Our Decade Of Action

Written By Mhairi McCann

Today, it’s 2020. In ten years time, we’ll be looking back and reflecting on the progress made towards creating a better and more sustainable future for everyone, everywhere. A future where poverty does not exist, where inequalities are a thing of the past, where everyone has access to quality education, good health, nutritious food and clean water, where economic growth is sustainable - and doing all this while taking urgent climate action and protecting the life in our waters and on land. This is the vision set out by all countries in the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

We have just ten years - a Decade of Action - to achieve these goals and find sustainable solutions to our greatest global challenges. It is with this backdrop of a need for urgent action that Youth STEM 2030 was founded.

Science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) can provide solutions to some of the world’s greatest challenges. I have seen first-hand that youth can be at the forefront of innovating these solutions, if given the right support, opportunities and platforms.

Youth STEM 2030 exists to provide exactly that. We seek to empower youth to use STEM to change the world. Why? Because we believe they can. We believe they have the right to be heard in these issues. And we believe that by mobilising youth everywhere, we can make a difference.

We’re just getting started, but our ambitions are big, and the countdown to 2030 is on!

Image Credit: UN SDG Action Campaign.

Image Credit: UN SDG Action Campaign.

Mhairi McCann

Mhairi (she/her) is Youth STEM 2030’s Founder & CEO, and her work here is fuelled by a deep drive to create possibility for other young changemakers in STEM. Based in Inverclyde, Scotland, her expertise lies in creating meaningful, inclusive and participatory youth inclusion in decision-making. A generalist, Mhairi brings a strategic approach to the pursuit of our mission, and enjoys thinking of the bigger picture and ‘joining the dots’. She has a strong focus on equity & inclusion, is especially passionate about ocean conservation and, in her free time, enjoys volunteering and spending time in nature on long walks with Gordon the dog. Mhairi is a 776 Foundation Climate Fellow, and a 2021 National Geographic Young Explorer, and for her work at Youth STEM 2030, she was named Winner of the 2022 Young Scot Environment Award.

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