SIGEF 2016 by Horyou, One Step Further Towards Social Innovation with Global Impact

GENEVA, Nov. 28, 2016 /CNW/ - "Shaping Better Times to Come", the third edition of the Social Innovation and Global Ethics Forum, called for climate friendly actions, sustainable innovation and community empowerment solutions to help shape a fairer future for Africa and the world. Organized from 9-11 November by Horyou as the leading side event of COP22 in Marrakesh, SIGEF gathered renowned speakers along with more than 50 NGOs and project holders who furthered the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting positivity, diversity and Social Good values.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161125/442995 )

Special guests including HRH Prince Nawaf bin Saad al Saud, Chairman of the Al-Hilal Saudi football club, Mrs. Rosalie Matondo, Minister of Environment of the Republic of Congo, Dr Ali Bin Samikh Al Marri, Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) in Qatar, and Yasuhiro Yamamoto, President of Eneco Holdings and Founding Sponsor of SIGEF were at the opening ceremony. "We are pleased to host such a diverse assembly who is helping advance the SDGs", stressed Yonathan Parienti, founder of Horyou.

The first day addressed the infrastructural aspects of a competitive and sustainable Africa, covering challenges such as access to health and water, agriculture and innovative private sector trends. The Minister of Urbanism of Morocco, Mr. Driss Merroun, presented his country's resolutely green economy.

On the second day, specialists, entrepreneurs and investors spoke of energy, transportation and construction for the Cities of Tomorrow. Solar Impulse designer and pilot Bertrand Piccard and Formula E CEO Alejandro Agag discussed the role of clean powered transportation in providing technology for the future. Mr. Yamamoto, from Eneco Holdings, presented ground breaking energy solutions that reduce CO2 emissions by 50%: "the concept that enriches people's everyday life, from a consumer point of view, enables for both high-tech and the environment to exist".

Artists, innovators and NGOs discussed the power of technology, gender equality and the arts for Social Good on the closing day. Bolivian actress and filmmaker Carla Ortiz made a passionate presentation of her movie "Voices of Syria" and received the Women Empowerment SIGEF Award.

SIGEF Awards

The SIGEF Awards rewarded outstanding humanitarians, as well as innovative projects presented during the 3 days of the forum. The Jury Award went to El Pozo de Vida, an organization which supports victims of human trafficking. Sustainable energy projects Pocket Rocket and Can Heat were first and second runner-ups.

SIGEF2016 is organized by Horyou as a result of the collaboration with dedicated partners such as Founding Partners Eneco Holdings and Horyou Foundation.

SOURCE Horyou

Vivian Soares, E: [email protected], T: [phone]