Yeswanth (Yash) Tadimalla is a doctoral student in the College of Computing & Informatics and President of the Graduate and Professional Student Government. He recently attended the United Nations High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) 2023.
Yash describes his experience as, "Two unforgettable weeks of growth, connection, and impact at the United Nations attending the High-Level Political Forum 2023 under the auspice of UN-ECOSOC! Grateful beyond words to have been a part of these high-level meetings, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with incredible young people from all corners of the world and connecting with them...Feeling super empowered by the ideas, solutions, and passion that filled the discussions. It's incredible to witness the power of youth in action, shaping a brighter future for our planet. This journey has fueled my determination to continue making a difference and advocating for positive change. Together, we can create a world that thrives in sustainability and equality."
The Graduate School is proud to provide support to Tadimalla throughout his graduate journey as a previous Graduate Life Fellow and officer with the Graduate and Professional Student Government, and now as the president of GPSG. His attendance at the Forum was partially supported by the Graduate School through a travel grant.
Engagement at the High-level Political Forum 2023 | July 10-19 | New York
Blog Originally Published by Yash Tadimalla
Discussion on science, technology and innovation: Triggering transformation and sustaining a science-driven recovery
The theme for the 2023 United Nations High-level Political Forum on sustainable development (HLPF) and ECOSOC is “Accelerating the recovery from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at all levels."
Was representing the UN Major Group for Children and Youth (MGCY) group and World Student Platform for Engineering Education Development (SPEED) at the High-level Political Forum this year
Bilateral Meeting with the German Mission, I raised an intervention about need for engaging more youth in Science policy, how do we get them to the decision-making table. Discussed the importance of MGCY Science Policy Interface and SPEEDS crucial work on capacity building in Engineering education.
Bilateral meeting with the Sweden Mission, I raised an intervention about the need for funding for women in STEM and broadening participation of underrepresented groups like LGBTQI+ folks and POC in Science, thinking about possible pathways to advocate for the same at the global level
The first-ever Science Day to convene on the margins of the annual session of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) discussed strategies to ensure acceleration of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) implementation is as evidence-based, strategic, and effective as possible. The event brought together approximately 150 scientists and academics, civil society representatives, and national government and intergovernmental decision-makers.
With other Youth Delegates and UN members who are working on Education (SD4) as a focus at the Zambia Mission New York
Met the Union Minister G Kishan Reddy with the UN MGCY team. He delivered the keynote address at UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)-High-Level Political Forum meeting. This meeting was in furtherance to the 'Goa Declaration' of the #G20 Ministers Meeting held under the Indian presidency.
Attended the 2023 HLPF HESI Global Forum. The Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) is a partnership between several United Nations entities and the higher education community, currently chaired by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA)