Moyo Nua Wins World Trade Centers Association Foundation “Peace Through Trade” Competition
NEW YORK, NY – April 23, 2019 – Moyo Nua, a project aimed at revolutionizing the agricultural practices of developing countries, won the first inaugural “Peace Through Trade” competition hosted by The World Trade Centers Association Foundation (WTCAF). The winner was announced at The World Trade Centers Association’s (WTCA) 50th annual General Assembly (GA) in Querétaro, Mexico.
Moyo Nua was founded by students Jack O’Connor, Catherine Hallinan, Seamus Hurley and Aoife Hand, who designed an ergonomic seed planter for smallholder farmers in Malawi. The seed planter is made from local materials and eases the physical burden on farmers, improving farmer health and boosting educational attainment for children who otherwise would be forced to forgo education while laboring for sustenance. Moyo Nua is also in the process of creating educational workshops that will boost the business skills of students in developing countries with the goal of diversifying the sector strength of businesses in countries where agriculture dominates employment.
"Winning the inaugural ‘Peace Through Trade’ competition with Moyo Nua was beyond amazing,” the students said. “Having the chance to network and collaborate with distinguished businesspeople from around the world developed the project in ways we could have never imagined. We’re excited to partner with the WTCA and progress the project together."
The Peace Through Trade competition aims to identify and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders in World Trade Center (WTC) cities. Teams were asked to present original projects, products or other innovative ideas that exemplify and promote social innovation and sustainability through collaboration, fair trade, and ethical international business practices.
“With Moyo Nua, Jack and Catherine have created a project that is equal parts practical, idealist and inspiring,” said WTCAF Executive Director, Andrea Garwood, also Executive Director of WTC Trieste. “The selection committee was immediately taken with the submission and we are immensely proud to name Moyo Nua as the first winner of the ‘Peace Through Trade’ competition.”
Moyo Nua submitted through WTC Dublin and was unanimously voted as the winner. The team was given the opportunity to present onstage at the General Assembly, presenting their project to close to 500 representatives from Member World Trade Centers and their local companies.
“Through innovation, a steadfast commitment to sustainability, and hard work, the Moya Nua team has created a successful business that is changing the world for the better,” said Rani Dabrai, Director of WTC Dublin. “These bright young minds represent the future of business, one that is global in vision and sustainable in practice, and we congratulate them both on this well-deserved honor.”
About World Trade Centers Association Foundation
Since 2008, the World Trade Centers Association Foundation (WTCAF) is a private, U.S. tax-exempt, charitable organization. (501c) whose mission is to conduct programs that promote social welfare in the pursuit and support of activities that foster peace and social stability. The WTCAF makes a difference by encouraging a better understanding of international trade; promoting and developing sustainable farming, energy, and transportation and trading activities; elevating the standard of living in less developed countries; and promoting ethical international business practices. To learn more visit www.wtcafoundation.org.
About World Trade Centers Association
The World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) is a network of more than 300 highly connected, mutually supporting businesses and organizations in nearly 100 countries. As the owner of the “World Trade Center” and “WTC” trademarks, the WTCA licenses exclusive rights to these brands for Members to use in conjunction with their independently-owned, iconic properties, facilities and trade services offerings. Through a robust portfolio of events, programming and resources that it offers its Members, the goal of the WTCA is to help local economies thrive by encouraging and facilitating trade and investment across the globe through Member engagement. To learn more visit www.wtca.org.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Alex Brown
Phone: +1 212 432 2605
Email: abrown@wtca.org