Day 4 of the Youth in Landscapes initiative’s workshop, Global Landscapes Forum, Paris
The youth innovators dedicated most of the workshop’s final day to fine-tuning their pitch and identifying the pitcher(s) for Sunday’s dragons den. It was also the last chance to get ready for the Global Landscapes Forum beyond the youth session, with the right set of skills and information.
The challenge teams were tested with their mentors in a mock dragon’s den session: we were pleased to welcome some senior professionals who came specially for the occasion and who provided guidance, for the teams to refine their pitch.
What will happen on Sunday is neither a game nor an exercise. The youth innovators are working on real challenges inked in the context of projects currently led by the partner organizers. Our “bestest” wish as Youth In Landscapes organizers is that the bright ideas developed during these four days of intense youth group work don’t stay on paper – both for the benefit of the young people and the partners.
For these ideas to come to life, the youth innovators need stakeholders to buy into their ideas. We want the 50 young innovators to believe in themselves, believe in their ideas, think long term and bring to Sunday’s session a pitch that reflects the quality of their thorough and professional work. The exercise was “scary but inspiring”.
Conferences are generally overloaded with sessions, which requires prioritizing strategically – the organising team provided guidance to the youth which helped them “customize” their agenda to make the best of their participation at GLF.
A conference is also a key opportunity for professional networking. Tips and tricks on the art of networking were shared, with emphasis on the mentoring program.
The 50 youth innovators are ready to take up an active and meaningful role at GLF – make sure you meet them.
