Hosted by the Yenching Academy of Peking University, the Yenching Social Innovation Forum provides a platform for talented young innovators from around the world to develop and share solutions to some of the most pressing social problems facing China and the world. With guidance from leaders in both public and private sectors, delegates engage in an interactive educational environment to explore dynamic solutions in realms such as entrepreneurship, public policy, and third sector organisations. In creating a global network in the heart of Beijing, the forum works to foster collaboration, transnational understanding, and innovative learning that can lead to a better tomorrow.

The ways we work and live are rapidly changing. Around the globe, new digital and “smart” technologies — from ride-sharing to artificial intelligence — are reshaping transport and how our cities and towns will function in coming decades. Co-working, distributed workforces, and the “gig economy” are making employment more mobile and flexible than ever. However, workspaces must be inclusive as well as productive.

Creating quality jobs and city spaces also strongly affects public health. China is a prime example: the country’s economy is growing fast, but urban pollution, water, and food safety issues remain.

The interconnected and evolving nature of our cities, economies, and well-being form the theme for the 2018 Yenching Social Innovation Forum. Inspired by the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals 3, 8, and 11, we invite young innovators to Beijing to learn, network, and pitch solutions for “Smarter Living: Cities, Jobs, and Health for the Future.

YSIF delegates can bring a wide range of solutions to this year’s forum. We are interested in early-stage startups as well as untested ideas. Please see our application form for details. Solutions can focus on:

Workplace productivity
Equitable and accessible work
Remote work
Job-seeking and hiring
Work-life balance
Co-working, shared spaces, or renting
Movement in cities
Safe and healthy working conditions
Air pollution in cities
Water quality in cities
Green architecture or landscaping
Urban farming
Eco-friendly design, infrastructure, or construction
Community health care/health provision
Corporate health care

Topics are not limited to this list! Creative ideas in other areas are welcome.