(Written by Oliver Showell, One Young World Delegate for the School of Management)
Hello! My name is Oliver Showell, and I am a 22-year-old starting my final year of International Management with Spanish at Bath. Throughout my academic journey here and professional experiences, I have developed an interest in entrepreneurship, business strategy, and finance. Over the past year, I have had the privilege of working in several diverse environments, including placements in Madrid and Mexico City, which have further broadened my global perspective and driven my desire to be a part of One Young World.
What are my motivations for attending the One Young World Summit?
My motivations for attending the One Young World Summit stem from a strong belief in the power of young people and business to drive positive change. As the world grapples with pressing issues such as a changing climate and increasing geopolitical instability, it is our generation that will bear the consequences and shoulder the responsibility for creating solutions. I am passionate about harnessing entrepreneurship and strategic innovation to address these challenges. Young people in the global community are essential in this process, as they not only have fresh perspectives and bring energy to the table but in many cases have first-hand experience of the challenges we face.
I am eager to be part of the driving force that leverages business for good, contributing to a future where profit and purpose go hand in hand. We are the ones who will live with the outcomes of today’s decisions, and I am committed to ensuring that those outcomes lead to a more sustainable, stable, and equitable world.
Which of the One Young World Plenary challenges am I most interested in?
The Plenary challenges that resonate most with me are “AI,” “Peace,” and “The Climate & Ecological Crisis.” As the world faces rapid technological advancement, the ethical implications of AI have become increasingly significant. This summer, I had the opportunity to work at Deloitte, where I witnessed first-hand how AI can be leveraged for social good. A particularly impactful project that I was made aware of involved developing an AI-integrated app to support Ukrainian refugees, which underscored the potential of technology to drive meaningful change. This experience solidified my belief that, when applied responsibly, AI can be a powerful tool for addressing global challenges and enhancing lives.
At the same time, I recognize the critical role that business and technology play in promoting global peace, especially as geopolitical tensions escalate. The private sector has the capacity to foster stability through innovative strategies and responsible practices. I am deeply committed to exploring how we can harness these resources to create a more just and stable world.
The climate and ecological crisis stand as one of the most urgent challenges of our time. Our generation is inheriting a planet undergoing rapid environmental change, and it is our duty to lead efforts to combat this crisis. I am particularly interested in how businesses can integrate sustainability into their core strategies and use innovation to mitigate or even reverse environmental damage.
What are my plans after One young World Montreal?
After the One Young World Summit in Montreal, I am excited to lead the planning team for the Bath Forum in 2025, where we will bring together students and thought leaders to discuss and tackle pressing global challenges. This initiative will not only build on the insights and connections gained at the summit but also provide a platform for students at the University of Bath to engage in meaningful dialogue and action.
Alongside this, I will be undertaking a personal project that aligns with my passion for innovation and entrepreneurship. Inspired by my experience at Deloitte and the potential I see in business and technology to drive positive change, I plan to develop a series of pop-up exhibitions on campus. These exhibitions will showcase student-led projects and local business initiatives, creating a dynamic space for innovation, community engagement, and networking. My goal is to foster a supportive environment where ideas can flourish and where the next generation of leaders can emerge.
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