The first step to
changing anything
is believing that you can.
Biography
Nora Wilhelm is a social innovator, entrepreneur and researcher dedicated to a world where people and planet can thrive. A changemaker since her teens, she has a background in youth engagement and active citizenship. She presided the European Youth Parliament Switzerland from 2014-2016 and organised an International Session of the EYP in Laax (GR), under the Patronage of then Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter. In 2017, she co-founded collaboratio helvetica, an initiative that catalyses systemic change towards the Agenda 2030 in Switzerland by cultivating a cross-sectoral innovation ecosystem, building the needed capacity, open knowledge sharing, and empowering systems change leaders. She was amongst others recognised for her outstanding contribution by Forbes (30 under 30), UNEP, UNESCO and the Swiss government, and spoke at events such as the Conference of Swiss Development Cooperation, the Swiss Conference of city mayors, TEDx and on global stages next to high level changemakers such as Nobel Prize winner Muhammad Yunus. She holds a BA in International Affairs from the University of St. Gallen and a MSt in Social Innovation from the University of Cambridge. In 2023, she co-founded the well • change atelier to make art-based processes and tools to cultivate connection, creativity, and well-being available to more people.
Key topics
Social innovation & collaboration.
In 2017, I co-founded collaboratio helvetica, an initiative that catalyses systems change towards the societal renewal of Switzerland. Having stewarded the emergence of this innovative social enterprise, I specialise in topics such as collaboration, self-organising, teal and learning organisations, and strategies for systems change.
Ecosystem leadership.
I was honoured to be the youngest participant of the Presencing Institute’s Advanced Program on Ecosystem Leadership, and am deeply committed to the co-creation of a global movement for societal renewal with deep local roots. My focus is leadership, collaboration and governance to ensure transparency and inclusion.
Future of democracy.
Our parliaments are overwhelmed by the increasing speed and complexity around us. Some interests are over-represented in policy-making processes, others not at all. Collaborative governance can be an interesting avenue to make our democracies fit for the 21st Century. Could Switzerland be a pioneer?
Integrity.
Ever since I became aware of the state our world is in, I have held the conviction that we are shaping the future with every choice that we make. I’m on a constant quest not for perfection but for living a life that is as in alignment with my values as possible in that moment. The co-initiation of the Living Lab project with other pioneers is taking this commitment to the next level.
Integral development.
Growing up in Geneva, the presence of the UN shaped me to be curious about the world, which is why I pursued a Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs at the University of St. Gallen. Passionate about development on an individual and collective level, I wrote my Bachelor Thesis with Trans4m about Integral Education. Shifting paradigms around development remain one of my core callings.
Active citizenship.
Active as an Agent of Transformation since the age of 16, my first focus was active citizenship and capacity-building with young people, culminating in the International Session of the European Youth Parliament in Laax (2016) under the patronage of Didier Burkhalter, former Swiss President and Federal Councillor. To this day, I am passionate about the potential of young people and seek to activate it.
A member or fellow of:
Speeches
In recent years, I have been invited to share perspectives, visions and experiences in the public sector, academia and business. Find some examples below.
Awards & honours
How to collaborate
If you are interested in the work I am doing together with awesome teams and communities both in Switzerland and worldwide, here are some ways you can engage.
Partner.
In my experience, possibilities to collaborate and activate synergies are endless when we come from a place of ecosystem awareness instead of ego. Collaboratio helvetica connects and supports initiatives for the future of Switzerland and there are many global touch points also. If you would like to collaborate with us, check out the Manifesto for Switzerland.
Support.
What systemic change initiatives are lacking the most is sufficient funding under workable terms. If you are a funder, business or philanthropist that would like to make a significant contribution to a sustainable Switzerland, a specific topic/SDG or the creation of more innovative approaches, let’s talk - there are many opportunities to leave a mark. In-kind support is another option next to funding.
Engage.
For the past seven years, I have been delivering work across sectors and regions on the topics of systems change, social innovation, ecosystem leadership, impact philanthropy and more. Whether you are looking for inspiring content and thought leadership, in the form of speeches or written publications, a strategic consultant or coach, or a design and facilitation partner - reach out using the contact form.
Support my work!
Join my patreon community to help me focus on the work, rather than fundraising.
This work would not be possible without the support of generous donors. At the same time, the way funding is currently being allocated by most funders is not supporting truly innovative projects that have the potential of fostering a change in the system (as opposed to fighting symptoms). That is why I spend at least 60% of my time trying to raise the funds needed for myself as well as the teams and communities I'm part of, to do this work. By becoming a Patron, you help us change this, and focus on the work that really needs to be done. Thank you for helping us bridge this gap!