Celebrating the Global Citizenship Challenge 2023: Unveiling the Champions of Change
The recently concluded and pioneer initiative, the 'Global Citizenship Challenge 2023', has left us inspired and hopeful for a brighter future. This unique competition brought together change-makers from around the world to showcase their 'Acts of Global Citizenship', highlighting their efforts in making a positive impact within their communities. With the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as their compass, over 165 passionate individuals from 20+ countries embarked on a journey to transform the world through their innovative solutions and collaborative action.
A Platform for Change
The Global Citizenship Challenge provided a platform for individuals to demonstrate their awareness of global issues and their commitment to driving change. Over 165 submissions were received from more than 20 countries, each representing diverse Acts of Global Citizenship aligned with different UN SDGs. These submissions not only shed light on the interconnectedness of our actions but also showcased the potential for positive transformation on a global scale, and led to a large-scale social media campaign with the hashtag #ACTivateGlobalCitizenship!
Catch the Live Stream of the ‘Global Citizenship Challenge 2023 – Live Pitch and Showcase‘ and witness the prowess of our finalists and the incredible local impact they are creating in their communities, all with a global mindset!
Evaluating the Acts of Global Citizenship
A panel of esteemed Melton Fellows, known for their expertise and dedication to global citizenship, and themselves having completed many Acts of Global Citizenship in their local communities, served as judges for the competition. They carefully reviewed each submission, considering its alignment with the principles of global citizenship, its impact on the community, and the creativity and innovation displayed. The judges had the challenging task of selecting the top 10 finalists who would move forward to the live pitching contest.
Grand Finale – Live Pitching Contest with judges and 150+ online live audience!
The culmination of the Global Citizenship Challenge took place in a thrilling live pitching contest, hosted by Melton Fellow Lindiwe Mutungamiri. This virtual event attracted over 150 guests and challenge participants from around the world, all eager to witness the remarkable presentations and support these change-makers in their endeavors. The finalists, chosen carefully based on our characteristic definitions of what comprises an impactful ‘Act of Global Citizenship’, had the opportunity to showcase their Acts of Global Citizenship and their potential for making a lasting impact.
And the winners are…
After careful evaluation and intense deliberation, the judges announced the top three winners of the Global Citizenship Challenge 2023:
3rd Place: Ally Zlatar from Glasgow – Ally’s Act of Global Citizenship ‘The Starving Artist’, addressed the UN SDG GOAL 3: Good Health and Well-being, GOAL 4: Quality Education, GOAL 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, GOAL 10: Reduced Inequality, and GOAL 13: Climate Action. Ally shared, “This project is designed to support individuals seeking better mental and emotional well-being. The ‘Voices Above Water’ cards are for those experiencing climate anxiety, eco-mental health challenges, eco-trauma, intergenerational climate change issues, and provide indigenous perspectives and advocacy support. The ‘Starving Artist’ cards aim to help those struggling with eating disorders and body image issues. Both card sets offer prompts and reflective questions to create a safe, creative space for processing experiences and emotions. Digital versions with text-to-speech functionality can also help individuals with hearing impairments engage with the content.”
2nd Place: Michael Ojo – Michael’s Act of Global Citizenship, titled ‘Project “T” (toilet for and hygiene education for the internally displaced and fragile communities)‘ tackled the UN SDG GOAL 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, and GOAL 13: Climate Action. Michael’s Act focused on making decent sanitation facilities available and environmental hygiene education in Nigeria’s internally displaced communities and rural areas, particularly targeting the Kgarawal community of internally displaced people in Northeast Nigeria where the Boko Haram Insurgency has rattled the region.
1st Place: Dennis Orengo Juma – Dennis’s Act of Global Citizenship, ‘BLIND GO GREEN INITIATIVE‘, tackled UN SDG GOAL 13: Climate Action, and stood out for its remarkable impact on issue of climate change with ‘Visually Impaired Persons(The Blind)’ in collaboration with school going learners. BLIND GO GREEN INITIATIVE is a project that brings the Blind, persons with disabilities and school children to take part in climate change advocacy. Dennis shared, ‘The impact we intend to create is to plant 1 million trees in the next 3 years. Long term benefits are, people will not die of hunger in Kenya as it has always been year in year out, for we shall have sufficient rainfall for agriculture.’
The Way Forward
The Global Citizenship Challenge 2023 not only celebrated the achievements of these exceptional individuals but also highlighted the power of collective action and collaboration. The winners not only received well-deserved recognition but also took home a prize of $1,000 to further their initiatives. Moreover, the competition has provided all participants with invaluable growth opportunities, enabling them to continue their journey as change-makers and inspire others to follow suit.
The Global Citizenship Challenge 2023 has showcased the incredible potential that lies within individuals committed to making a positive impact on their communities and the world at large.
The Acts of Global Citizenship presented by the finalists exemplified the spirit of responsibility, collaboration, and innovation needed to address the complex challenges we face today.
Congratulations to the winners and all the participants for their dedication and hard work. Let their achievements serve as a beacon of hope, inspiring us all to contribute to a brighter and more sustainable future for all.
Look out for our next edition and keep sending us your Acts of Global Citizenship – here!
