After practically being “pushed” into making our debut at OYW in Montreal in September, 2024, the reaction to PACT! and its mission resulted in a near-immediate invitation to participate in 2025’s summit in Munich.
Given the PACT! DNA, we knew we had to deliver something unique…and we had about 11 months to come up with something special. The answer was the Break The Hate Challenge, which has been documented here before.
But as strong as the concept was, it was still kinda pedestrian. At its core, Break The Hate was a contest with a winner reveal, one which a presentation boost faithful to the spirit of what makes PACT!...well, makes it PACT!
So here’s what we did:
Instead of showcasing the winners with the standard “walk to the podium, say a few words and collect your prize,” we “PACT!-ified” the presentation by positioning it as a live talk show with a monologue, video clips, a Q&A with the winners, as well as on-stage performances.
For example, as a coda to Sophie Sandberg's explanation of her “ChalkBack” concept, we not only got her to do a live presentation on a replica sidewalk on stage, but we also provided the crowd with 1,000 pieces of chalk and urged them to spread a positive message on the streets of Munich. By the time we got to the conference centre the next morning, the ENTIRE frontage was a kaleidoscope of colour and positivity. See photos below or click here.
Also, Sam Browne—a poet who bravely takes on toxic masculinity and misogyny—stunned the crowd with a brand new, gut-punching poem he had written specifically for the event. You can see it here.
The talk show result was everything we wanted it to be–truly unique, upbeat, surprising and effective; not just as a “show,” but as a showcase for what PACT! stands for and how to do good differently. We stood out in every possible and positive way. We were lauded by the OYW co-founders, by the team, by conference delegates and by potential corporate partners.
So what does this mean? Well, on a macro level and somewhat immodestly, we learned the what PACT! does, and how we do it, is truly needed…at One Young World specifically and throughout the world in general.
- We do things differently.
- We do what others cannot, or will not.
- We do it with class, grace, humour, guts, empathy and authenticity.
On a more concrete and micro level, we learned that we have something truly special in our hands (or perhaps on our feet) with the Impossible Pair.
The Impossible Pair is not a “one-off”; in Munich it resonated with everyone, truly EVERYONE, young, old and from every country…from legendary peacemakers like South African rugby legend Francois Pienaar to Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Ressa.
It’s visual, communicates fast and positively, and the widening of the concept into other industries and verticals (other than shoes) opens doors wide for collaborations. Stephen even made it the focal point of a reception we hosted (attended by everyone from former NFL-er and host of America’s Got Talent Terry Crews to executives from BMW, IKEA and Brandtech). Check out the pics below:
So with 2025 at an end and with 2026 ahead of us, what can you expect?
The next steps of The Impossible Pair, for one. More guts and willingness to exploit the PACT! difference for another.
And perhaps a combination of both, starting in Q2.
Stay tuned!