In collaboration with Lehigh University, the American Association of University Women and the New York Office of the United Nations Environment Programme, the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) co-organized the Students Seeking Solutions Conference: SDG 6 Challenge that recently took place at United Nations Headquarters in New York. This article features highlights of the event as reported by Jordan Davis, a student at Lehigh University.
15 May 2018 - A couple of years ago, an idea struck Veronica McKinny as she was on her way home from a briefing at the United Nations. As a young scientist, McKinny wanted to leverage her science background with her new role as a Youth Representative for the American Association of University Women (AAUW) to engage young, bachelor's degree scientists with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
Bill Hunter, Lehigh University Director of UN Programs, suggested creating a conference focused on student scientists' research and ideas. Veronica McKinny immediately took up the idea, and the Students Seeking Solutions for the SDGs conference was born. It was decided that the focus would be SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. The conference went through different concepts before taking its final form, and the specific planning finally began.
Students from around the world submitted their ideas on how to solve the clean water crisis. Proposals were received from countries ranging from Afghanistan and Indonesia to the United States, showcasing the creativity, dedication, and innovative ideas from youth. A panel of judges comprised of university professors and corporate employees decided which students would get the opportunity to present their research on the day of the conference.
Over 300 registrees, including high school and university students, NGO representatives and other attendees from around the world, gathered in the conference room.
The event, which was also broadcast online and streamed live, featured a morning and an afternoon session, each with a keynote speaker, a panel of industry experts and professionals, and a panel of student scientists whose proposals made them finalists. The morning keynote speaker was Deepika Kurup, a student at Harvard University who inspired the crowd, finishing her speech with a call to action stating that the water crisis is solvable, but there is still work to be done. Our generation has the power to lead the change and I know we can reach this goal.
The student panels were the highlights of the conference. The proposals presented were composed of clear, defined actions and tangible solutions that can lead us to feasible solutions to help purify or facilitate access to clean water. Example of proposals included using 3-D printing technology to create simple water filters, using algae to purify water and using the seeds of the Moringa Tree to create a simple filter. The presentations were all unique in nature and clearly displayed the immense amount of effort, research, and testing that made them successful solutions.
The morning panel was geared toward innovation and the afternoon panel was about implementation. Composed of a diverse range of speakers ranging from non-profit organizations to Vice-Presidents and Chief Executive Officers of multinational companies, the panelists from both sessions offered their advice, experience and expertise from their perspectives. The panelists were engaging and offered in-depth insight to how they are using their professions to incite and implement change to solve the clean water crisis.
The afternoon keynote speaker was United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Development and Social Affairs Elliott Harris, who is an activist and enthusiast for youth voices. Mr. Harris reminded the audience how much of a necessity it is to solve the clean water crisis, as water is immediately intertwined with climate change. His speech drew on many aspects of solving the clean water crisis, underscoring that there is much that we can do everyday to lead more sustainable lives.
The conclusion of the conference left the team feeling extremely proud. The goal for the future is to continue the Students Seeking Solutions for the SDGs, focusing on the scientific aspect of a different SDG each year. This conference helped reinforce how focusing on youth voices can lead us to find solutions and solve global issues.