SEF.NextGen-Camp

Concept 

The SEF.NextGen project was launched as a sub-project of the Swiss Economic Forum in 2018 with the aim of promoting the next generation of entrepreneurs. SEF.NextGen is 100% financed by partners and consists of two camps per year (one spring and one fall camp) as well as a community. This investment should not only have a positive impact on the lives of young people, but also make a sustainable contribution to society.

Goals

SEF.NextGen is committed to creating educational opportunities and promoting sustainable development among young people. The focus is on improving access and quality of education as well as teaching skills that prepare young people for the demands of a constantly changing world. The primary aim is to combat intergenerational conflict and thus ensure the sustainable development of the Swiss economy and society. 

Development of the project

Since its launch, SEF.NextGen has developed significantly not only in terms of content, but also in the area of community management. 

• Personality development: The personality workshop led by Alessandro Semeraro, founder of H.Akademie, has established itself as a fixed component and has received positive feedback. 
• Content: New elements such as team building using the HDMI method received positive feedback. Internal workshops on rhetoric, founding and LinkedIn strengthened the integration of the SEF.NextGen project internally at NZZ Connect. Presentations at various forums led to increased interest and support. This enabled innovative approaches to continue to be developed and new impetus to be provided to drive forward the intergenerational conflict. 
• Sustainability: Following moderate feedback in 2023, the integration of sustainability was refined for 2024. The collaboration with Youthtopia made it possible to involve experts. This area will be further expanded, supported by One Young World, Youthtopia and sustainability experts from the SEF network.
• Mentoring: After the camp, the leaders remain available to accompany the participants as mentors. Additional support is offered in their job search. The aim is to reinforce this support to foster a supportive and committed community. 
• Community: The introduction of a platform in 2023 enabled the NextGens to engage in a lively exchange. A committee actively supports the project management of NZZ Connect, and the planned events were successfully held, including a major partner event organized by the key partner. Until 2024 this was Swiss Post, from 2025 it will be Allianz Switzerland. The community program is operated according to financial support. The financial focus is on the implementation and further development of the camps.

Partners

SEF.NextGen is organized by NZZ Connect, an innovative platform of the Neue Zürcher Zeitung. Thanks to interactive formats, NZZ Connect offers an opportunity for the exchange of ideas and opinions on current topics from politics, business and culture. All events, projects and communities are financed by partners and not cross-subsidized by NZZ.