Putting an end to physical and verbal violence and sexual harassment in commercial establishments in Brazil, together with reducing the gender gap in information technology, was the goal of the creators of the application Não me calo (I will not shut up, in English).

Photo: María José Rodríguez/UNDP Honduras

In Honduras, a group of young doctors, engineers and industrial designers developed an orthopaedic prosthesis model produced with 3D printing technology. For women who live in remote areas, this platform is a way to gain new skills and set up businesses, without the need to travel to the cities. The platform has brought together young entrepreneurs willing to provide their knowledge for free, teaching virtual learning courses on a variety of topics that serve future entrepreneurs. This non-profit initiative, initially developed by five members and with almost no seed capital, promotes entrepreneurship and innovation and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8, which promotes inclusive and sustainable economic growth and decent work for all. Hayfa Sdiri is a 19-year-old Tunisian social activist, blogger and founder of This is an online platform designed for young entrepreneurs, where people with similar ideas and interests converge: young entrepreneurs, investors and sponsors. RecLeb will help residents classify their solid waste through a mobile web platform, promoting 'green thinking' among the community and healthy environments for young people. RecLeb - Recycle the Smart Way is a project developed by Khalil, a 23-year-old electrical and computer engineer, aiming to the high levels of pollution in Lebanon resulting from improper waste management.

Here are five stories where avant-garde technology, creative ideas and young and passionate visionaries intertwine to give life to development initiatives that are changing the world. Today, youth actively contribute to the creation of new jobs, economic empowerment of vulnerable groups, the promotion of better health systems and access to inclusive and quality education. The innovative potential of young people, combined with the power of technology, is already proving to be a powerful force on the road to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Technology has helped immensely to boost access to large amounts of information and has supported changes that have transformed our lives forever. As a user of digital platforms and a professional in the communications field, I see how quickly and effectively technology has opened doors, connected people from remote communities with the same interests, and provided new opportunities to women, vulnerable groups and especially to young people.

How can innovation affect ways of life