The young and the impactful

Madhavi Shankar, CEO and co-founder of an edtech-based start-up SpaceBasic Inc, has been invited to be part of a young leaders’ programme by the United Nations. Called One Million Global Youth Leaders for Sustainable Development by 2030, this initiative by the UN will bring together young achievers from across the world to discuss the list of development goals and agenda it has set for 2030.

There are about 1.2 billion young entrepreneurs globally, and this number is expected to grow by seven per cent in the next two decades. These ‘young leaders’ are going to be change makers and the UN recognises their potential. “The event will feature keynote addresses, inter-generational panel discussions, and short, impactful pitches by young entrepreneurs from around the world that have been identified,” Madhavi elaborates.

Madhavi’s interests lie in public affairs and international relations. “There’s a famous quote that says, be the change you want to see in the world. It’s important to be aware and realise the things around us are changing. With insights into foreign affairs, public policies, international development, economic trends, social issues, law, we educate ourselves and can find ways to contribute to make the world a better place,” she is optimistic.  

“Being a woman entrepreneur and running a company here in India, I’m keen to raise awareness on the importance of gender equality in India and shift focus from the prejudice. I also aim to talk about how we aim to contribute for the same,” says the woman who has been in the Top 60 Women Transforming India list recognised by The Government of India as well as the UN. Madhavi asserts confidently, “The young leaders selected across the world are those who have contributed in some or the other way to the economy. We, the dreamers, portrayed as the leaders and change-makers, are joining this movement to enhance, contribute and complete the goals set by UN by 2030.”