Today, The Studio hosted the launch of World Merit Day 2014, inviting visitors from across Liverpool to celebrate the upcoming event.
This summer, the first ever World Merit Day will act as a finale for the International Festival of Business, which is set to be the largest global concentration of business events targeting young people in 2014.
Being held on 24th July at Liverpool Echo Arena, visitors will be invited to experience a one-of-a-kind festival blending music and entertainment with entrepreneurial workshops, hosted by the World Merit team.
To celebrate, The Studio opened its doors to visitors including the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, the Assistant Principal from Liverpool Community College and the CEO and founder of World Merit, Chris Arnold. Chris spoke passionately about the work he is doing with World Merit to allow young people to make changes to their lives through the use of the inspirational programme that combines business with creativity. He went on to explain the importance of supporting our young people and encouraging them to reach for their dreams, highlighting the importance of strong role models. He said;
“We want young people to come together and exchange ideas with peers and leaders at the cutting edge of business, entrepreneurship, entertainment, music, politics, technology and media.”
Alongside some of the most exciting musical artists and bands, we have invited a plethora of leading politicians, CEOs, Motivational speakers, lawyers, bankers, financiers, Dragons and other role models to open the minds of the audience to debate, listen to young people and to be a force for good in a world of power and influence.”
The Studio hosted an event to reveal the details of the upcoming event, with local artists Mic Lowry and Jem & Chris Kearney opening the celebrations. Speakers included Mike Taylor, Emily Karatay and Chris Arnold from World Merit, British screenwriter Frank Cottrell Boyce and Lord Mayor Gary Millar. The line-up for World Merit Day brings together local and global partners in an inspirational festival of business. The day will be hosted by various organisations, including Clapperboard who will curate the TV and film section of the festival, Another Level who have secured Dragon’s Den entrepreneur Hillary Devey to listen and advise our young people’s business ideas and Will.I.Am’s I.Am.Angel Foundation who will be attempting a world record hackathon attempt whilst hosting workshops on web design and app development.
Lord Mayor of Liverpool Gary Millar said;
“I jumped at the chance to help launch World Merit Day and to meet the ambassadors. There are young people in our schools and studio schools across the city and region waiting to be inspired, and World Merit Day introduces opportunities to those without a voice.”