Call for Application: 2018 Yenching Social Innovation Forum

Dear students,

We are excited to announce that applications for the 2018 Yenching Social Innovation Forum (YSIF ‘18) are now open! The application period to attend this fully-funded conference in Beijing ends on September 10.

The ways we work and live are quickly evolving with new technologies, rapid urbanization, and changes to quality of life around the world. The interconnection of our cities, economies, and well-being form the theme for the Yenching Social Innovation Forum 2018. Inspired by the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals 3, 8, and 11, we invite young innovators to Beijing to learn, network, and pitch solutions for “Smarter Living: Cities, Jobs, and Health for the Future.”

See the press release below for more details, and visit www.ycasocialinnovation.org to apply today!

Press Release

The Yenching Social Innovation Forum (YSIF) is an annual, student-led flagship event hosted by the Yenching Academy of Peking University. The Yenching Academy is an international master’s degree program established to shape a new generation of global leaders with a nuanced understanding of China and its role in the world. We now invite young people around the world to apply to become delegates at YSIF ‘18, hosted from December 7-9, 2018 at Peking University’s campus in Beijing. Admitted delegates receive full funding, including round trip travel, accommodation, meals, and materials. Visit www.ycasocialinnovatinon.org to apply by September 10. About us. The Yenching Social Innovation Forum began as an ambitious project by several Yenching Scholars in fall 2016. The inaugural YSIF ‘16 conference focused on “Bridging China’s Education Gap.” Last year, YSIF ‘17 grew in scope and prestige by drawing more than 3,000 applications from 100+ countries. With an acceptance rate of only 1.2%, delegates came from 21 countries and included Rhodes, Marshall, Fulbright, and Truman Scholars; World Economic Forum Global Shapers; Hult Prize winners; and accomplished entrepreneurs below 30 years of age. Tackle real world problems. The YSIF ‘18’ theme is “Smarter Living: Cities, Jobs, and Health for the Future.” Delegates will look at the ways we work and live are quickly evolving with new technologies, rapid urbanization, and changes to quality of life around the world. They will develop and pitch solutions that target 3 of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) -- SDG 3 (Good Health & Well-Being), SDG 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities & Communities). Meet business leaders. Improve presentation skills. Get expert feedback. Building on the success of the YSIF ‘16 and YSIF 17 conferences, the 3-day YSIF ‘18 program will feature a pitch competition with prizes for top ideas, cross-cultural networking, and workshops led by multi-sector entrepreneurs and VCs from Greater China and abroad. After the conference, delegates will join a talented global community of YSIF alumni and gain access to online channels. Partners. Networking. Media exposure. YSIF has built a partnership with Young Sustainable Impact (YSI), a recognized youth innovation non-profit based in Norway, and is an official member organization of SDSN Youth, a global network for educating and mobilizing youth to achieve the SDGs. Delegates can explore professional opportunities with these partners. YSIF has also been featured in media by CGTN, the Beijing Energy Network, and Qdero. Visit a world-leading city. YSIF takes advantage of China’s unique position as a rapidly developing economy facing a range of social and sustainable development challenges. Beijing is both a political capital and a hub of higher education and technology development, making the city a prime location for YSIF ‘18 delegates to connect and innovate. We hope you will apply for the 2018 Yenching Social Innovation Forum! Feel free to contact us with questions at ycasif2018@gmail.com, and check out our Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram pages.

Sincerely,
The YSIF ‘18 Executive Committee