The “Girls in Science for Sustainable Development” Panel is now a flagship of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science Forum. The panel provides an opportunity for young change-makers and future shapers to share their vision as to how they can best utilise science to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Since its initiation in February 2018, the Panel has given hundreds of girls, from over 20 countries, the opportunity to gain core leadership training in community-building and advocacy, and to share their experiences and suggestions on how to achieve the SDGs by 2030.
The 2020 “Girls in Science 4 SDGs” High-Level Panel will be held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on 11 February 2020.
The Royal Academy of Science International Trust (R.A.S.I.T) invites young leaders to share their best practices, vision for strategies, and applied science, to address how we might best position girls in science in order to achieve the SDGs at the local, national and international levels.
The 2020 “Girls in Science 4 SDGs” Panel will focus on:
Harnessing Renewable Energy for Sustainable Development
Energy is the golden thread connecting economic growth, increased social equity and an environment that allows the world to thrive. Development is enabled by energy and sustainable development requires sustainable energy. Improving energy access is critical for progress towards agreed global goals in all areas from poverty reduction, industrialisation, economic growth, health, to education. Efforts to increase energy access must also factor in climate change as encompassed in SDG 13 on climate action, as well as the 2015 Paris climate agreement.
Presentations in this area should focus on providing an overview of renewable energy to enable achieving sustainable development goals: Education, Health, Ending Poverty, Reducing inequality between societies and within communities, etc. Presentations should also present the case for how renewable energies represent both an environmental necessity and an economic opportunity.
Science Education
Science education is of considerable importance to our achieving gender parity and the SDGs, as it’s typically the launchpad to a girl’s interest in science. Girls tend to be more motivated towards socially conscious careers. How can we better link science education and the SDGs?
Presentations in this area should focus on improving support for girls from underrepresented groups, refugees, those from rural areas, and those who have diffabilities. They may also reflect on how we can improve science education to better encourage science interest, increase retention, and promote lifelong learning. Presentations should also consider which skills will be vital and what support can be provided for youth to better support their transition from school to work.
Sustainable Agriculture & Technology (Agri-Tech)
Ever-increasing technology use across the agricultural supply chain demands a workforce with higher degree skills in science and entrepreneurship to facilitate the digital transformation of this sector. Women are currently underrepresented, yet the digital transformation of the agricultural sector presents endless opportunities to correct this. To change this trend, young women need to be inspired and encouraged to consider a future in Agri-Tech.
Presentations should focus on access to sufficient, sustainable and nutritious food. You could look into investment into science technology and robotics to improve agriculture. Or how we can use ICT skills, knowledge and innovations and apply these to both the “Smart Farm Model” and the Learning Program of the Agricultural and Technology Schools and Colleges. Or how developing an Agri-Tech learning module aligned to the science and digital technologies component of the school’s curriculum could help inspire girls in the classroom to realise the opportunities available to them. Another angle might be to consider the role of innovative volunteerism in creating sustainable solutions through Agri-Tech and youth wealth.
So, are you involved with any advocacy projects in these key areas that have been successful at achieving the SDGs in your community, and which could potentially be replicated in other countries around the world? Have you innovated, or do you advocate for, a sustainable technological solution, which could rapidly advance the attainment of the SDGs if more people had access to it or adopted its practice? Are you a young innovator or entrepreneur? Are you from an underrepresented group, a rural area, or are you differently abled? Please bring your talents to our Panel and share with us how we can better support you.
We are welcoming applications from all youth interested in creating positive change in our diverse global community to join us. To support your journey to our Panel, we can provide a recommendation for your independent visa applications.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information, and apply to join our Panel here: