News Releases
Global Partnership for Youth Investment Co-Sponsors First-Ever Youth Sessions at Fall 2008 World Bank Annual Meetings
WASHINGTON, Oct. 8, 2008—The World Bank-ImagineNations Group Global Partnership for Youth Investment (GPYI) is co-sponsoring the first-ever “Youth@Annual Meetings 2008: Partners in Development," a three-day event that marks the first time the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) annual meetings included a special session devoted to youth and youth investment.
From October 8-10, young leaders and entrepreneurs, NGOs, youth foundations and government representatives from around the world are gathering in Washington to discuss their projects, goals and development concerns to share ideas and initiatives.
“Today’s young people are the future leaders of tomorrow so it is critical that the decision makers of today work together with young leaders to learn from each other and exchange ideas and ways for collaboration,” said Alan H. Fleischmann, managing director of ImagineNations, who serves as chairman of the executive committee of GPYI. “The World Bank-ImagineNations Global Partnership is about empowering and inspiring a new generation of successful young adults in the developing world with opportunities, employment and livelihood firmly because we firmly believe that young people represent a tremendous opportunity to accelerate economic growth and reduce poverty worldwide.”
Over the three days, participants will share their views on a variety of topics, including how young people can exercise citizenship and make their voices heard in society; the school-to-work transition; the World Bank's engagement with youth; and an action plan on how youth can be vital partners in development.
About GPYI
In 2007, ImagineNations and the World Bank co-founded GPYI, a formal and enduring relationship that shares a common mission: To improve the lives of young people (with a special emphasis on adolescent girls and young women) through their economic advancement and social inclusion. GPYI manages the Global Fund for Youth Investment (founded in 2008), which will mobilize significant public and private resources to invest in the kind of comprehensive youth employment and entrepreneurship efforts documented and promoted by ImagineNations.
About ImagineNations
ImagineNations™ Group is a global alliance of entrepreneurs, thought leaders, investors, financial institutions, philanthropists and global brands —all working together to empower and inspire a new generation of successful young adults in the developing world with employment and livelihood opportunities. By designing and launching investment funds and financial institutions, ImagineNations and its partners are providing young entrepreneurs with financial resources and business/leadership coaching that young people need in order to start micro- and small businesses.