Mondi has partnered with One Young World, the global forum for young leaders, on the Lead2030 initiative – a competition to find youth-led practical solutions to drive progress on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Mondi has committed $50,000 to fund a project that will make a tangible contribution to SDG12 ‘Responsible Consumption and Production’.
Online applications are open now with the manufacturer calling for 18-30 year olds from across the world to apply for a chance of receiving both funds and business mentoring from senior figures in Mondi. With Mondi’s help, the winning candidate will have the opportunity to turn their concept into a viable solution for tackling waste in manufacturing, which will have a positive impact on achieving SDG12.
Peter Oswald, CEO, Mondi, said, “We are all well aware of the challenge facing our oceans as a result of poor waste management, but in many parts of the world there is an even greater challenge hidden beneath our feet in landfills. Mondi has a goal of zero waste to landfill and has made good progress in the last few years, reusing or recycling 76% of current waste. However, we still send 17% of waste to landfill, so we’re looking for bright young minds to help us and business in general, to identify smart ways to reach a goal of zero waste to landfill.”
He continued, “We believe that collaboration is key in achieving the SDGs, so we’re proud to be partnering with One Young World on the Lead2030 initiative. We’re looking forward to seeing the ideas of the talented young applicants and wish them the best of luck in their applications.”
Kate Robertson, co-founder of One Young World, said, “Since 2010, One Young World Ambassadors have positively impacted the lives of more than 17.5 million people. They are a testament to the progress young people can achieve when they have a platform from which to lead. Lead2030 will enable this community and young leaders like them to achieve even greater results. The Global Goals will not be achieved without ambitious and meaningful contributions from leaders across every sector of society. With 380 million jobs predicted to be created by achieving the SDGs and $12 trillion unlocked in market opportunities, the business case for accelerating progress on the Global Goals is clear. The world leading organisations that have committed to join Lead2030 are not just doing the ‘right thing’, they’re doing the smart thing for their business.”
Through the Lead2030 Challenge, Mondi hopes to raise awareness on ‘responsible consumption and production’ and drive even greater innovation across both its own business and the industry more broadly.
All winners and representatives will attend the One Young World summit in 2019 taking place in London, UK. Applications for Lead2030 close on 5th January 2019 and the winner will be announced on 17th April 2019. Visit www.lead2030.com to register your interest in the challenges and to find out more about the initiative.
