Today on our podcast “Social Impact Pioneers,” we are joined by two trailblazers in the fight against global poverty and unemployment through youth entrepreneurship: Anita Tiessen, CEO of Youth Business International (YBI) from the UK, and Rose Namutebi, a social worker and entrepreneur who serves as Cordaid Uganda’s Gender Specialist and Project Coordinator for their High Flyers project.
Anita Tiessen has carved a notable career in international development and human rights. Prior to her role at Youth Business International, the only organisation dedicated to youth entrepreneurship on a global scale, she held leadership positions at the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, UNICEF UK, and Amnesty International. Anita brings a wealth of experience in empowering young individuals to start and grow their businesses, particularly in underserved communities.
Rose Namutebi joins us from Uganda, bringing a rich background in local governance and human rights. With over two decades of experience with Cordaid, she has been instrumental in advancing youth entrepreneurship, livelihood and food security, and inclusive programming for women, people with disabilities, and refugees in some of the world’s most fragile settings.
In today’s episode, Anita and Rose delve into how youth entrepreneurship serves as a crucial lever for social change, economic growth, and community empowerment. They highlight the profound impact that nurturing entrepreneurial spirit has on mitigating youth unemployment, which has been exacerbated by the global pandemic with a loss of 34 million youth jobs.
Our discussion also covers the specific challenges and opportunities in making entrepreneurship accessible and inclusive. Listeners will gain insights into the innovative strategies implemented by Youth Business International (YBI) and Cordaid to foster a supportive environment for young entrepreneurs, integrating business development with social objectives.
Join us as we explore the transformative power of youth entrepreneurship in creating a more inclusive and prosperous global economy. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur or an established business leader, this episode is set to provide valuable perspectives on leveraging business for lasting social impact.
Links:
YBI website
YBI Global Youth Entrepreneurship Summit webpage
YBI Bootcamp webpage
Cordaid website
And if you like this, do listen to:
Lifting Participation: Female Entrepreneurs Tackle Climate Change – with Bill Winters and Audrey S-Darko