The Unleashers

Who are the SDG Talents?

Cynthia Patricia Pliego Collins
UNLEASH Lab
3 min readAug 7, 2017

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Most engaged members in UNLEASH Lab Facebook unofficial group, by Nicholas Johnson.

UNLEASH Lab hasn’t properly started; that will happen this coming 13th of August. Yet, so far, it has already been one of the most wonderful experiences of my life. One I´ve always dreamt of. The opportunity to interact with and befriend driven, passionate people from all over the world is something invaluable. Sometimes overwhelming, yes, but I wouldn’t miss a thing! I am grateful.

What happens when you put together people like this? people who really want to change the world for the better, who are not only thinking or wishing but doing, who don´t wait for others to take the first step to solve problems. People that overcome all levels and kinds of difficulties to achieve something great, not for themselves but for everyone; who think that achieving utopias is the only target possible and wouldn’t be content with anything less; who give much more than 100% to anything they do. Young people with a similar mindset in general, yet very different backgrounds and working in a wide range of things.

That´s what I call the “Unleashers Character”.

What I´ve seen these past few weeks has positively surprised me. In the information and digital era, we are already connected through many different channels and media, sharing ideas, past projects, information, opportunities, laughs, jokes, plans. Almost everyday an idea comes up to team up, to do something, to engage a theme in a new way. From the Gift Corner to a traditional costume day, all the way through an origami set and dancing classes, to brainstorming plans to get the ideas to the feasible stage; creativity is booming everywhere; long-lasting synergies and friendships are forming. For me and many of us, we are already a family of unleashers!

And that is only speaking about the SDG Talents. The interaction with UNLEASH core team has been great too, they are open, fun and are doing an incredible job to make this happen along with the partners and allies. Thank you heartily! You are placing a great deal of trust in us. And we will deliver.

So, indeed what happens? In a nutshell, we are going to speed up the SDGs. With the guidance and help of UNLEASH partners, and with our drive, knowledge and passion, we will change how things are done. Considering what I’ve seen, I am certain that we have the potential to make this world the place it should be. Not just by ourselves, we have to inspire more people, and to help those who are already inspired. We have to work together, to see the big picture, to view issues in a holistic way. We must spread this into every inch of society and every corner of the world.

We are the founding class, the first generation of unleashers, the first cohort of SDG Talents at UNLEASH Lab, however you want to call us. We have been honoured to be a part of this, and so we carry a responsibility, one that I am sure we will keep.

Yes, the SDG challenge is huge. I am counting the hours to face it along with my fellow unleashers!

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Cynthia Patricia Pliego Collins
UNLEASH Lab

Conservation driven biologist, Project Director @ AgroDer (since 2007), working w/multidisciplinary groups, tackling key issues w/ integrated focus for Sust Dev