Big issues of the future on the table at festival
The younger generations of Wellington are busy prepping for the big problems of the future.
From gender equality to affordable housing and social enterprises, no topic is left untouched at this month’s Festival For The Future. Politicians, lecturers and young business owners will all be sharing their solutions to different issues at this event, running from July 27 to 29.
GirlBoss founder Alexia Hilbertidou has come in to talk about her work empowering young women and issues around gender equality. GirlBoss seeks to empower girls through social media advocacy, workshops and conferences.
‘‘My belief in terms of gender equality is that New Zealand was the first country in the world where women got the vote and we need to ensure that New Zealand is leading the way in terms of gender equality,’’ Hilbertidou said.
She wanted to help young people to be equipped for work in the future. ‘‘If we look at the rise of automation, we know that 40 per cent of jobs currently held by New Zealanders won’t exist in two decades.’’
Retail administration was one of the areas at risk and Hilbertidou said those roles were predominantly staffed by women.
Other speakers at the event include Green MP Chloe Swarbrick, Minister for Climate Change James Shaw and the world’s first openly transexual mayor, Georgina Beyer.
Hilbertidou hoped to capture a younger audience of Wellington teens at her talk and said while the festival had a focus on millennials – people aged 18 to 35 – many secondary school students would attend.
Festival founder and Inspiring Stories chief executive Guy Ryan said hundreds of people would gather at the festival. ‘‘By 2020, millennials will be the biggest workforce on the planet. Meaning and purpose are powerful drivers for this generation – they want to use their energy and resources to help tackle the big issues of our time.
‘‘The festival programme will uncover what’s possible and equip delegates with knowledge and skills to make a real difference.’’
Festival For The Future is being held from July 27 to 29 at Wellington’s TSB Arena.