The Social Good Summit hosted by Mashable and 92Y started on Monday and ends this Thursday. So far, the ideas have been inspiring and many new ventures are already being put into action after being revealed at the Summit. A key focus of the conference so far has been the youth and their ability to effect change. Care2.com explained that “Many speakers explored how young people are not only using technology to mobilise change, but how organisations can successfully reach out to young people by using these technologies.”
Prominent businessman Ted Turner was quoted saying “If you tell the truth, you are making a contribution. If you give good information, you are doing good.” He also expressed his passion for the UN by stating, “The United Nations has never been more relevant. We can solve the world’s problems together or not at all.”
Philanthropist Howard Buffett announced the start of the Learning By Giving Foundation which is aimed at offering financial assistance to tertiary students in the field of philanthropy. The foundation offers $10,000 grants to classes for distribution to nonprofits. He describes the power of this initiative as “an example of how a small change in the traditional paradigm can transform an entire sector: By simply empowering students to become problem solvers in their own communities, we maximize the impact of our efforts, encourage innovation, and inspire life-long engagements with philanthropy.” Buffett was eager to share the news that the foundation has already received it’s first donation of $5 million, donated by his aunt.
A new campaign was also discussed by USAID Administrator, Raj Shah. Famine, War, Drought (FWD) will focus on these three epidemics around the world, and will benefit from donations that can be made through text messaging.
Other speakers included David Jones, Global CEO, Havas & Euro RSCG Worldwide; and Young World Ambassadors – Erin Schrode, Michael Teoh and Kwadwo Ofori Owusu. Each of them discussed under the topic, “HOW YOUNG PEOPLE AND TECHNOLOGY ARE CHANGING THE WORLD”. Also sharing information was Nancy Lublin, CEO of Do Something.
Day two began with Mashable’s Founder and CEO, Pete Cashmore who explored the importance of ethics in the media and online. Geena Davis explored ways to empower women and girls, and the influence that media has of females. Lance Armstrong, Founder and Chairman of LIVESTRONG gave his contribution, followed by António Guterres, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, in an effort to explain the 43 million people who are displaced around the globe.
More of these exciting topics and ideas will be shared as the Summit continues this week in New York City. You can watch the event via Livestream here.
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