Karachi, The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in partnership with the Tanoto Foundation successfully hosted the Knowledge Summit of UNESCO Youth as Researchers and Tanoto Student Research Awards (YAR-TSRA) on 14 November 2023. The event, held at Pos Bloc in Jakarta, marked the culmination of a 12-week program involving over a hundred students from various backgrounds and six partner universities across Indonesia.

According to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, the summit was a vibrant convergence of youth, experts, and policymakers. It concluded a series of online training sessions, mentoring opportunities, and localized workshops that were conducted across Indonesia. These initiatives were focused on empowering students to develop youth-led innovative solutions to address socioeconomic challenges.

Pos Bloc, a historical building revitalized into a creative compound in Jakarta, served as the perfect backdrop for this significant event. It provided an inspiring environment for the exchange of ideas and perspectives between young researchers and seasoned professionals.

The YAR-TSRA program highlights UNESCO’s and the Tanoto Foundation’s commitment to fostering youth engagement in research and policymaking. The initiative underscores the importance of equipping the younger generation with the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute effectively to sustainable futures.

This summit represents a significant step towards involving youth in shaping policies and solutions that are critical for addressing global challenges. It also illustrates the potential of collaborative efforts between international organizations, foundations, and educational institutions in nurturing the next generation of leaders and innovators.