Samsung Electronics recently placed its flagship corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, under the global spotlight during a prestigious event hosted by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Lausanne, Switzerland. This event, which seamlessly blended innovation, sports, and social impact, was a testament to the powerful roles these elements play in fostering a better world.
The Olympism365 Summit: Sport For A Better World, held from June 3 to 5 at the IOC’s headquarters, saw Samsung actively participating as a Worldwide Mobile and Computing Equipment Partner of both the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The summit provided a platform to showcase the mission of Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, which aims to empower young people through education and technology. The program has been instrumental in inspiring youth globally to address and solve real-world challenges in their communities through innovative technology.
The summit was a melting pot of over 250 representatives from 100 diverse organizations, including those from the Olympic Movement, United Nations agencies, development and financing institutions, civil society, businesses focused on social purposes, the safe sport community, and IOC Young Leaders. These varied entities converged with a shared vision: to use sport as a catalyst for advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
During this three-day event, the IOC Youth Summit was a significant highlight. This summit offered a platform for IOC Young Leaders to share their perspectives, brainstorm innovative solutions, and contribute to shaping the future of sport as a development tool. This aligns with the Olympism365 strategy, which emphasizes building a better world through sport.
One of the standout moments at the summit was a presentation by Ramneek Kaur Ahluwalia, the 2022 winner of the United Kingdom’s Solve for Tomorrow program. Ramneek shared her transformative journey and how the program significantly impacted her personal and professional growth. She recounted how her initial challenges with isolation and vulnerability, stemming from using a white cane, propelled her to develop the award-winning device, MyVision. This smart assistive device is tailored for individuals with congenital visual impairments and was brought to fruition with the guidance of Samsung Solve for Tomorrow mentors. These mentors provided invaluable support in design thinking and technical expertise, enabling Ramneek to create a truly life-altering device.
Ramneek’s narrative extended beyond her personal achievements. She highlighted her commitment to expanding MyVision into broader educational and career opportunities for others facing similar challenges. Her story is a powerful example of how technology can be harnessed to create inclusive solutions that address specific needs within communities.
The summit also facilitated meaningful exchanges between participants. Ramneek interacted with IOC officials and other Young Leaders, discussing the potential of sports programs for marginalized youth in Scotland with Sherief Kholeif, a United Kingdom-based IOC Young Leader. These discussions underscored the importance of integrating sport and technology to create a significant social impact.
Building on its engagement at the Olympism365 Summit and the IOC Youth Summit, Samsung has announced plans to deepen its collaboration with the IOC. The company aims to introduce “Social Change Through Sport & Technology” as one of the global themes for Solve for Tomorrow 2025. This initiative is designed to support young innovators worldwide in developing creative and practical ideas that drive positive changes in their communities.
Sherief Kholeif expressed his admiration for Ramneek’s work, stating, “It was a pleasure to meet Ramneek, one of Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow ambassadors at the IOC Youth Summit. Her innovative and thoughtful ideas are inspiring. It is encouraging to see Samsung paving the way for young students around the world who believe in creating a more accessible and inclusive future through innovation. I hope the Solve for Tomorrow program continues to create meaningful opportunities for my fellow Young Leaders, and that together we can make a difference by combining technology and sport.”
The selection of the “Social Change Through Sport & Technology” theme is particularly noteworthy, as it was chosen through a public vote during the Olympic Games in Paris last year. This theme reflects the increasing global focus on sustainability and sport, urging young individuals to develop innovative solutions that highlight the positive social and environmental impacts of sport.
The summit concluded with a spirit of collaboration and innovation, as participants, including Ramneek, gathered for a group photo with other IOC Young Leaders. This moment captured the essence of the event — a coming together of young leaders who are committed to leveraging the power of sport and technology to create a brighter, more sustainable future for their communities.
For more information on Samsung’s initiatives, visit the official website.
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