As part of the upcoming International Conference in Sustainable Energy Water Environment Nexus in Desert Climate 2019 (IC-SEWEN’19), the Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), in cooperation with strategic partner KAHRAMAA represented by the National Program for Conservation and Energy Efficiency, Tarsheed, is to host a ‘Young Innovator Award’ competition for students at all national and international schools in Qatar. 

Developed in coordination with the Ministry of Education, KAHRAMAA, and Qatar Foundation Research, Development and Innovation (QF RDI), the competition tasks students with producing short videos highlighting how challenges related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can be addressed. 

Teams of four to six students, supported by a faculty member, will be categorized into three groups based on age. Participants will then develop a video of between three and five minutes highlighting their insights on the four SDGs relevant to the conference: availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation (SDG 6); access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy (SDG7); making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable (SDG11); and combating climate change and its impacts (SDG13).

Dr. Veronica Bermudez, Senior Research Director of QEERI’s Energy Center, and Chairperson of the Conference, said: “It is essential that we encourage youth participation in tackling these challenges. True sustainable change will only come when we educate and empower them to work together towards making the world a better place. Through this competition, we hope to familiarize students with the SDGs and help them understand the important role their contributions can play, while also encouraging an interest in science and research.”

Eng. Abdul Aziz Al-Hammadi, Conservation and Energy Efficiency Manager at KAHRAMAA, said: “At Tarsheed, one of our core missions is to promote conservation and energy efficiency in Qatar. One of the best ways to build a more sustainable culture, is to raise awareness among children about the significant role they play in securing a greener future. This competition aims to educate them about the existing energy efficiency technologies and on what the country’s regulations are, so they will become a well-informed generation, which works towards building a better world. 

“United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 6, 7, 11 and 13 are the core business of Tarsheed. Working towards these objectives, we aim to conserve our water, save electricity and decrease carbon emissions by seven percent by 2022. These objectives will also reduce Qatar’s carbon footprint in line with the country’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and SDGs”.

A jury of scientists from QEERI, QF RDI, KAHRAMAA, and other HBKU entities will select five finalists in each category to present their video to a live audience and grand jury on December 2 at the Qatar National Convention Centre. Videos will be judged on various factors including the value of the recommendation showcased, quality and creativity. In addition to the top three in each category receiving awards, all finalists will enjoy an exclusive visit to the KAHRAMAA Awareness Park. The winners will also be honored at Tarsheed’s Annual Anniversary Celebration in April 2020. 

Rules, guidelines and registration forms are available on the conference’s website (https://www.hbku.edu.qa/en/qeeri-young-competition). The deadline for registration is September 30 and videos should be submitted by November 5.