Gmail users: please click "view in browser" for the full newsletter. |
|
|
Happy Passover, Ramadan Kareem, and Happy Easter! |
|
|
A note from Pears Program for Global Innovation As you may be aware, hundreds of thousands of citizens in Israel have taken to the streets in the past few months, opposing the government's initiative to enact changes to Israel’s political and legal systems. While acknowledging the deeply held beliefs of some parts of society that there is a need for judicial reform, the Pears Program is concerned about the significant risks involved in weakening the checks and balances which underpin Israel’s democracy. Apart from protecting individual and minority rights, an independent judicial system is a strong guarantor for an open, stable, and fair society, which is in itself is a prerequisite for human development. This is why, as a civil society organization, along with many of our NGO and private sector partners, we are deeply concerned about the risk of weakening the impartial and reliable judicial system. We stand united in solidarity with all our fellow citizens pushing for dialogue and urge the government not to make hasty moves that will have dramatic consequences and will be very difficult to reverse. Respectfully, The Pears Program for Global Innovation Team |
|
|
March Newsletter Highlights Funding & Accelerator Opportunities Updates from Pears Program Events Global Trends Job Opportunities from UNHCR, The World Bank, and more!
|
|
|
Funding & Accelerator Opportunities |
|
|
The GSMA Innovation Fund for Climate Resilience and Adaptation 2.0 |
|
|
Calling all ClimateTech innovators! The GSMA invites applications from start-ups, small and medium enterprises and social enterprises leveraging digital technology to deliver climate resilience and adaptation solutions to and with low-income and vulnerable populations. Successful projects will receive grant funding of between GBP 100,000 and GBP 250,000 over 15 to 18 months, plus tailored technical assistance, including mentoring and expert advice, networking and showcasing opportunities, facilitation of relevant partnerships, and monitoring and evaluation support. Apply here by May 16, 2023. |
|
|
iF Social Impact Prize 2023 |
|
|
Calling all social impact entities, innovators, and organizations! The iF Social Impact Prize supports projects that contribute to improving society. All companies, design studios, NGOs, foundations, social enterprises, and other organizations working towards achieving one or more of the UN Sustainable Development Goals are eligible to compete for a share of the EUR 100K prize. Winning organizations will be determined from five criteria: problem solving, moral-ethical standards, solidarity, reasonable effort, and beneficial experiences. Apply here by May 9, 2023. |
|
|
Sustainable Consumption & Production Mission |
|
|
Calling all sustainable manufacturing, supply chain management, and circular economy innovators! Good Company and its partners identified three sectors where technology has strong potential tomake true impact in reaching our net-zero goals: Sustainable Manufacturing, Supply Chain Management, and Circular Economy. They are on a mission to find the best solutions out there and help them scale - by offering startups access to capital, market, mentorship, community and much more.
Apply here by April 9, 2023. |
|
|
Toilet Board Coalition Accelerator 2024 |
|
|
Calling all sanitation innovators! The Toilet Board Coalition accelerates business solutions to the sanitation crisis through our world-renowned Accelerator; matching entrepreneurs with global business leaders and investors to drive progress on Sustainable Development Goal 6.2 – sanitation for all by 2030. This accelerator is in its eighth year, accelerating Sanitation Economy businesses through business model design, corporate mentorship, and access to investment. To date, the Coalition has graduated 58 SMEs, impacting more than 2.4 million people daily and unlocking US$22 million in finance. Apply here by April 28, 2023. |
|
|
2023 Sankalp Africa Summit Roni Levy and Yonatan Bukhdruker, two project managers on the Pears Program team, flew to Nairobi in the beginning of the month to attend the 10th annual Sankalp Africa Summit. During their time there, they participated in fascinating workshops and met fellow practioners from all over the continent. They particularly explored the trends and opportunities around digital and financial inclusion in East Africa, as they work towards building two new programs in Israel surrounding this theme. |
|
|
Glocal Graduation Event We were thrilled to attend and participate in the Cohort 12 graduation event of Glocal - Hebrew University's M.A. in International Development. One of our Project Managers, Roni Levy, took part in a panel on food security, waste management, and community development. Alongside other experts, she shared her insights on the potential of the private sector in meeting food security challenges in emerging markets. She additionally focused on the role of corporations in reaching impact at scale with innovative technologies. Thank you to Glocal for including us, and congratulations to the newly graduated 12th cohort! |
|
|
Global Digital Development Forum 2023 GDDF 2023 builds on three years of successful global virtual forums that have engaged over 3,000 participants each time and feature keynote speakers from USAID, tech companies, and across the digital development ecosystem. This year will explore transformative questions, host industry-defining discussions, and showcase new voices and creative ideas for three focus areas: climate change, locally-led development, and emerging technologies. Join for fascinating sessions spanning the globe, featuring individuals at the cutting edge of technology and development in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas. April 26-27, 2023 Register here |
|
|
Focal Point 2023 Time is running out to sign up for OLAM's Focal Point conference for Jews & Israelis engaged in international development, humanitarian aid or global service! Don't miss out on this exclusive opportunity to network, learn, and share ideas and best practices with colleagues from around the world at the premier Jewish gathering for people engaged in these fields, in person. Washington DC May 8-9, 2023 Register here by April 10 |
|
|
The high price of education in Sub-Saharan Africa Sub-Saharan Africa currently has the highest number of out-of-school children in the world for many reasons, including poverty, conflict, and a lack of infrastructure. Despite these challenges, this article emphasizes the role digital payments could play in access to education, noting that cash-based payments for school fees and other educational expenses are a significant obstacle for many families in the region. Cash payments can be expensive, time-consuming, and risky, sometimes requiring traveling long distances and carrying large amounts of cash at once. Digitizing payments can help to address these challenges by making it easier and safer for families to pay for education. The article cites several examples of digital payment solutions that have been successful in Sub-Saharan Africa, including mobile money and electronic payment systems. These solutions have helped to reduce the costs and risks associated with cash payments, making it easier for families to pay for education. Overall, the article emphasizes the importance of addressing the challenges that hinder access to education in Sub-Saharan Africa, and digitizing payments is identified as a key solution that can help to make education more accessible and affordable for families in the region. |
|
|
|
|
