Join us virtually May 8th at the 9th UN Multi-Stakeholder Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation for the Sustainable Development Goals (STI Forum), convening at the UN Headquarters in New York, New York (USA).
E4C, in collaboration with the Major Group for Children and Youth’s Science-Policy Interface Platform and Migration Youth and Children Platform, and SDSN Youth is co-hosting a virtual side event to the STI Forum that will explore the dynamic landscape of humanitarian relief innovation. Featuring successful partnerships between governments, NGOs, academia, and the private sector, this conversation will emphasize multi-stakeholder cooperation, aligning objectives with goals under review such as Goal 16, Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, and Goal 17, Partnerships for the Goal.
This session highlights impactful collaborations, illustrating how joint efforts yield positive change, in line with SDG targets. From leveraging technology to community-driven projects, we spotlight diverse approaches fostering resilience and effective crisis response. Alongside academia, NGOs, and grassroots organizations, we provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in humanitarian engagement, contributing to SDG 17.
By bringing together youth leaders, policymakers, NGOs, academia, and grassroots organizations, we aim to address challenges and opportunities in humanitarian engagement, fostering inclusive solutions. Discover how innovation drives tangible impact in humanitarian relief, transcending age barriers to build sustainable, resilient communities globally. Join us to uncover the transformative power of partnerships and contribute to shaping a brighter future for those in need.
Date: Wednesday, May 8th | Time: 16:45 – 18:00 ET
IMPORTANT: This side event is virtual and participants can register at the link below
Panelists:
Ezra K. Yego is an Innovation and Shared values specialist currently serving as Manager, GSMA Innovation Fund. The GSMA Innovation Fund accelerates digital technology solutions that are addressing key global challenges. Prior to joining the GSMA, Ezra worked at SDSN Youth as Project Lead (Global Youth Networks). Previously, as Project officer – Africa Networks, SDSN Youth, Youth Program Coordinator at the Strathmore Centre for Sustainability Leadership and Youth Advocate at UNICEF Kenya. In 2020, Ezra was appointed by H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta to sit on the Generation Unlimited Kenya Steering Committee to provide strategic leadership and oversight of the initiative in Kenya. In addition, UNICEF appointed him as a champion for its Global Development Commons (GDC) Initiative. Furthermore, the Ministry of ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs and UNFPA recognized him as one of Kenya’s Top 35 under 35 Young Leaders in 2020.
Harry Sangree is the Founder and President of SeaFreight Labs, a consultancy delivering crowd-solving services to non-profits and businesses. Harry guides organizations in developing crowd-sourced solutions to difficult problems. Clients have included International Rescue Committee (“IRC”), Habitat for Humanity and World Vision. Prior to SeaFreight Labs, Harry spent 30+ years working to automate global logistics. He was a key member of management teams at a number of software startups including INTTRA and Syntra Limited. He has a BE and AB from Dartmouth College and an MBA from Columbia University. Harry lives in New Jersey in the USA with his wife. He has two adult children.
Maikhel Abobakar is the co-founder of AILEM, a language learning and integration app tailored for refugees and asylum seekers. Currently he studies physics and mechanical engineering in the US, determined to use technology and science for social good, especially bringing to developing countries. He is a young Afghan refugee who settled down in Belgium, and despite his early challenges and tough journey, he has emerged as a role model for refugees and youths for peacebuilding. Abobakar was previously part of the UNESCO Digital Games of Peace Program, King Baudouin’s BOOST foundation, as well as the European Commission Peace Ambassador Scholarship for the One Young World Conference.
Jin Dawod is the Founder of Peace Therapist, a Platform that works B2B and B2C psychological therapy, it provides psychological support to anyone who is in need in 3 languages(English , Arabic and Turkish) also it is a social initiative that provides free therapy for refugees traumatized by war. She is proficient in 4 languages and is a sworn translator in 3 languages. She has been working actively in the fields of human rights, refugee rights and women’s empowerment. The aim is to equip and empower women with the necessary skills, confidence and opportunities to succeed in STEM career fields and Entrepreneurship. And to empower refugees mentally and psychologically to heal and have the strength and ability to continue their new life and also themselves support the host communities.
Rasha Obaid plays a pivotal role as the Digital Learning and Innovation Education Officer at UNICEF Sudan. She is a dedicated advocate for leveraging technology to enhance education and innovation in Sudan. Prior to joining UNICEF, Rasha gained valuable experience working with various non-profit organizations and in the business private sector, where she spearheaded projects aimed at integrating digital tools and platforms into all aspects including e-health, surveillance, fintech, digital learning, satellite imaging, and electronic hardware and software solutions. In her current role at UNICEF Sudan, Rasha leads initiatives to harness the power of digital technology to address the educational challenges facing children and youth in the region. She collaborates closely with government agencies, local communities, and international partners to develop and implement innovative solutions that enhance learning outcomes, particularly in
remote and underserved areas.
Facilitators
Naemeka Phil Eke-Okocha is a passionate advocate for sustainable development and peacebuilding. As a Project Lead at U.N. Sustainable Development Solutions Youth and Founder/Director of Adesso Development Initiative, he spearheads initiatives empowering youth and fostering inclusive societies. His work, spanning continents from Nigeria to Italy, Nepal, and the United States, reflects a commitment to driving positive change. Holding a Master’s degree in Conflict Management and Humanitarian Action, he blends practical experience with academic insight. As a member of international organizations like the Rondine International Peace Lab and the Environmental Peacebuilding Association, he amplifies youth voices for global peace and sustainability.
Carolina Rojas is a Program Associate at Engineering for Change. She did her B.Sc in Mechanical Engineering and has five years of experience working and volunteering in the global development sector for Engineering for Change and Panama Flying Labs. Carolina contributes to sustainable development efforts both through engineering and science policy, she is an advocate for the democratization of fabrication technologies and the use of robotics for social good and participates in science policy efforts. Carolina also serves as Technology Focal Point for the United Nations Major Group for Children and Youth.
