Yunus & Youth – how youngsters drive positive change

Mannheim. "Everyone can be an entrepreneur. It's great fun to change the world. Go for it!", said Nobel Peace Laureate Muhammad Yunus in a discussion with representatives of the German Karl Kübel Stiftung and former 'Weltwärts' participants today. The dialogue 'Yunus & Youth - how youngsters can drive positive change' took place in the context of the EduAction Summit in Mannheim. The objective was to

1. Share the German ‘Weltwärts’ approach to education (i.e. public awareness creation on global issues) and get Yunus’ feedback.

2. Inspire former 'Weltwärts' participants to become change agents in their field.

3. Explore ideas on the ways in which ‘Weltwärts’ participants and other young volunteers can engage in social business for positive change in Germany and abroad.

During the dialogue, Yunus highlighted the importance of voluntary services in developing countries. It was important for young Germans to leave their comfort zone and face up to the social and environmental challenges in the world. Awareness creation was the first step towards idea generation and the development of sustainable solutions in response to global issues such as poverty and climate change. The discussion was moderated by Yunel's founder Kerstin Humberg, who has been in close touch with Yunus ever since she completed her PhD dissertation on 'Poverty reduction through Social Business' in Bangladesh. She has supported the work of the Karl Kübel Stiftung as a member of its foundation council since 2011.