The 2nd Yunus Camp: Youth from 26 universities gathered for the '3ZERO Actions'

(中央社訊息服務20240207 18:21:31)Foundation for Yunus Social Business Taiwan hosted the second “Yunus Camp in late January at Dongshih Forest Garden, focusing on the theme of the "3ZERO Actions " The camp aimed to push participants towards zero carbon emissions, zero poverty, and zero unemployment. 60 students from 26 universities across the country formed teams, engaging in discussions on social issues. Additionally, 6 expert speakers, including 2006 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, provided insights and encouragement through the video. In the video message, Professor Muhammad Yunus expressed his high regard for the Yunus Camp. He shared his own experiences as a young person, ignited by activities like scouting, which fueled his desire to help others. Professor Yunus encouraged the students to not only enjoy the camp but also take the first step towards the Three Zeros Visions.

The distinguished lineup of speakers for the 2nd Yunus Camp shared expertise in various fields such as design thinking, social innovation, verbal communication, presentation skills, fundraising, and entrepreneurship. These courses not only impart practical skills but also inspire students to strive for the Three Zeros Goals.

Distinguished guests, including the director of Foundation for Yunus Social Business Taiwan Ali Liao, CEO Juno Wang, Nanhua University Vice President Lin Chen Zhang, Director Deng Mei Zhen of the Yunus Social Business Centre at National Chin-Yi University of Technology, and CEO of the Office of Higher Education Sprout Project at National Taichung University of Science and Technology, Liu Jia Wen, served as judges for the proposal on the third day. The winning team, addressing the theme "How to make community stores environmentally or social friendly hubs," demonstrated outstanding creativity. The second and third place proposals focused on increasing the frequency of “Good to Go” members using reusable containers, and how can idle resources in campuses/communities/homes be matched to become usable supplies for the homeless.

To encourage the youth to create social businesses to address societal issues, Philippa Tsai, president of Foundation for Yunus Social Business Taiwan quoted Tagore's poem, "Live yourself as a light, Because you don't know, Who by thy light, Out of darkness." She hoped that every participant in Yunus Camp can embody Professor Yunus's spirit and inspire the young generation to collectively strive for the Three Zeros Goals. Juno Wang, CEO of Foundation for Yunus Social Business Taiwan led the whole team in planning the "Yunus Camp," aiming to help participants implement Yunus's 3ZERO Visions in the design thinking process, enabling them to progress towards social responsibility and sustainable development goals.

One of former participants of the Yunus Camp, who returned as a volunteer this time, emphasized the camp's value in expanding social networks, gaining sustainability-related knowledge, and interacting with expert speakers. Many participants expressed a desire for the foundation to continue organizing such Actions. Some even aspired to become volunteers for next year. The 2nd Yunus Camp, focuses on the 3ZERO Actions, aiming to inspire young participants to engage in social activities and create a more friendly and sustainable social environment.