Telenor challenges 26 millennials to tackle global problems with technology

• Top candidates selected from more than one billion people
• Delegates to spend one year developing solutions that target global, social challenges

TWENTY-six millennials from Telenor’s 13 markets were selected from a pool of nearly 5,000 applicants to represent their countries in the fourth annual Telenor Youth Forum (TYF) and 2016 Nobel Peace Prize activities.

TYF is a programme run by Telenor Group and the Nobel Peace Centre, with the aim to empower youth to solve social issues through technology.

The one-year TYF programme begins in Oslo, Dec 8 – 11, during Nobel Peace Prize week. The selected delegates will take part in events related to honouring the Nobel Peace Prize winner, Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, in addition to working in teams to design solutions to major social challenges.

The year-long TYF programme will consist of virtual teamwork (after the Oslo event) punctuated by a Bangkok-based meet-up in May 2017, and culminating in the unveiling of the teams’ digital exhibitions with the Nobel Peace Centre in October 2017.

Nobel Peace Centre serves as key partner for TYF
“We are excited to bring delegates from across Europe and Asia together, challenging them to become experts and solution drivers on global, social issues,” said Nobel Peace Centre executive director Liv Tørres.

“At the Nobel Peace Centre, we believe that by addressing social inequalities, we take one step closer to peace. Through this programme we want youth to realise their potential to start change.”

"We believe in youth with ideas, passion and social conscience. We're optimistic about the power of technology, and we think that communication across boundaries can foster peace. At Telenor we are excited to see young minds gather to co-create with us, our experts and with our partners at the Nobel Peace Center," said Telenor Group president and CEO Sigve Brekke.

Who are the delegates?
With more than one billion people within Telenor Group’s 13-market footprint, the 26 youth who have been selected as TYF delegates represent the top talents from an enormous pool.

This has amounted to the largest global recruitment process ever conducted by Telenor.

More than 4,800 applications were received for the Telenor Youth Forum, and through essays, video interviews, event appearances and other screenings, 26 top individuals were selected.

How the program works
Telenor has invited service design agency Livework to support the youth in designing solutions, and each team will be supported by an expert mentor who will guide the team throughout the year as they develop their solution.

From Oslo to Bangkok, TYF takes youth around the world
TYF will host a second event for the delegates in Bangkok in May 2017. This will be the first major milestone for the teams as they work to implement their solutions.

The programme will conclude for this batch of young people in October 2017, when Telenor and a jury of experts will evaluate the work and select a winning team that will return to Oslo in December 2017 to inspire the next round of TYF participants.

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