This year’s Global Solvers Co-Lab was a journey into the heart of collaboration, impact, and innovation, all set against the vibrant backdrop of Accra, Ghana. For five days in July, participants of our Global Solvers Accelerator, young leaders and change-makers from around the globe converged in Ghana’s bustling capital, ready to exchange ideas and dive deep into sustainable development solutions.
Co-Explore Accra – Independence Square
“I believe in the power of networking. An individual can do little, but a team can do more. To learn and unlearn is why I applied to join this year. Fighting the problems of the world today will take global citizens, not individuals. For me, being a global citizen means making the planet better.”
Highlights of the Global Solvers Co-Lab 2024
Project Visits and On-Ground Action:
Project visits during Co-Lab 2024 immersed participants in real-world examples of social innovation. By engaging with impactful local initiatives, they gained fresh perspectives on how sustainable solutions can be applied globally, setting the stage for deeper exploration and learning in the following sections.
- Ghana Climate Innovation Center (GCIC): From charcoal made out of coconut waste to bamboo bicycles, the participants got a firsthand look at green innovation in action. GCIC’s focus on sustainable entrepreneurship has supported nearly 200 businesses, created thousands of jobs, and made a substantial dent in reducing carbon emissions. It was an eye-opening experience for many participants, sparking ideas for how they could take these solutions back home.
- Global Communities Ghana: This visit shined a light on WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) initiatives and community engagement efforts. Here, participants discovered innovative ways to manage menstrual hygiene and address community health challenges—lessons that could have global applications.
Project Visit – Global Communities Ghana
- Future of Africa: One of the more emotional moments of the week came during the visit to this organization, where participants learned about efforts to empower children living in street situations. The documentary screening and subsequent discussions opened the floor to conversations about resilience, community support, and how similar initiatives could be replicated worldwide.
Project Visit – Future of Africa
- MEST Africa and the Co-Converge HUB: The buzzing energy of MEST Africa’s entrepreneurial hub was contagious. Here, participants not only toured the facilities but engaged in insightful conversations about how tech innovation is reshaping Africa’s economic future. Presentations from participants and the networking reception that followed sparked collaborations and opened doors for future projects across borders.
MEST Networking Event
- Dance & Wellbeing: It wasn’t all work! Afrobeats and traditional Indian dance sessions infused the Co-Lab with energy, creativity, and fun, reminding everyone of the importance of well-being and cultural exchange amidst hard work.
Welcome Evening
- Principles of Dialogue Workshop: Conversations flowed throughout the Co-Lab, but the “Principles of Dialogue” workshop set the tone for meaningful engagement. Participants explored the 12 principles that make for constructive, inclusive dialogue—lessons that are key for any collaboration, especially in a global context.
- Poolside Dinner & Storytelling Evening: In a relaxed poolside setting, fellows gathered to share personal stories and reflections from their journeys as changemakers. This intimate evening sparked deep conversations, building connections and offering inspiration. It was a beautiful reminder that behind every effort to create change, there are human stories of passion, resilience, and hope.
Poolside Storytelling
- Synergy Circles Formation: It was in these small-group discussions that participants truly began to bond and collaborate on a deeper level. These circles weren’t just for brainstorming—they were spaces where individuals shared their strengths, worked through challenges, and committed to co-creating solutions for the SDGs that could be implemented in their home countries.
Synergy Circles Formation – Day 3
Moving from Ideas to Action
The magic of Co-Lab 2024 was how ideas turned into actionable plans. Every session was designed to ignite change, not just in theory but in real-world application.
Morning Impulse Day – 2
At the Ghana Climate Innovation Center, participants saw the power of green innovation up close and personal. Charcoal from coconut waste? Bamboo bicycles? These are the kinds of sustainable solutions that could transform communities everywhere, and participants left inspired to implement similar initiatives back home.
During the visit to Future of Africa, the discussions weren’t just about challenges—they were about solutions. Empowering children living in street situations requires long-term support, and the Future of Africa’s work became a model for participants to explore ways they could uplift vulnerable populations in their own communities.
At MEST Africa, the focus was on how technology can fuel job creation and economic growth. Participants saw firsthand the potential of software entrepreneurship in Africa, and many left with ideas on how to foster similar entrepreneurial ecosystems in their countries.
“I applied to the Global Solvers Accelerator to have a global perspective on my work and how to improve it. I work in the educational sector, where we focus on training school principals. I want to understand how social innovation works in other countries and learn how to make it a social enterprise that can secure funding and sustain itself.”
Collaboration for Lasting Change
While Co-Lab 2024 was packed with learning and discovery, the real takeaway was the spirit of collaboration. From Synergy Circles to spontaneous discussions over meals, participants constantly found themselves connecting, collaborating, and co-creating.
These new partnerships aren’t just for show—they’re designed to foster accountability and ensure that the work done during Co-Lab 2024 leads to real-world impact. With mentors guiding them through the Co-Lab Clinics, participants refined their strategies, honed their approaches to resource mobilization, and built resilience to keep pushing forward, even when the work gets tough.
Welcome Evening – Day 1
Acknowledging Our Esteemed Partners
The success of Global Solvers Co-Lab 2024 was made possible through the invaluable support of our esteemed partners. Their dedication and expertise were instrumental in creating an enriching experience for all participants. We extend our deepest gratitude to:
- Ernst-Abbe-Stiftung – our long-standing partner for the Global Solvers Accelerator and co-sponsor for the Global Solvers Co-Lab
- Ashesi University
- Climate Innovation Centre-Ghana
- Future of Africa
- ADA Contemporary Art Gallery
- MEST
A Glimpse into the Future – Key Takeaways from Co-Lab 2024
- Collaboration is key: The power of peer-to-peer learning and synergy circles highlighted the importance of collective action in driving sustainable solutions.
- Innovation in action: From bamboo bicycles to menstrual hygiene initiatives, participants witnessed firsthand how social innovation can transform communities and solve pressing global challenges.
- Global perspective, local impact: The Co-Lab offered participants a global lens through which they could reimagine their local projects, turning ideas into actionable solutions.
- Networking and growth: Meaningful connections and partnerships formed during the Co-Lab are set to continue, fostering a global community dedicated to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.
Curious to learn more about how Global Solvers are making a difference around the world? Explore the Global Solvers Accelerator to discover the inspiring work of our fellows and stay tuned for the next application cycle—your chance to join this global network of change-makers!
And if you want a closer look at the energy and excitement from Co-Lab 2024, check out the full gallery of photos from Accra here. Stay connected and be part of this global movement for change!