SDG Impact Stories

SDG Impact Stories is a team of 3 dedicated AEHL, with the will to take action towards global challenges and accelerate the transition towards a more fair and sustainable world.

Guillaume Monnier, our Camera-Man and Shaan Madhavji, our Founder, both recently graduated in June 2021. Clarissa, our Co-Founder, and AEHL since June 2019, worked at KPMG as a Junior Auditor and then as a Forensic Consultant for a little more than 2 years.

In 2015, all UN Member States adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. At its core, 17 SDGs were designed to tackle global challenges such as extreme poverty, quality education for all, climate change and many more. Specific targets were set for each goal, and they’re expected to be achieved by 2030.

What is the SDG World Tour of social entrepreneurs ?

To put it simply, it’s a World Tour across 20 countries during 6 months to highlight the work of +50 social entrepreneurs who contribute to at least one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. While we are covering all SDGs, we primarily focus on Education, Food and Climate action. The tour started on February 1st, 2022.

At present, we have about 40 entrepreneurs on board, some of which are AEHL! These entrepreneurs are spread out through 20 different countries in Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and North and South America.

For each entrepreneur, the SDG Impact Stories team produces:

• A 3 min video about a social enterprise following this structure: 1) The problem the company is trying to solve 2) The solution(s) designed to address the problem 3) The impact and potential impact of the company;

• A 20 min video of an interview we’ll shoot with the founder/ an executive, in which we discuss the same topics mentioned above (problem, solution, impact) but with more depth. Similar to a visual podcast.

In addition to the social entrepreneurs, as our project grows, we are meeting thought leaders, philanthropists, professors, and renowned change makers throughout the tour. To add perspective on the topics we are tackling, we’ve invited these guests as speakers of our “Walk the Talk” series.

This series will notably feature Magali Silva (former Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism of Peru), Robert Rubinstein (pioneer in impact investing), Noella Richard (Director of UNDP Youth in N-Y), faculty members of Harvard, MIT and others.

What are you trying to achieve?

Our main objectives are the following:

• Highlight the concept of «social entrepreneurship»;

• Raise awareness on global challenges, the SDGs and simple solutions that exist to accelerate change;

•

Inspire

Younger Generations To Pursue A Career In The Eld Of Social And Environmental Impact

Our primer focus is to put a spotlight on the concept of social entrepreneurship, and its potential to accelerate social and environmental change. At SDG Impact Stories, we believe that small to medium-sized social businesses can have a major impact on their communities locally, and globally. Social entrepreneurs not only have a positive impact but are profitable as well, which is essential for them to grow in the long-term.

Additionally, we want to raise awareness on the 17 SDGs, which can be considered as a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. The UN describe it as an urgent call for action for governments, corporations, and individuals to reduce inequalities, promote social inclusion and protect the environment.

Finally, younger generations are increasingly interested in driving change. In recent years, young people have been more involved politically, making a conscious effort to consume more responsibly and avoid companies with questionable practices. However, the field of impact careers is still emerging, fragmented and tricky to navigate through. Therefore, we want to expose the numerous opportunities that exist in that field.

Why is it important to tell the stories of social entrepreneurs?

Today, we're faced with unprecedented social and environmental challenges. A lot of inspiring individuals are leading the way towards making the world more sustainable. However, few people know about their work and impact. Telling a story, if well done, can trigger emotions, encourage reflection and ultimately empower individuals to make informed decisions.

We believe social entrepreneurs can locally have the biggest impact on their communities. With their knowledge and perspective, they’re in the best position to design efficient solutions and drive sustainable change. Many of them have demonstrated that you can be profitable and at the same time have a big impact.

How is EHL playing a major part on the SDG Impact Stories project?

We can firstly thank the strong AEHL network, without which we would have never made a team for the SDG Impact Stories. None of us really knew each other prior to the project. It went from an idea Shaan had 1 year ago, to the “recruitment” of Clarissa to further develop the vision, and the arrival of Guillaume to enable the product! All this thanks to our AEHL platforms. Not to mention how each of our unique experiences throughout the EHL Bachelor’s program shaped who we are today and played its role in developing our skills and competencies to come up with this project.

Additionally, Noémie Danthine, Head of Sustainability at EHL, played a huge role in bringing the project to life as she provided advice and support from the very beginning. She also greatly facilitated EHL’s financial contribution to the SDG World Tour.

With its increasing commitment towards sustainability within their curriculum but also as part of their daily operations, EHL fits hand in hand with SDG Impact Stories. Many AEHL share the same vision. Up until now, we have already covered the stories of some of them including Alina Swirski, Country Manager of Too Good to Go Switzerland, Naomi MacKenzie and Anastasia Hofmann, CoFounders of Kitro, as well as Joseph Choueifaty, Founder of Goodvest. Furthermore, AEHL Nicky Gryzcka, became a key partner for the tour as she helped us connect with numerous social entrepreneurs through an organisation she recently founded called the Social Gastronomy Movement.

As part of the agreement related to the EHL sponsorship, following the tour, the SDG Impact Stories team will write a set of written recommendations to help EHL accelerate its commitment towards sustainability and drive sustainable change within the School and the Hospitality industry. Throughout the tour, we are also taking part in several EHL recruitments events, notably in Paris and New-York, to engage in meaningful discussions with potential EHL Students.

In addition to EHL, we’re delighted to count on the support of organisations such as Ashoka, the UN SDG Lab, Aga Khan Development Network, AlphaMundi, Quadia, The Knowledge Society, IKEA Social Entrepreneurship and the UN Development Program. These organisations helped us to select some innovative and impactful companies.

Where you can follow the tour

You can follow our journey on @SDGimpactstories on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube or LinkedIn. We look forward to having you as part of our community.