Generali – UNDP Students Challenge
Young talents from Ca’ Foscari University of Venice and the University of Padua gathered in the Procuratie Vecchie, the Home of The Human Safety Net Foundation in Venice, working together to address the topics of the next UNDP Human Development Report
A dialogue on the latest Human Development Report (HDR) findings and an opportunity to work on innovative policy proposals and ideas: the Generali-UNDP Students Challenge came to an end on May 23rd after its kick off during the HDR’s launch event on March 18th.
Bringing together students from Ca’ Foscari University of Venice and the University of Padua, the Challenge was organized by Generali and UNDP as part of their multi-year partnership to reduce the protection gap for vulnerable communities worldwide and support developing countries with access to insurance and risk finance solutions that enhance the resilience of communities and local businesses.
In the Procuratie Vecchie, the Home of The Human Safety Net Foundation in Venice, the selected students had the opportunity to liaise with Generali and UNDP senior leaders as well as with academics and collaborate to produce literature reviews, case studies, or policy proposals contributing to the next Human Development Report.
The 2025 edition of the HDR will focus on imagining digital futures. In the pursuit of understanding the trajectory of human development, particularly in the digital age, the upcoming HDR will delve deeply into the intricate dynamics of digitalization, including artificial intelligence, within the framework of human development, addressing its profound and multifaceted impacts on society. With a people-centred approach, it will critically examine how digitalization can either amplify or mitigate existing inequalities, reshape political landscapes, and redefine economic structures.
On the same day, the students also participated in interactive workshops, gamification activities and opportunities to connect with other youths engaged in social inclusion and sustainability as part of "Involved! Gamification for Sustainable Changemakers". The initiative was proposed by The Human Safety Net for the 2024 Festival of Sustainable Development, to search for and find new strategies to have a positive impact on society.
An inspiring first time for all participants, the Students Challenge served as a catalyst to promote young talents and engage them on the challenges of today’s complex world, to contribute to the development of innovative and sustainable solutions for a shared future.
