The challenge
With a pioneering spirit and unique ecosystem, Qatar Foundation’s commitment is to address the most pressing challenges for the benefit of Qatar and the world.Through the development of specialized centers and programs, this non-profit organisation fosters innovation, research and entrepreneurship to support the country’s transition to a knowledge-based economy.
One of its most prominent initiatives is the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE), a youth-empowerment initiative launched in 2009 by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser spanning multiple year-round projects and programs that are helping build the future of education. As a strategic partner specialised in reimagining how people work and learn, Studio Banana played a pivotal role in shaping and delivering the Learners’ Voice Programme, curating the initiative and facilitating all the activities hosted in Madrid to empower the next generation of changemakers.
The outcome
A catalyst for creative thinking, debate, and purposeful action. Working alongside Babson College and Yale University, we helped bring voice to the perspectives of young people in reimagining education; empowering them to take on leadership roles and driving meaningful change in their future.
From design thinking workshops to accelerator tools, Studio Banana’s strategic training approach broke down silos and activated a global community of change makers that got together to boost their social enterprises. By fostering insightful conversations about innovation and creative action, we helped transform their business plans into tangible, impact-driven solutions and live a unique learning experience.
Discovery
Educational institutions face the challenge of engaging with new generations, making relationship-building crucial. To address this, WISE enlisted us to curate its year-long Executive Education program, aimed at fostering student connections and showcasing their potential in an informal setting.
In partnership with de Babson College, we curated learning experiences promoting community engagement, inspiring disruptive thinking, and encouraging social entrepreneurship.
Ideation & design
The WISE Learners’ Voice Programme is grounded on the principle that when students co-create their learning environments, they become active stakeholders in the progress of their communities.
With this in mind, the sessions included agile methods and design thinking techniques—such as design sprints, co-creation, brainstorming, empathy and challenge mapping, and prototyping—combined with masterclasses and feedback sessions to give a sense of campus life and strengthen personal bonds.
Implementation
The program focused on building their knowledge of education and social entrepreneurship, as well as their leadership and communication skills. A key component involved forming teams to conceive and design grassroots projects that address critical education challenges.
To conclude this learning experience, the selected projects were showcased at the WISE Summit in Qatar, where they were presented by the Sultan, alongside over 1,500 experts, change-makers, and leaders from more than 100 countries.
Conclusion
Studio Banana’s user-centric focus enabled this flagship education forum to identify opportunities for empowering future leaders, sparking insightful conversations on innovation and creative action which evolved into meaningful, tangible and real initiatives within the society.
