The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games etched an extraordinary moment — a jubilation of human grit, persistence, and control, while serving as proof of inclusiveness in sports and beyond. More than merely a sporting spectacle, the Paralympics serves as a stage that brings people together to steer meaningful advancements towards a brighter tomorrow.

With many young individuals globally working towards a better future for their cohort, technology and sports have emerged as potent instruments for cultivating social integration and interchange of cultures. Samsung Electronics, a Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner in wireless communications and computing equipment, champions the belief that collaborative openness and cutting-edge technology can dismantle barriers and unify individuals across boundaries, languages, and traditions.

In line with this ethos of inclusiveness and cooperation, Samsung Press Center rallied Generation17 Young Leaders Shomy Chowdhury and Zubair Junjunia, and International Olympic Committee (IOC) Young Leaders Jessie Niles and Omar Bassyouni, for a series of interactions at Olympic™ rendezvous @ Samsung | Champs-Elysees 125 last week.

Innovative Leaders Advancing the Global Objectives Through Sector Collaborations

The four Young Leaders bonded over their shared dedication to instigating social change in pursuit of the Global Goals, each contributing unique viewpoints molded by their diverse backgrounds and innovative strategies to tackle global challenges close to their hearts. From advocating for quality education and well-being to supporting sustainability and reducing disparities, their undertakings showcase the influence of youthful trailblazers bolstered by partnerships spanning various sectors.

“Through amalgamating fresh perspectives and resources from diverse sectors, we can craft inventive solutions to address intricate global dilemmas,” expressed Junjunia. “My collaboration with ZNotes showcases the possibilities when technology and communal endeavors converge to erase socio-economic barriers and create equitable access to quality education. Together, we can magnify our endeavors to drive the Global Goals forward.”

Revolutionizing Norms: Confluence of Sports, Learning, and Rising Technology

During a panel session, the Young Leaders delved into the impact of sports and technology in propelling accessibility, fairness, and sustainability. They explored how cutting-edge technology, like adaptive sports tech and wearable gadgets, can enrich the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and foster inclusivity in sports.

Team Samsung Galaxy’s Johannes Floors (Para athletics, Germany) — a double Paralympic gold medalist, world record holder, and silver medalist at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games — discussed how technology is broadening access to information concerning disabilities and accessibility.

“While growing up, my parents lacked the means to search for the right orthopedic surgeons for me. When I underwent amputation surgery, the presence of social media was limited, and information on disabilities was scarce. But now, the internet and social media provide ample resources for self-education,” shared Floors. “With technology, I have received more messages in the past week from parents of children sharing my disability than ever before. It’s heartening to know I can aid individuals with disabilities and inspire others.”

Bassyouni highlighted how technology and data analysis support Para athletes. “Every athlete, irrespective of ability, possesses strengths and weaknesses. Technology aids in identifying these strengths and furnishing insights to enhance them — such as identifying optimal prosthetics or refining training for peak performance. Sports transcend mere competition; it’s about fostering an inclusive ambiance where everyone feels esteemed for their abilities. Striving to provide universal access to all is paramount in every corner of the globe.”

Chowdhury elaborated on how digital platforms augment access. “Through Awareness360, we’ve empowered over 30,000 young individuals to initiate action and connect with those frequently left behind. Platforms like the Samsung Global Goals application have been pivotal in amplifying our influence. I’ve encountered numerous budding changemakers who chanced upon my narrative via the app, which raises awareness and finances to bolster the Global Goals — aiding a broader populace in embracing the global movement towards positive transformation.”

▲ Generation17 Young Leaders, IOC Young Leaders and Paris 2024 Paralympic Games Silver Medalist Johannes Floors gathered for a panel at Olympic™ rendezvous @ Samsung |Champs-Elysees 125.

Embracing ‘Transparent always wins’

The interaction between Generation17 and the IOC Young Leaders underscored the pivotal role of youthful leadership in shaping a more equitable society. While global sporting extravaganzas like the Paralympics foster global harmony, technology acts as a driver for innovation and a solution to some of the world’s most urgent issues.

In the words of Floors, “Though technology and sports may appear disparate, their fusion possesses the capability to institute enduring, positive change on a global scale. By embracing the ethos of transparency, we exchange information, exhibit our values, create memories, and celebrate victories. All converges through sports, and technology has facilitated this more conveniently than ever.”

Through collaboration, Samsung and the IOC have demonstrated how transparency and cooperation — fundamental tenets of the Olympic and Paralympic Games — have the potential to revolutionize the world for the better.

▲ (From left) Omar Bassyouni, Zubair Junjunia, Johannes Floors of Team Germany, Shomy Chowdhury and Jessie Niles, pose for a Victory Selfie with Para athlete Johannes Floors of Team Germany using the Galaxy Z Flip6’s Show Palm feature.

Uplifting the Voice of a Generation To Realize the Global Goals

Generation17, a collaborative initiative by Samsung and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), uplifts the voices of Young Leaders striving to accomplish the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals. Samsung and the UNDP provide mentorship, technology, and networking avenues for the Young Leaders as they advance their endeavors. The initiative obliterates impediments for Generation17 Young Leaders to engage in public affairs, and Young Leaders have partaken in prominent events like the ECOSOC Youth Forum, COP, and Climate Week. Generation17 has also bolstered engagement on the Samsung Global Goals app, which mobilizes users and educates them on ways to support the Global Goals.

IOC Young Leaders Programme Contributes to Olympism 365 Days a Year

Pioneered in 2016, the IOC Young Leaders Programme empowers young individuals to leverage the potency of sports to effect constructive change in their communities. The Programme contributes to Olympism365, the IOC’s strategy of harnessing sports as pivotal tools in advancing the Global Goals, and specifically to Olympism365’s innovation portfolio that aims to pinpoint, sustain, and amplify innovative sports-centric approaches that yield tangible impacts in targeted communities.

Supported by the IOC, these inspirational young minds have delivered over 160 sports-centric projects across the globe — advocating for education and livelihoods, equality and inclusion, healthcare, peacebuilding, and sustainability — to benefit over 37,000 individuals.

For additional details, please visit IOC Young Leaders Programme and the Olympism365 strategy.