The best way for a global citizen to begin her journey is to explore her local environs and work towards creating models for problems that exist in different corners of the globe for implementation in the local setup. The local sphere is where the most visible changes occur, the site of the real empowerment of communities.
We, as a human race, have come a long way. From being nomadic tribes to constructing skyscrapers, the Homo Sapiens have traversed the globe, setting up civilizations in the remotest lands and sailing across the seven oceans. Despite the intermingling of societies, accelerated by globalization 18th century onwards, the hindrances to Global Citizenship have only increased. What are Melton Fellows doing to change this narrative, and make Global Citizenship an everyday reality?
The SDG Innovation Challenge is a virtual ideation marathon for motivated young people from across Africa to come together in developing and connecting practical solution ideas for challenges faced by their local communities at the grassroots level. Here's what the maiden SDG Innovation Challenge 2020 was all about.
The global health pandemic left a visible mark on the DNA of the Melton Fellowship program and the formats in which Melton Fellows connect and engage. Marten Schinke, Melton Fellow from Jena (GER) reflects on his motivations when embarking on his Global Citizenship journey with us - and how this motivation has evolved and become stronger along the way. (article language: German)
On the 5th, 6th, and 7th of November 2020, the Melton Foundation in partnership with CSTEP Bangalore, organized the Climathon Bengaluru 2002. Inspired by EIT Climate-KIC, the innovation marathon culminated in prototypes that sought to ameliorate the current climate status quo and develop solutions to Urban Waste Management.
At the Climathon Hangzhou, in 24 hours, 8 teams of 28 students participated in the competition. They worked together to provide innovative solutions to the environmental problems faced by the city of Hangzhou in China.
In October 2020, the Melton Foundation organized a Mental Well-being Workshop for members of the network. Hosted by Senior Melton Fellow Dr. Vernice Richards, a Ph.D. holder in Sports Psychology and Performance Psychology Consultant, the workshop explored a topic deeply resonant with the current background of the COVID-19 pandemic - ‘Uncertainty’. As emphasized at the very beginning of the event, the objective of the workshop was to make one feel uncomfortable, get out of one’s comfort zone, and ask and answer some serious questions.
Todays' goal- and performance oriented society leaves often little room to look after our mental health and well-being. Mariana Paetzolt, Melton Fellow from Jena (GER), makes a case to change that dynamic and shares up-lifting news about how Melton Fellows in Jena are contributing to making a difference.
(article language: German)
When we ask our Fellows what their key learnings are from being part of our diverse network, every answer is unique. Every experience is unique. Being connected to hundreds of Global Citizens all over the globe across many generations is a truly one-of-a-kind experience, and today we have one of our cherished Senior Fellows, Vigneshwar Shankar, from India, sharing his Melton Foundation journey in his own words.
Have you ever wished to explore the world, beyond your neighborhood, beyond your city, or even beyond your country? Have you ever felt that you belong to the world, and want to work towards solving urgent issues like climate change, discrimination, and global warming to create a better planet for all? Do you condemn exclusionary practices, and feel that an inclusive, vibrant society is our way to a brighter future?
