Global Goals Jam 2019 - Sydney Reflections

On the day when 300,000 school age children and supporters of climate action across Australia decided to take to the streets and draw attention to what can be called a climate crisis, another group of professionals from diverse fields as engineering, design thinking, marketing, policy researchers, event managers, leadership experts, educationist gathered for a weekend of addressing the global issues through a design thinking process. The gathering was for the fist ever Global Goals Jam to be hosted in Sydney, the venues provided by AcademyXi and UTS were brilliant. This is an initiative that comes originally from the design schools in Amsterdam and has grown to 85 city locations across the globe in just 4 years. As an environmental engineer these are my observations on the effectiveness of this particular event;

1.Complex Issues Require Various Approaches - The SDG Goals are a set of complex problems. The classical localised problems to be tackled by a single agency, with a set team and budget are not going to solve complex problems. The approach required for the target in meeting the ambitious 2030 SDG set by the UN require a variety of methodologies to find solutions. The use of Design Thinking is one such approach and may offer some much needed processes for "collaborative work ".

2.Design Thinking - Watching the individuals who did not know each other previously form teams based on just a motivation for working on solutions was heartening. Imagine giving up your Friday evening and whole weekend just to work on finding solutions with strangers. Why would they do it ...I was curious. Some answers I got were fascinating, and showed the common humanity in the participants. A common goal of finding solutions by utilising their skills for good. Design Thinking was a brilliant process to enable this enthusiasm. For a shortened period of time and to find solutions in multi faceted teams , design thinking works. The use of experienced mentors dedicated to each team, having the clear process articulated, drawing on the tremendous experience of the design experts and event managers was a success factor.

3.Collaboration and breaking silo thinking - In total 8 teams were formed. The focus was on two critical SDG`s, SDG 6 and SDG12, however the complex nature of the issues tackled also addressed other SDG`s. With 98% of NSW being officially in drought, the focus on safe water access for all resonated with the participants. The teams followed the classical process of design thinking to arrive at protyping solutions which were then pitched to a panel of judges from industry experience with a view to see if the solutions have a 100 day time span to become viable. Two of the teams were awarded as the top two based on the criterion of people, planet and profit. The three P`s are the original concept of sustainability formulated in the 1970`s, social , economic and environmental balance being maintained. The teams formation and working together is an amazing trait, this needs to be recognised. Generally ego`s and other polarising factors form silo`s which prevent brilliant minds working together. Imagine if this work attitude can be utilised with various companies, both in the private , government and community sectors to work collaboratively. I think much can be achieved. This is a golden insight.

4.Support of organisations - Along with the participants there were mentors in design thinking. These mentors guided the groups through the process in its distinct pathways and tools to arrive at solutions. The solutions were also having expert input and verification by having integrated water design experts such as Emma James and my own contribution as a wastewater / water specialist. The tremendous experience of Jenni Phillipe and her event team added to the tone of the event. Evelyn Moolenburgh from Learning Ventures was instrumental in sharing her knowledge based on use of design thinking from her travels to Amsterdam. The UNDP and the Digital Society School are continuing with the Global Goals Jam and creation of the events. It was also brilliant to have Clare Porter from Sydney Water, support the event. Blaise Porter from Fujitsu and Peter Edge from Sims Recycling Solutions were fellow judges.This sends the signal that large organisations do have the ability to support actions from the various sectors. Other organisations which provided the support include learningVentures, communiteer ( Victor Lee) , Academy Xi, Bambuddha, Design thinking in action, humanity in business ( Muneesh Wadhwa)

5. Future Possibilities - This event created awareness and possibilities. In 2019 it was hosted in 85 city locations globally. As the SDG is a journey that will require concerted efforts by all and the target of 2030 to realise the 17 goals, this is just a start of many steps. There are various opportunities for such gatherings and converting these ideas into projects that can be implemented for achieving the goals is high. Having incubators and accelerators pick up the ideas and refine on them and feeding them back to large organisations will be beneficial. Having a focus on the neighbouring regions of Australia with regards to water and sanitation needs such as the Pacific Island nations, will be most welcome. Involvement of Young Water Professionals in this work is also an opportunity. Overall this will have collective good for the planet - during a crisis point where we still have CO2 levels looming over the 400 ppm threshold.