On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, Champions for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Youth, in collaboration with Plan International Kenya, hosted the STEM for Sustainable Development webinar.
The event provided a platform for young people, innovators, and professionals to reflect on how Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) can accelerate the achievement of the SDGs in Kenya and across Africa. It underscored the role of STEM as a driver of innovation, climate resilience, and inclusive economic growth while emphasizing youth leadership and gender equality in emerging technologies.
Key Speakers Included:
- Eng. Jane Chege, Board member, Champions for SDGs Youth and Moderator
- Nahashon Gulali, Youth Empowerment & Employability Advisor, Plan International Kenya
- Nzambi Matee, Founder, Gjenge Makers Ltd.
- Joseph Nguthiru, Founder, Obama Leader, Founder at HyaPak
- Eng.Sifa Kinoti, MRV & Carbon Compliance Lead, Octavia Carbon
- Dr. Amos Chege Kirongo, Coordinator Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Meru University of Science and Technology
Key Highlights:
Speakers shared insights on how STEM can transform local challenges into opportunities for sustainable development. Discussions focused on:
- Youth innovation and entrepreneurship as catalysts for green growth and job creation
- Women’s participation in STEM, promoting equality and inclusion in technical and leadership spaces
- Research and academia as enablers of data-driven decision-making and technology transfer
- Climate technology and circular economy solutions to advance Africa’s low-carbon future
- Collaboration between academia, private sector, and policymakers to strengthen the implementation of the SDGs through STEM
Together, the speakers demonstrated that STEM is not merely an academic field—it is the foundation of sustainable transformation when applied to real-world problems.
Key Messages:
- Empowering youth with STEM skills is vital for Africa’s resilience and competitiveness.
- Locally developed technologies can accelerate national progress toward multiple SDGs.
- Cross-sector partnerships and investment in innovative ecosystems are essential to scale impact.
- Gender equality must remain central to all STEM initiatives to ensure no one is left behind.
Closing Reflections:
The webinar reaffirmed that Africa’s greatest resource lies in its young innovators. By investing in STEM education, research, and entrepreneurship, societies can unlock practical solutions for climate action, economic growth, and social equity.
“Sustainability begins when science meets society.”
