The sustainable development goals (SDGs) take a holistic approach to development, encompassing the economic, social, and environmental dimensions. The July 2015 financing for development conference in Addis Ababa adopted an outcome document outlining a global framework for financing development to support the SDGs and the next 15 years of development. Youth engagement throughout the design and implementation of the SDGs is critical for success. The innovative and fresh ideas it takes to tackle the new challenges the world faces will most likely need to come from the youth. The I4A competition engages young people around the world to encourage them to develop and share their ideas for financing solutions to deliver the post-2015 development agenda. The competition drew global interest, reaching more than 260 universities and organizations and 26,000 online users. The highest representation came from India, Nigeria, and Peru. I4A leverages the capacity and convening power of the World Bank Group, other development organizations, and leading universities to draw on the creative insights and thoughtful innovations of the next generation of business and public sector leaders and practitioners around the world. It is hoped that I4A will help the World Bank Group and other development organizations redefine the global conversation by incorporating perspectives from young leaders and professionals.
