Skopje, 22 September 2023 (MIA) – The Fund for Innovation and Technological Development (FITD) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) signed Friday a new Memorandum of Understanding to continue with the UPSHIFT success story by the end of 2025, said UNICEF in a press release.

According to the press release, The UPSHIFT programme engages young people aged 13 to 19 years to design an innovative solution to a social problem they have identified in their community. The programme aims to foster innovative and creative thinking among young people, to understand the challenges they face and help them design innovative solutions in the form of a product or service. 

"Together with UNICEF, we share a common vision, that is to support creativity, innovation and develop young people’s skills, thus creating a prosperous future for young people in our country. As part of our work, the Fund emphasizes the support of proven successful initiatives that foster the potential of young people through a comprehensive national program ‘Fund for Young Minds’ - enabling young people to participate in intellectually stimulating programs outside of formal education, such as ‘Young Researchers Challenge’, ‘Junior Achievement’ and others," said Festim Halili, Director of the Fund for Innovation and Technological Development.

In the press release, UNICEF said that over the past three years the UPSHIFT programme has been a catalyst for the potential of young people to identify and address environmental challenges in their communities. 

“Hundreds of young people brought to life truly innovative solutions, and equally important, they were recognized as leaders in the actions we need to take to mitigate the vulnerabilities to climate change. We are happy that jointly with the FITD we can continue creating such opportunities for young innovators in the country.” said Patrizia Di Giovanni, UNICEF Representative.

The UPSHIFT programme combines social innovation workshops, with mentorship, materials, and seed funding, equipping young people with skills. It starts with a local call for self–starting groups of 13-19-year-olds to design an innovative solution to a social problem they have identified in their community.  A panel of private and public-sector representatives selects the best ideas, and the teams are guided by a mentor and participate in a design thinking workshop to develop their ideas. The programme benefits young people, but also the wider community from solutions created.

Photo: UNICEF