You Can Change the World: Participate in the World’s Challenge Challenge
Students can find support for innovative ideas to global challenges.
By University of Alberta International
What problems are closest to your heart? Do you and your friends have thoughts on global issues? Do you think you can help contribute to a solution towards a global challenge? Did you learn about something in a class that made you think, “I wish there was something I could do?”
Sharing your ideas about innovative solutions to global challenges could soon pay off in a big way, and make a big impact through the World’s Challenge Challenge competition: an international competition that engages discussions and motivates actions on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
All UAlberta undergraduate and graduate students, in all faculties, are invited to participate, and eligible to win $10,000 at the U of A’s competition, and an additional $30,000 at the international competition at Western University!
For the past two years of competition, some pretty exciting projects have been developed by students. In 2018, UAlberta’s winning team focused on mobilizing unused and non-expired insulin to refugee camps.
“[We want] to spread awareness of societies such as Insulin for Life, and remind individuals that there are better alternatives available for the insulin that they no longer require,” says Syeda Adil. “You can donate [insulin] to Insulin for Life, where it can be repurposed effectively, and in several cases save lives.”
Earlier this year, UAlberta’s winning team submitted their project HempAct: re-purposing hemp fibre into biodegradable and comfortable feminine hygiene products.
“Our experience with World’s Challenge Challenge has been an amazing catalyst for our aim of creating environmentally-friendly feminine hygiene products,” HempAct says. “With a focus on UN Sustainable Development goals 5 (Gender Equality) and 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), we hope to make a global impact.”
Since their win in June, HempAct has continued to pursue their work through No Woman Without, Falling Walls Lab, and Innovation Rodeo.
To learn more about the 2020 World’s Challenge Challenge, click here for timelines and more information. Project proposals are due January 5, 2020.
