The initiative builds on the YPP vision to give young people from all backgrounds the equal opportunity to build their knowledge, skills, and confidence to tackle the sustainability issues that matter to them using creativity and critical thinking.
In collaboration with NGOs, YPP will be working with local schools and community groups across EMEA to raise awareness of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by challenging participants below 18 to respond to the same brief: to share a sustainability cause that they are passionate about and where they’d like to see change in their local community.
Aligned with Canon Inc’s commitment to the SDGs and the YPP mission to empower the next generation to share the social and environmental issues that matter to them, participants are being invited to focus their storytelling on any of the following goals: Good Health and Wellbeing, Quality Education, Gender Equality, Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Climate Action.
Canon EMEA will be collaborating with local NGOs across EMEA to deliver educational storytelling assets to schools and communities that inform on the importance of the SDGs and help participants to respond to the YPP brief. The assets include an overview of the UN and the 17 SDGs, introduction to the Canon YPP, inspiration for storytelling, and educational and practical guidance on narrative and composition. Canon Ambassadors, employees and a diverse range of NGOs will also be providing hands-on workshop training with Canon cameras and printers for participants to create and share their stories.
Throughout 2022, Canon EMEA will be collating and celebrating the work of YPP participants from each region. Initiatives have already kicked off in the UK to coincide with Canon EMEA’s sponsorship of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games taking place in July and August, as well as in Germany and Spain. Search for the #InspiringChangeInitiative hashtag on social media to follow the initiative across EMEA.
Adam Pensotti, Head of Canon EMEA Young People Programme, says, “We are passionate about building a better world for all and recognise that we must engage younger generations to achieve the sustainability goals outlined by the UN. Young people are powerful agents of change, which is why YPP is focused on giving young people from across EMEA an equal opportunity to have their voices heard on the sustainability issues that matter to them and their communities through storytelling. We want to nurture and encourage the voice of the next generation, committed to protecting the planet, starting by providing them with the knowledge and tools they need to share and communicate their stories for change.”
Marina Ponti, Director of the UN SDG Action Campaign, says, “Sustainable development, social justice and peace cannot be achieved without more meaningful opportunities for young people to unleash their creativity and share their experiences. I am proud to partner with Canon EMEA to empower young people to think and act differently to ‘Flip the Script’ and tackle the issues that matter most to them while bringing hope to their communities. Young people have the power to lead and create the SDG story that we all want: more inclusive, peaceful and sustainable societies.”
The “Inspiring Change Initiative” continues the YPP commitment to inspire, educate, and empower young people from all over the world to share their stories. YPP has reached over 5,000 participants in 27 countries by working with over 50 NGO partners to equip young people in schools and communities with the skills, tools, and platforms they need to share their stories with the world and create new opportunities both for themselves and others in their communities.
To find out more about Canon EMEA YPP visit: https://www.canon-europe.com/sustainability/empowering-young-people/