This morning, the flag was raised in Utrecht as part of the Sustainable Development Goals Action Day 2022. The flag action shows organisations, municipalities, businesses and schools that they are part of the global SDG movement. Afterwards, a discussion between students, Mayor Sharon Dijksma and some councillors took place at City Hall. Enactus, the organisation that encourages social entrepreneurship among students worldwide, Utrecht4GlobalGoals, the organisation actively working to achieve the Global Goals in Utrecht and Royal Jaarbeurs also actively participated in the conversation. At the end of the morning, the mayor and Royal Jaarbeurs announced that Utrecht will host the Enactus World Cup in 2023. This event will bring together local and international young people to face the challenges of the future.
International youth tackle biggest challenges of the future
In October 2023, Utrecht will host inspiring leaders from business, civil society organisations as well as students and education from around the world. Together, they are committed to using entrepreneurship and innovation to solve the world's biggest challenges. Jeroen van Hooff, CEO Royal Jaarbeurs: "We are incredibly honoured to be able to provide an inspiring environment for international leading and sustainable innovation projects as a host venue. It is great that an organisation like Enactus inspires students and alumni worldwide to solve social and environmental problems all over the world. We embrace such projects and initiatives because action on these issues is badly needed. We too are working hard to continue the sustainability drive within Jaarbeurs. Our ambition is to become Europe's most sustainable event location. Tips and tricks from talented students are most welcome within this framework. We therefore look forward to being inspired during the Enactus World Cup 2023."
Impactful event finally in the Netherlands
Within Enactus, 70,000 students and alumni work worldwide to solve social and environmental problems. The organisation operates in 37 countries, making it one of the largest and most powerful global networks where students volunteer to make a positive social impact. In this way, they develop into entrepreneurial and responsible leaders. Chris Heutink (Executive Board Randstad N.V. and chairman of the board Enactus Netherlands): "As chairman of Enactus Netherlands, I have been fortunate to experience this unique gathering before and am proud that we are bringing this impactful event to the Netherlands. For me, the Enactus World Cup is the Olympic Games of doing good things. A great opportunity to meet the future and be inspired."
Gwen Jansen, chairman Utrecht4GlobalGoals: "The Global Goals are Local Goals. As much as 65% of the Goals' targets cannot be achieved without action at local level. That is why attention and action for the Global Goals in Utrecht is so hugely important. The difference is made at local level. As the Utrecht4GlobalGoals foundation, we are doing our bit. By drawing attention to the goals at schools, in streets and at companies. Everywhere and by connecting organisations to take joint action. Together we will get further!"
The annual Enactus World Cup 2022 will take place in Puerto Rico from 30 October to 2 November 2022
