves as a practical, hands-on learning experience. Participants learn how to source natural ingredients, manufacture the product, and package it sustainably, which enhances their skill set while fostering environmental stewardship. Moreover, Market Access and Business Growth: The program also offers mentorship on accessing markets, building networks, and scaling up businesses. By creating a supportive environment, the Agile Mentorship Program nurtures the entrepreneurial spirit of the youth and encourages the growth of sustainable enterprises.

Therefore, the focus on eco-friendly liquid soap production serves as a prime example of how entrepreneurial ventures can be aligned with the SDGs. The youth-led businesses stemming from this initiative address various global challenges. By providing sustainable alternatives to chemical-laden products, young entrepreneurs contribute to reducing water pollution (SDG 6) and promoting responsible consumption (SDG 12).

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Moreover, the economic empowerment of young people through such projects contributes to SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). By creating income-generating opportunities, the program helps alleviate poverty and boosts local economies. In addition, the program encourages innovation (SDG 9) by teaching youth how to develop new solutions to everyday problems, thus fostering an entrepreneurial culture that drives sustainable development.

As we move toward the 2030 deadline for achieving the SDGs, it is essential to invest in the entrepreneurial potential of young people. Programs like Agile Mentorship are creating a generation of environmentally conscious entrepreneurs who are equipped with the skills and knowledge to drive sustainable development. These initiatives empower youth to take ownership of their future, foster innovation, and contribute to the realization of the SDGs.

The process of nurturing young entrepreneurs goes beyond business skills; it instills a mindset of resilience, creativity, and social responsibility. By integrating sustainable practices into entrepreneurial education, we are not only preparing the youth for the future but also ensuring that their businesses contribute positively to society and the planet.

Finally, nurturing the entrepreneurial ideas of the young generation is vital in addressing the multifaceted challenges of today’s world. By equipping them with the skills to create sustainable businesses, we lay the foundation for a future where economic growth, environmental conservation, and social inclusion are in harmony, advancing the global effort toward achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

By Tonny O. Blair

The writer is a Teacher of Chemistry and Physics & Environmental Advocate. tonnyob241@gmail.com

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