IDEAS that could help protect the planet and its people bubbled forth at a World Merit Day attended by Redditch council Leader Bill Hartnett at the House of Lords on Tuesday.
Councillor Hartnett was invited to attend the judging of the global scheme, which is backed by the United Nations, after the borough became the first local authority in the country to sign up to the worldwide project.
The idea is for young people across the planet to form teams to tackle some of the key issues facing the world as defined by the UN, and Coun Hartnett said he was bowled over by some of the ideas he heard.
“It was a sort of Dragon’s Den and there were presentations from teams of youngsters from as far afield as Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Nigeria, Vietnam – to name a few.
“Some of their ideas were brilliant too – for empowering women in developing countries to passing on smart ideas.
“There were also simple things that could make a big difference like replacing plastic straws, which aren’t biodegradable, with ones made of bamboo or paper, like when I was young.”
He said the day began on an inspiring note with a talk from a 16 year-old lad from Pakistan, a World Merit finalist last year, who’s school had been attacked by the Taliban.
“His classmates were killed and the Taliban thought he was dead too but he hung on until the rescuers arrived – it was a really inspiring talk,” said Coun Hartnett.
He is now hoping Redditch youngsters will get involved in the World Merit scheme.
“I came away enthused and elated and the conversations with the finalists continued into the car park and beyond.
“All the young people of Redditch need to do is Google World Merit and then take it from there, because they are tomorrow’s leaders.”
