Building on the success of the previous edition, the Foundation reaffirms its commitment to empowering the younger generations by accompanying a delegation of young changemakers to Impact Week 2024 in Bilbao, Impact Europe’s annual event focused on sustainability and impact finance.
In 2023, Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo, working in partnership with Cooperativa D.O.C., and with the training support of Impact Europe, launched the Impact Generation programme. This initiative provided young people aged 18 to 25 with an intensive training experience focused on sustainable development and impact finance.
The programme selected 20 participants through an open call based on personal interest and motivations. These participants had the opportunity to embark on a high-level educational journey, guided by university professors, experts and qualified trainers. The programme culminated with their active involvement in Impact Week 2023 in Turin, where they showcased their enthusiasm and ideas.
During the event, the Impact Generators had the opportunity to present their Youth Agenda for 2030, a collective vision outlining the most urgent actions needed to advance towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that matter most to them. Additionally, the participants were invited as guests on a special episode of the Impact Europe podcast, where they shared their perspectives, giving voice to their generation and emphasising the importance of fostering concrete social impact.
Following the positive response to the initiative in Turin, a delegation of eight Impact Generators from the last edition will travel to Bilbao to take part in Impact Week 2024.
Among them are two members of the Foundation’s Young Advisory Board, highlighting the ongoing connection between the involvement of new generations and the philanthropic strategies of the organisation.
This initiative is made possible through the collaboration between Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo, Cooperativa D.O.C., Impact Europe and the BBK Foundation, which is hosting Impact Week in Bilbao. Thanks to this partnership, the Impact Generation training model has been successfully adapted to the Spanish context, promoting the exchange of skills and knowledge.
During the upcoming Impact Week, the young Impact Generators will have the chance to deepen their understanding of social impact issues, explore the impact ecosystem of the Bizkaia region and initiate international collaborations.
This invaluable experience marks the first step towards establishing an Impact Generation alumni community. The Foundation, in partnership with Impact Europe and the BBK Foundation, is working to make the programme replicable at all future Impact Week locations. This will further strengthen its role in creating an initiative that equips young leaders with the knowledge and skills to drive change towards sustainability and impact finance.
For further details, please visit the Impact Week 2024 website.