How Future17 inspired me to work for human rights and social justice

What inspired you to participate in the Future17 SDGs Challenge?  

I was inspired to participate in the Future17 SDGs Challenge due to my passion for sustainable development and the opportunity to collaborate on real-world projects with a global impact.  

The challenge provided a unique platform to apply my academic knowledge in a practical setting, working on initiatives that align with my values of sustainability, global collaboration, and social justice.  

The opportunity to work alongside students and experts from universities around the world, and contribute to meaningful change, was an inspiration.  

Could you tell us about the project you were working on? 

 In the Future17 SDGs Challenge, I worked on a project focused on developing a funding proposal, sponsorship strategies, and a grant package for Mehran University in Pakistan.  

This project involved collaboration with universities from Stellenbosch, Exeter, Hong Kong, and Cairo.  

My role involved research, proposal writing, and coordination between the different teams to ensure that our final deliverables were cohesive and impactful.  

The project outcomes included a comprehensive funding strategy that aimed to support the university's initiatives aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  

The team roles were diverse, with each member bringing their own expertise, from financial planning to cross-cultural communication, which allowed us to tackle the project from multiple angles.  

What specific skills were essential for the successful completion of your project? 

The successful completion of our project required a blend of hard and soft skills. Individually, strong research and analytical skills were crucial, as I needed to understand the specific needs of Mehran University and how best to meet them within the context of SDG-related funding opportunities.  

As a team, effective communication was key, especially in managing cross-cultural dynamics and ensuring that all members were aligned with our project goals.  

Project management skills were also essential to keep the team on track and deliver our outcomes on time.  

Additionally, adaptability was important, as we often had to navigate unexpected challenges and adjust our strategies accordingly.  

What new skills or competencies did you acquire or improve throughout the project?  

Throughout the project, I significantly improved my cross-cultural collaboration skills, learning how to navigate different perspectives and work effectively with team members from diverse backgrounds.  

I also enhanced my project management abilities, particularly in coordinating tasks and timelines across a distributed team.  

Moreover, I gained deeper insights into funding and grant proposal writing, which is a valuable skill for any future endeavours in the non-profit or international development sectors.  

What were the most significant lessons or insights you gained from your experience with Future17?  

One of the most significant lessons I gained from the Future17 experience was the importance of experiential learning in bridging the gap between theory and practice.  

The project taught me that real-world problems are often complex and multifaceted, requiring a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach to solve. I also learned the value of resilience and adaptability, as we encountered several challenges that required us to pivot our strategies.  

Finally, the experience reinforced my belief in the power of global collaboration, as we were able to create a more comprehensive and impactful solution by leveraging the diverse strengths of our international team.  

Do you feel that the Future17 Sustainable Development Goals Challenge has influenced your career aspirations? 

Yes, the Future17 Sustainable Development Goals Challenge has had a profound influence on my career aspirations.  

It has solidified my desire to work at the intersection of business, international affairs, and human rights, where I can contribute to addressing global challenges like those outlined in the SDGs.  

My passion for human rights was particularly reinforced during this experience, as I saw first-hand how critical it is to advocate for and protect these rights in various contexts.  

This has inspired me to seek out roles that allow me to collaborate across borders and cultures, particularly within organisations that prioritise human rights and social justice.  

I believe that working in this sector will enable me to make a meaningful impact on global well-being and help create a more just and sustainable future.