Founders of Sereniti Attend 2024 Concordia Summit in New York

The founders of Sereniti Foundation, Andres Franco and Jennifer Heegaard, recently attended the 2024 Concordia Summit in New York, thanks to Libra Philanthropies. The Summit gathered thought leaders and policymakers from around the world to tackle critical global issues. Sereniti’s leadership actively attended discussions and panels all aligning with their mission to empower communities.

Speakers like Harry, Duke of Sussex, highlighted the crucial role of youth advocacy and cultural diplomacy in fostering resilient communities. Sereniti’s focus on empowering young people through education and civic engagement was reinforced, emphasizing the importance of partnerships between governments, NGOs, and businesses to develop sustainable solutions. Their involvement with the Dreamers & Makers program from FIMSAD’s Innovation for Development Foundation (I+D) Nonprofit established by the Former President of Colombia, Iván Duque and First Lady, Maria Juliana Ruiz, underscored their commitment to accelerating leadership in youth.

The Summit provided an opportunity to personally meet with the Dreamer & Makers, hear their project pitches, and explore ways to bring their ideas to life. Together, Sereniti’s founders and the young leaders discussed strategies for turning their visions into reality and securing necessary funding to drive impactful change.

A notable moment of the Summit was the founders’ discussion with Dr. Oz, where they explored the potential for a partnership to enhance health and wellness programs for young adults in Latin America. This collaboration would focus on improving access to health education and resources, empowering youth to lead healthier lives.

Additionally, Sereniti had the incredible opportunity to reconnect with Catalina Escobar, Founder of JuanFe, a nonprofit based in Cartagena, Colombia. JuanFe is dedicated to empowering adolescent mothers living in poverty and reducing infant mortality. Their programs focus on job training and employment opportunities for young mothers, as well as crib and medical care initiatives aimed at preventing infant deaths.

As discussions on the fragility of democracy unfolded with leaders such as Maria Corina Machado, President Jose Raul Mulino of Panama, and President Santiago Peña of Paraguay, Sereniti reflected on the need to rebuild trust in institutions. Immigration and security were emphasized as top priorities, especially in the face of rising geopolitical tensions and disinformation.

Environmental sustainability was a key focus, particularly during sessions on the Amazon’s future and market-driven solutions for conservation, led by leaders like Ivan Duque and Helder Barbalho.

Sessions on digital innovation and its role in addressing socioeconomic divides were crucial. Sereniti recognizes both the opportunities and challenges of technology in fostering social change, particularly the need for greater digital infrastructure to close gender gaps in tech. This was of particular importance to Sereniti, as one of the foundation’s core pillars is education through technology.

By leveraging digital tools and platforms, Sereniti is committed to expanding access to quality education for underserved communities, especially young women. The discussions at the Summit reinforced the need for investment in tech-driven education solutions that can bridge the digital divide, improve learning outcomes, and empower future leaders. Sereniti believes that fostering digital literacy and providing access to innovative technologies are key to creating a more inclusive and equitable future for all. Expanding these opportunities not only uplifts individuals but also transforms entire communities by providing them with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

The 2024 Concordia Summit provided invaluable insights for Sereniti Foundation as they continue their mission. The Summit’s focus on collaboration and innovation reinforced Sereniti’s commitment to positive global change.