2023 Theme: The Water Nexus
The Water Nexus describes the deep connection between several of our planet's critical domains: Water, Energy, Food, and Transportation.
Demand for all of these is increasing, but how will we manage our population's continued growth while balancing vital resources?
Your team's task is to investigate a problem related to one of the five SDG's below and consider the delicate balance of the Water Nexus in your proposed solution to the 2023 World Affairs Challenge.
- Check out this video created by UNESCO to better understand the intricate relationship that creates the Water Nexus.
- For more of the Water Rooms videos, check out the videos in this playlist.
- Take a look at our Water Nexus current events page to stay up-to-date on issues related to the Water Nexus around the world!
Teams Must Focus on at Least One of these SDGs:
SDG 2: Zero Hunger - Hunger is the leading cause of death in the world. Our planet has provided us with tremendous resources, but unequal access and inefficient handling leaves millions of people malnourished. If we promote sustainable agriculture with modern technologies and fair distribution systems, we can sustain the whole world’s population and make sure that nobody will ever suffer from hunger again. Learn more...
SDG 6: Clean Water & Sanitation - One in three people live without sanitation. This is causing unnecessary disease and death. Although huge strides have been made with access to clean drinking water, lack of sanitation is undermining these advances. If we provide affordable equipment and education in hygiene practices, we can stop this senseless suffering and loss of life. Learn more...
SDG 7: Affordable & Clean Energy - Renewable energy solutions are becoming cheaper, more reliable and more efficient every day. Our current reliance on fossil fuels is unsustainable and harmful to the planet, which is why we have to change the way we produce and consume energy. Implementing these new energy solutions as fast as possible is essential to counter climate change, one of the biggest threats to our own survival. Learn more...
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption & Production - Our planet has provided us with an abundance of natural resources. But we have not utilized them responsibly and currently consume far beyond what our planet can provide. We must learn how to use and produce in sustainable ways that will reverse the harm that we have inflicted on the planet. Learn more...
SDG 14: Life Below Water - Healthy oceans and seas are essential to our existence. They cover 70 percent of our planet and we rely on them for food, energy and water. Yet, we have managed to do tremendous damage to these precious resources. We must protect them by eliminating pollution and overfishing and immediately start to responsibly manage and protect all marine life around the world. Learn more...
