Youth-led social entrepreneurship is emerging as a powerful force for sustainable development. Young changemakers are tackling pressing social and environmental issues with innovative solutions. However, these young innovators face significant challenges in their pursuit of positive change, including; limited access to funding, lack of mentorship and networks, skills gaps in business and leadership and financial insecurity.

Despite these obstacles, youth-led social enterprises hold immense potential. They are creating employment opportunities, promoting sustainable livelihoods and addressing global challenges like climate change and social inequality.

The BeChangeMaker (BCM) Youth Festival 2025

To support and empower these young changemakers, WorldSkills International, HP LIFE and UNESCO-UNEVOC International Centre collaborated to host the BCM Youth Festival 2025 in April 2025. This virtual event marks the first gathering of all #BeChangeMaker programme beneficiaries and showcase social enterprises and initiatives led by young people, including members of the #BeChangeMaker Alumni Network.

Themed "Igniting Change, Empowering Action," the festival aimed to equip participants with tools, networking opportunities and inspiration to amplify their social impact. The event served as a catalyst for empowering youth to lead sustainable change in their communities and beyond.

Date:

• Thursday, 10 April, 09:00-15:00 (CEST)
• Friday, 11 April, 09:00-12:30 (CEST)

Location: Online (Zoom)

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The event featured:

• Industry insights: inspiring keynotes and panel discussions with global changemakers.

• Skill-building workshops: microlearning sessions on entrepreneurship, digital innovation and sustainability.

• Networking opportunity: connect with peers, mentors and industry leaders.

• Knowledge sharing: learn from alumni-led initiatives driving social change worldwide.

The BCM 2025 festival aims to address the challenges faced by young social entrepreneurs and harness their potential for creating positive global impact.

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BeChangeMaker Youth Festival Agenda

View Agenda (pdf)

Join us to reignite your passion, sharpen your skills and amplify your impact!

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Recordings

DAY 1

• Welcome messages | Emerging trends in social change | Diary of CEO Teddy Ruge

• Future of work - Artificial intelligence and future predictions

• Mentorship session | Micro-learning hub | Alumni limelight

DAY 2

• The power of skills in driving social change | The Circular Economy

Video of Taiping Blue

• Alumni-led masterclasses | Progress updates

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Presentations

DAY 1

Emerging trends in social change

PANEL CONVERSATIONS WITH LEADING SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS

• Selyn - Innovation for Impact, Selyna Peiris, Director at Selyn Foundation and co-creator of the #BleedGood Movement
• FLushh - Building water based sanitation systems, Kaveto Tjatjara, CEO and Founder, Flushh

Diary of a CEO Empowering to lead - in conversation with a CEO

• Conversation with Teddy Ruge, Founder and CEO, Raintree Farms Ltd

Future of work Artificial intelligence and future predictions

• Welcoming a Dynamic Future (of Work), Simon Schmid, Managing Director, Just Skills Hub and Public Sector lead, SkillLab
• Del Titus Bawuah, Founder and CEO, Web3Africa Group & Co-founder, Vertria

Mentorship session - Discussion on social change including mental health and managing burn out

• The overrated stretch zone, Nisani Gnanasoorian, Manager, Programming, The King’s Trust Canada

Micro-learning hub - Workshops on Business Management and Fundraising

• Fundraising: Practical approaches on raising funds for social enterprises, Lucia Raffaele, Partnership Manager, Junior Enterprises Europe
• HP Life: Free online learning content, Markus Schwertel, Director, Global Policy and Strategy, HP Inc.

Alumni limelight

• MEDTRACKA 4HER. Leveraging technology in improving access to healthcare Medvax Health, BeChangeMaker finalist, (2023 BCM Alumni)

DAY 2

The power of skills in driving social change

• The role of UNESCO-UNEVOC in providing skills for social change, Kenny Muscat, Programme Officer, Innovation and Excellence in TVET, UNESCO-UNEVOC
• The role of young social entrepreneurs, Idah Odeka (2024 BCM Alumni)

The circular economy

• Circular Economy: Driving Social Impact & Environmental Sustainability, Julie Chrysler, Director, Circular Economy and Social Impact, Yunus Environment Hub
• The Taiping Blue approach for agricultural waste Taiping Blue (2023 BCM Alumni)

Alumni-led masterclasses - successful alumni share expertise

• Agritech – Livestock mortality reduction system, Doorcas Africa (2024 BCM Alumni)
• SaaS health insurance management platform, Sekofia (2024 BCM Alumni)
• Promoting mental health for youth through technology, I Hear You (2023 BCM Alumni)

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Speakers