Melton Foundation SDG Innovation Challenge 2023 – APPLY NOW

August 15, 2023

Melton Foundation is inviting young Africans who seek to collaborate with others with similar passion for creating positive change starting from the local level, to apply for the 2023 edition of the SDG Innovation Challenge. The challenge is open to students, professionals, community activists or change-makers.

The SDG Innovation Challenge serves as a virtual pan-African collaboration space, offering young individuals aged 18 to 35 the opportunity to craft sustainable solutions to grassroots challenges. This challenge is not just an event; it’s a powerhouse of ideas, creativity, and action.

SDG Innovation Challenge

The primary objective of the SDG Innovation Challenge is to bring together innovators from diverse backgrounds and sectors. This fusion of perspectives triggers fresh thinking and encourages unconventional approaches to problems.

The challenge is all about creating practical solutions that make a real impact. Through cross-boundary collaboration, participants develop solution ideas that are practical, measurable, and capable of addressing pressing issues at the grassroots level.

The ultimate goal of the SDG Innovation Challenge is to drive transformative action. By igniting a passion for sustainable development, the challenge aims to uplift communities across Africa, leading to improved livelihoods and lasting change.

About Melton Foundation

Established almost three decades ago, the foundation champions global citizenship and promotes collaboration across borders to tackle global challenges. The SDG Innovation Challenge is hosted by the Melton Foundation, an international 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in the USA.

Benefits of Participating

Participating in the Melton Foundation SDG Innovation Challenge comes with an array of benefits:

Access to Diverse Networks: Join a dynamic online platform connecting youth activists, organizations, and legislators. This space fosters collaboration around practical SDG solutions.
Creating Impact at the Grassroots: Make a difference by contributing to the implementation of the SDGs at the local level. This is your chance to shape the future and become an active global citizen.
Networking Opportunities: Build meaningful connections within a community of practice dedicated to collaborative, ecosystemic solutions.
Global Citizenship Development: Sharpen your skills in leadership, innovation, collaboration, analytic thinking, and intercultural communication. Enhance your global citizenship muscle through active participation.
Diverse Collaboration: Collaborate with individuals from various domains, including engineering, design, civic policy, social justice reform, project management, finance, education, and more.

Eligibility Criteria for SDG Innovation Challenge

To participate in the SDG Innovation Challenge, applicants must:

Share a passion for improving livelihoods in their community and beyond.
Demonstrate a genuine interest in sustainable development and the advancement of SDGs.
Applicants must be motivated to engage proactively throughout the event.
Be adaptable to working in interdisciplinary teams from different backgrounds and regions.
Exhibit the dedication to ideate extensively and work in an agile hackathon-like environment.
Commit to seeing their ideas through and remain engaged with the cause beyond the challenge.

Selection Criteria

Project ideas should:

Be related to the theme “Mobilizing African Youth for Sustainable Impact.”
Address one or more key themes.
Contribute to changing mindsets and behaviors in the community.
Promote inclusivity within society.
Showcase diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI), changing mindsets & behavior, employment, digital transformation, partnerships, and collaborations.

How to Apply for the SDG Innovation Challenge 2023?

To apply for the SDG Innovation Challenge, kindly visit the Melton Foundation website at: meltonfoundation.typeform.com
The challenge will take place virtually for about 48-hours innovation marathon.
Please note that only groups of 4 – 7 people can register for the challenge. If you’re not in a group or need to diversify your team, kindly use the pre-event connecter space on Facebook at: www.facebook.com to “search for your tribe.”
Existing projects or project ideas entering the challenge are expected to be at an early development stage.
Click this Link: meltonfoundation.typeform.com to Start the Challenge

Application Deadline

August 31, 2023, 11:59 PM GMT.

FAQs

Who can participate in the SDG Innovation Challenge?

The challenge is open to young people aged 18 to 35 from across Africa who are passionate about making a positive difference.

What are the key goals of the SDG Innovation Challenge?

The challenge aims to foster fresh thinking, develop impact-oriented solutions, and ignite transformative action toward sustainable development.

What is the role of the Melton Foundation in this challenge?

The Melton Foundation is the driving force behind the challenge, promoting global citizenship and collaboration for addressing global challenges.

How can I benefit from participating in the challenge?

Participants gain access to diverse networks, the opportunity to create impact at the grassroots, networking prospects, and skill development in global citizenship.

Melton Foundation SDG Innovation Challenge 2023 – APPLY NOW