What did UNLEASH unleash?
A Journey of Innovation at the UNLEASH Innovation Lab 2017
I owe this text to all those who continue asking me: What is the UNLEASH about? What did you actually win?
As one of the 1,000 participants (they called us talents) from 129 countries, I was invited on an exhilarating journey to co-create innovative, scalable solutions for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Initially, I must confess, I had reservations about UNLEASH. Is it another expensive SDG event where a thousand voices talk about global problems without producing real results? Little did I know.
A Powerful Consortium
Supported by a global consortium of influential actors, including UNDP, Carlsberg Foundation, Deloitte, Microsoft, Dalberg, and over 170 knowledge and talent partners, UNLEASH boasted an extensive network of companies with a genuine interest in delivering impactful solutions for the SDGs. The meticulous planning and two-year preparation were not in vain — UNLEASH aimed to support long-term innovative business solutions that would make a real difference, with plans to continue organising it annually until 2030.
A Journey of Inspiration
In the initial days of UNLEASH, we were introduced to a constellation of innovators, CEOs, world-famous architects, ICT and education experts, and more. Their stories showcased the transformative potential of technology and innovation, demonstrating how these forces could solve diverse global challenges. For instance, we explored how new technology could secure education for children worldwide, reinforcing the importance of leveraging advancements for positive change. It was a privilege to meet dreamers and optimists who not only envisioned a better world but had turned their dreams into reality. This encounter was especially significant for someone like me from Bosnia and Herzegovina, where outside-the-box thinking is rather an incident that should be suffocated than the desired way of thinking.
The Unveiling of Danish Folk High Schools
Following our initial days in Copenhagen, we embarked on a new chapter. We were transported to ten Danish folk high schools — unique educational institutions that deviated from traditional norms. Situated amidst nature, these schools offered a creative, non-formal adult education experience. They became our home, where we ate, slept, studied, and immersed ourselves in nature’s embrace. Surrounded by the Danish countryside, we embarked on a creative program that encompassed learning from nature and about life itself. Free from academic requirements and exams, the schools provided a platform for self-discovery, purpose-seeking, and personal growth. For those seeking purpose, mission, and clarity, these schools offered a life-changing experience. My heart yearns to see this concept flourish and multiply. Brandbjerg Højskole, I shall return one day ❤
A Shared Purpose: “Hear-oes on Demand (HOD)” to Empower the Deaf Community
Within the walls of these schools, our true work commenced. That is how I meet my guys: Silvia, Madhvi, Joannes, Ryan and Rick! Silvia, with her invaluable experience working with the deaf community in Kenya, shared a heart-wrenching story about Mary:
“Mary is a 9-year-old deaf girl who was raped by her school teacher but does not have the ability to tell anyone. When Mary shows signs of pregnancy, she cannot communicate it to her mother, so her mother beats her out of frustration. Mary is now pregnant and out of school, and she does not know what her future will be.”
Determined to address this issue, we poured our efforts and knowledge into creating a solution. As a team with diverse backgrounds from five continents, despite initially differing visions, we knew we had to work tirelessly, trusting one another and pooling our efforts and expertise to craft the best possible solution.
From Pitch to Gold
There is a huge gap between the availability of interpreters and deaf individuals in Kenya, even though sign language is one of the official languages. Institutions mandated to provide these services also face a severe shortage of qualified interpreters. The current monopolistic system takes on average 75% of the revenue. Our solution disrupts this system through a shared economy model that leverages a web and mobile-enabled digital platform to connect quality interpreters to the deaf. We prepared a compelling 3-minute pitch and navigated through rounds of selection, including peer evaluations, thematic judges’ panels, and the intense finals in Aarhus, in a Dragons’ Den format. The culmination of our efforts came when our project, ‘Hear-oes on Demand (HOD),’ emerged as the unanimous choice of the jury in the Education and ICT track and was crowned the gold winner in the Education & ICT category.
An Unforgettable Tapestry of Encounters
Throughout those nine extraordinary days, we encountered a tapestry of influential speakers, distinguished guests, and luminaries. From the Crown Princess of Denmark to the Prime Minister of Denmark, from Achim Steiner of UNDP to Charlotte Mark of Microsoft, and from Salman Khan of Khan Academy to Olafur Eliasson, Bjarke Ingels, Ashton Kutcher, Trisha Shetty, and a host of other remarkable individuals, our hearts and minds were ignited with inspiration.
Embracing the Real Heroes
Amidst this whirlwind of experiences, the most profound connections were forged with the incredible individuals who became my teammates — Silvia Muturi, Madhvi Aggarwal, Joannes Paulus Yimbesalu, Ryan Scott, and Rick Martin. They not only possessed expertise in their respective fields but also embodied the belief in a better world and have the ability to make it a reality. As we eagerly await UNLEASH’s support for implementing our solutions born in Denmark, we stand firmly behind Silvia, who is on the ground in Kenya, making “Hear-oes on Demand (HOD)” a reality. The path forward may still be unknown, but our determination remains unwavering.
In conclusion, UNLEASH Innovation Lab 2017 went far beyond my initial expectations. It was a journey of collaboration, inspiration, and deep human connections. We witnessed the power of innovation, experienced the transformative environment of Danish folk high schools, and together with my exceptional team, we tackled a profound problem head-on. UNLEASH unleashed a newfound belief in our ability to shape a better world.
UNLEASH is not confined to a single moment in time. It is an ongoing, annual event that takes place in different countries each year. If you are passionate about driving positive change and want to be part of the next cohort, please visit unleash.org and apply. The potential to unleash your own impact on the world awaits.
