Mary Kay calls youth participation in third annual World Series of Innovation challenge

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 19 (Bernama) -- Mary Kay Inc, a leading corporate advocate of women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship, has announced its third annual World Series of Innovation (WSI) challenge in partnership with Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE).

The global competition invites young people ages 13-24 to put their critical thinking skills to the test and get involved in solving some of the biggest challenges humanity faces today to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

According to a statement, Mary Kay’s WSI challenge kicks off Sept 15 in conjunction with World Clean Up Day.

The Mary Kay challenge encourages young entrepreneurs to submit innovative solutions to address UN SDG 14: Life Below Water. Specifically, students are challenged to design a solution to further the conservation and/or protection of the world’s marine ecosystems and coastal communities.

“All life on Earth began in and depends on our oceans. Water is the most valuable resource on our planet, and it’s essential that we not only respect it, but do our part to protect it,” said Chief Operating Officer for Mary Kay Inc, Deborah Gibbins.

“We are excited to see how the world’s youth can help to advance ecosystems and biodiversity conservation globally.”

Meanwhile, President and Chief Executive Officer of NFTE, Dr J.D. LaRock said: “Mary Kay Global Oceans Conservations Challenge dares our young WSI competitors to think big about water quality.

“They can ideate ways to look after marine life, safeguard oceans, secure affordable access to clean drinking water, protect water resources from pollution, address overconsumption, or otherwise help preserve our ecosystem for generations to come.”

NFTE is a global educational non-profit focused on bringing the power of entrepreneurship to low-income communities. Since its founding more than 35 years ago, NFTE has trained thousands of teachers and educated well over a million young people worldwide.

-- BERNAMA