UNICEF Backs Young Innovators to Accelerate Climate Action


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The UN's children's agency is putting its money where its mouth is, selecting 24 innovators under the age of 30 to take part in a global accelerator program designed to help them tackle some of the world's most pressing issues.

Among them: an alternative to petroleum-based biosurfactants in cosmetics and cleaning products, a way to turn old tires into fuel for cement factories, and a dietary supplement for cows that reduces methane emissions, reports the New York Times.

"We need to seize the opportunity to invest in credible innovations that can contribute to reaching our global targets," says UN Secretary-General Anto ? 'nio Guterres, who announced the winners at a ceremony in London on Tuesday.

The winners will receive $50,000 each to work with UNICEF for a year, and will be matched with one of several members of a consortium of UNICEF partners who will help them scale up their solutions.

Among the winners: Marybel Montoya Alvarez, 31, has created a biodegradable, eco-friendly alternative to biosurfactants in cosmetics and cleaning products.

Her company, Fungi Life, aims to create a healthier environment for children in Colombia.Rapha ? 'l Ascoli, a French architect, has built sustainable bamboo housing in Myanmar.

Yaye Souadou Fall Read the Entire Article


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Young at 24, Juan David Aristizabal Ospina is a social entrepreneur who founded Buena Nota, a platform that accentuates social entrepreneurs and citizens in Colombia making  positive changes and raising awareness about social problems that need to be addressed.