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The Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship is an independent, non-profit organization based in Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 1998 by Klaus Schwab and his wife Hilde. The Foundation is closely linked to the World Economic Forum and serves as a leading global platform that promotes and accelerates outstanding models of social innovation.
The main mission of the Schwab Foundation is to promote social innovations and support social entrepreneurs who are committed to creating a fairer, more equitable, and sustainable world. The Foundation believes in the transformative power of social innovators who work in challenging environments, persist despite setbacks and frustrations, and improve the lives of hundreds of millions of people worldwide[4].
Identification and Promotion of Social Entrepreneurs: Each year, the Foundation selects 20-25 social entrepreneurs through the global competition "Social Entrepreneur of the Year." These entrepreneurs work in various fields such as education, health, and environmental protection, using innovative approaches to solve social and ecological problems[1][3][4].
Global Community: The Schwab Foundation has a community of over 400 social innovators, including entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs from the public and private sectors as well as thought leaders. This community collaborates to shape global, regional, and sector-specific agendas that improve the state of the world[3][4].
Knowledge Exchange and Collaboration: The Foundation provides platforms for the exchange of ideas and experiences and promotes collaboration among social entrepreneurs, businesses, universities, and political and academic leaders. This also includes the engagement of social innovators in the Global Agenda Councils of the World Economic Forum[1][4].
Digital Innovations: The Schwab Foundation advocates for the use of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate social innovations. Examples include the implementation of AI tools to optimize internal processes and enhance social impact[5].
Environmental Protection and Indigenous Rights: The Foundation supports initiatives that promote the protection of tropical rainforests and the rights of indigenous peoples, such as the Amazon Sacred Headwaters Alliance[5].
Gender Equality and Economic Inclusion: The Foundation emphasizes the importance of microloans for women and other marginalized communities to combat economic exclusion and reduce global poverty[5].
The Schwab Foundation regularly publishes reports and articles highlighting the successes and challenges of social innovators. For example, the finalists of the Social Innovation Awards are presented annually, and case studies on successful social entrepreneurs are published to document their work and impact[3][5].
The Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship is a key player in the field of social innovation, contributing through its comprehensive activities and initiatives to make the world a better place for all.
