Organized by Global Citizen Events, the grand finale of the 2024 Sustainable Development Challenge takes place Thursday, Feb. 22, from 5:45 to 9 p.m., at the Rotary Centre for the Arts.
In 2015, world leaders agreed to 17 Sustainable Development Goals for a better world by 2030, the foundation upon which the Sustainable Development Challenge came to be in Kelowna.
The event will see youth teams present their ideas for solutions, partnered with local charities and social enterprises, working towards clean water; renewable energy; healthy, inclusive communities; and zero waste to build a better future for the Okanagan and around the world.
“This is an incredible opportunity for the community to gather and support youth as they present their ideas and build skills that will make a positive impact,” said Brian Harris, CEO of Beem Credit Union.
“It’s also a call to action for all of us to learn about the Sustainable Development Goals and play an active role in achieving them.
“We’re eager to hear the presentations and see these young people make a difference in our world.”
Over the past six years, there have been some long-term impacts of the Sustainable Development Challenge.
Erin Work, winner in 2021 with her team “Our Voice for Change,” is now a Grade 12 student at Okanagan Mission Secondary and was recently chosen to attend the United Nations Climate Conference in Dubai.
Her entire team has been furthering their efforts on the global sustainable development goals since they won investment in their project two years ago, resulting in a changed policy on animal dissections in the Central Okanagan School District and protecting student choice.
The grand finale evening starts with an expo featuring a variety of sustainability-focused organizations and businesses working hard in our community.
There will also be a chance to enjoy an inspiring exhibition of artwork created by youth of all ages in the Arts for Social Change exhibit.
Each piece of artwork demonstrates alignment with one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, and this year there will also be some performing arts entrants.
The art show continues at various locations around Kelowna until the summer of 2024.
Many local businesses have stepped up once again to support the passion and urgency of our youth voices, say event organizers.
“The Mill Site area planning team is thrilled to once again be supporting the youth Sustainable Development Challenge as an opportunity to support community objectives and strengthen our connection with younger residents,” said Mary Lapointe, community relations representative, Holar Developments.
“Their creativity and passion for these important principles is so important and inspiring. Community input is shaping the area redevelopment plan and the creation of a new and unique neighbourhood that reflects principles of equity, inclusion and ecological sustainability as a foundation of the planning process.
“This event is important to ensure youth voices are always heard in these types of processes.”
The live show will then entertain, educate and inspire the audience in the Mary Irwin Theatre, hosted by Kelowna City Councillor Loyal Wooldridge together with previous student winners.
Teams will pitch their project ideas to a panel of local judges for investment of up to $5,000 in their ideas.
The grand finale is the conclusion of five months of hard work, research and collaboration by student teams who propose innovative solutions to impact the 17 Global Goals.
Past teams have had a significant impact on the lives of community members in the Okanagan and in countries around the world.
Last year’s winning team held numerous community planting days focussed on “rewilding” plants native to the Okanagan climate, and another team continues to operate their thrift store social enterprise at Kelowna Secondary School, reducing waste, supporting poverty reduction and raising money every week.
Impact Toolbox continues working with the teams after the challenge, with ongoing learning and mentoring opportunities.
“Our mission is to empower emerging leaders to create thriving social enterprises and community initiatives, to address critical needs and problems,” said Segun Fatudimu, CEO of Impact Toolbox.
“So it’s great to be involved with the Sustainable Development Challenge to help youth in Kelowna find community partners and financial support to implement their ideas.
“We believe this is transformational for young people, who then realize that their voices really do count”
Seating at the theatre is limited. Admission is $5.
If you’d like to volunteer to help during the evening, please reach out to the SDC organizing committee at sdc@bccic.ca.
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