For the first time, a global challenge brought together over 70 young people from 30 different countries to build the university of the future.
In front of an international jury of education experts from global education networks, universities, movements and organizations, the young participants in the Planetizen University Youth Design Challenge contributed to the development of Planetizen University by presenting the learning programs of their dreams.
About Planetizen University
L’LearningPlanet Alliance, supported by UNESCO and the Learning Planet Institute, has initiated an intergenerational and global conversation aimed at creating new forms of university adapted to transitions around the world. Through meetings at the UN General Assembly, the UNESCO Youth Forum and other events, it is bringing together partners from institutions, NGOs and youth organizations around the world in this global co-creation.
*As the planet faces unprecedented challenges that make learning transitions the key to our survival, we need to learn not only local citizenship, but also “global citizenship".“global citizenship”This is the only way to respect planetary limits and rebuild the relationship between humans and our planet.
To find out more about the Planetarian University, click here.
For this very first Planétizen University design competition, Youth programs focused on flourishing universities (projects on well-being, fulfillment and socio-emotional development), engaging universities (projects on community involvement and inclusion) and sustainable universities (projects on global health and climate).
After examining the young people's proposals, the jury - made up of’Alysha Alva, from AIESEC; ; Asli Derya, Learning Design for Cambridge Advance Online ; Dr Sabine Becker-Thierry, of the United Nations University ; Francois Taddei, from the Learning Planet Institute; ; Ji Mi Choi, Arizona State University; Jason Cohen, KidsforSDGs; ; Michael Backlund, from ClimateScience ; Osaretin Osadolor, African Leadership University; ; Pavel Luksha, Global Education Futures and Sebastian Berger, the Global Student Forum - chose three winners from a shortlist of 20 finalists.
Pearl Perumal, Georgina Odero and Jay Liu presented their dream apprenticeship programs to over a hundred partners and participants from all over the world at the LearningPlanet Festival 2024.
1st prize - Pearl Perumal from South Africa
Pearl Perumal wants to weave global indigenous knowledge systems by transforming, learning, creating environments and connecting the past to the future.
I entered the Youth Design Challenge because I firmly believe in the Planetary University vision of inviting young people to their own table to co-create and co-design learning materials and programs for what drives sustainable society and work.”, Pearl Perumal
“I think a program like this has a reach that goes beyond high school or college students. It can actually apply to continuing education or even business and government. It has such broad appeal and potential. I hope it gets the support and funding it needs”, Asli Derya, responsible for learning design for Cambridge Advance Online
Discover Pearl Perumal's program: IKS for processing
2nd place - Georgina Odero from Kenya
Georgina Odero presented a knowledge-sharing platform and a program for learning how to repair used machines in African countries.
“With the Repairers, we're very happy because we've been working with two local universities and we're about to launch it in the next two months to have our first round of work. (...) I think our program can work not only in Kenya, but around the world, and I hope to get information and feedback (...) so that we can improve and ensure (...) that there is always sustainable engineering wherever you go in the world.”, Georgina Odero
“I really loved (...) your idea. It was really unique and very inspiring to see how you were able to connect the dots with improving young people's skills, but also with sustainability and the circular economy. You clearly explained the needs on both sides, such as the need for repair centers, because they're absent in some communities, as well as reducing e-waste and enhancing the skills of engineering students.”, Alysha Alva, AIESEC.
Discover Georgina Odero's project: FiXers: Engineering for sustainable development
3rd place - Jay Liu from Hong Kong
Jay Liu presented a program on improving good faith and communication in interpersonal relationships, particularly in the event of disputes.
“What I hope to teach the world's citizens through my program is the art of arguing well, not only by reinforcing points of view, but also by promoting a cooperative mindset to solve these problems together, whether they are interpersonal or concern the future of our planet.”, Jay Liu
“(...) We really need to dare to know and dare to know requires knowing how we honestly argue with each other and how we learn to come out of that argument with productive solutions. (...) So I think Jay is doing a very good job of creating a program that will help people and companies learn this.”, Pavel Luksha, Global Education Futures
Discover Jay Liu's program: Ad Bonam Fidem
Discover all the other inspiring youth projects here
Over the coming months, the Institute will be working with its partners to find ways of supporting the finalist projects and their enthusiastic young leaders throughout the year. Our LearningPlanet Alliance team will also be spotlighting each of the learning programs, to spread the word about their excellent work.
“I look at the top three prizes among the hundreds of received ideas, and if Jay, Georgina and Pearl collaborated, imagine the power of their programs! (...) It's no longer a plus one, it's an exponential plus.” Ji Mi Choi, Arizona State University
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