As an energy engineer, achieving the sustainable development goals by 2030 is something I look forward to ( look at goal 7 😉 ). To this end, when I saw an event tagged – Global Sustainable Goals: Connecting Columbia and Sweden. I knew I had to attend.
There were different people that brought this event to fruition and so, we were enlightened on the roles they played and are still playing generally when it comes to sustainable development. These organisations include: Impact hub, Swedish Institute and the Colombian Embassy. The guest speakers for the night were:
- Paula Gutiérrez Gómez: Co-founder and CEO, Impact Hub Bogotá. Entrepreneur, change maker In Colombia and around the world as an expert associate of the impact hub network and a great connector whether through the Global Shaper network or building long-lasting bridges between ecosystems like the ImpactXchange program between Sweden and Colombia.
- Gustavo Marquez Castellano: Master in Sustainability and Environmental Management (SEM), Harvard University. Entrepreneur, Impact investor and sustainability expert with a special focus on clean energy.
- Assad Jater Plenipotentiary Minister of the Diplomatic Mission, Colombian Embassy.
If you’re reading this post, this might cross your mind – “this event looks centred around Colombia. What is the main aim of reading this post anyway?”For me, the event was for anyone who had any interest in the “global sustainable goals” and would like to broaden their knowledge by sharing with like-minded individuals on how these goals can be achieved.
Year by year, we see how various actions taken by the different countries of the world affect everyone. Due to this, world leaders are beginning to see that the steps taken by each individual in the world has a ripple effect on our planet. To this end, we are forced to look beyond our countries and ensure we make the world not only suitable to meet our present needs but capable to meet the needs of the future generation.
Personally, I loved the flow of the event as it brought to mind that to make these goals achievable, everyone has to be on board: investors, universities, the government, financial institutions, individuals, and the list seems endless. The event started with a short introduction on Columbia and the treasure that lies within. Gustav shared his story as an entrepreneur and the various projects he is involved in; all with the aim of achieving a sustainable lifestyle in Colombia.Then, the event ended with a fishbowl panel. Personally, I loved this section of the event the most and I think it is something any conference or event channelled in getting the most out of its audience should try to fit into their programme plan.
If your mind is brewing ideas that fit with making sustainable impact in your community, I would like to leave you with these quotes:
The value of an idea lies in the using of it- Thomas Edison
I have not failed. I have just found 10,000 ways that won’t work – Thomas Edison
Those who have the priviledge of knowledge have the duty to act – Albert Eistein
Everyone has a part to play in achieving the seventeen sustainable goals. What are you doing in your little world?