On Saturday, 22 March 2025, over 600 changemakers gathered in Penrith for Rotary’s Sustainability and Humanitarian Summit. These included school students, teachers, Rotarians, and community members. The summit was hosted by Rotary Sydney District 9685 under the leadership of District Governor Niranjan Deodhar. It provided a platform for discussing tangible solutions to some of the world’s most pressing environmental and humanitarian challenges.
Inspiring young changemakers
A key highlight of the Summit was the Rotary Pitch for Purpose presentations. NSW school students showcased innovative ideas addressing sustainability and humanitarian needs. The program was designed to equip students with Design Thinking skills. It saw 260 students from 53 teams across Greater Sydney develop practical solutions for tackling issues including:
- plastic pollution
- advancing sustainable food systems
- conserving water
- improving air quality
- creating waste-to-energy initiatives
- implementing sustainable school programs.
Hub leader helps to foster innovation
Hub Leader and UNSW SMaRT Centre Director, Prof. Veena Sahajwalla AO, was part of the esteemed judging panel for the final round of Pitch for Purpose, alongside Dr Alan Finkel AC and Jennifer Scott AM. Prof. Veena’s involvement aligns closely with the Hub’s ambitions to drive real-world impact through transforming views of waste to see it as a resource and supporting sustainable communities. By supporting young problem solvers in refining their sustainability ideas, Veena continues to foster the next generation of changemakers dedicated to environmental stewardship.
Supporting capacity development
Further amplifying the program’s impact, Prof. Veena offered finalists access to 3D printing facilities at the UNSW SMaRT Centre to prototype their solutions using Renew IT recycled plastic feedstock. This initiative provides students with hands-on experience in sustainable manufacturing.
The Hub actively engages with community initiatives like Pitch for Purpose to help inspire and equip future sustainability champions and communities. Through collaboration with organisations like Rotary, we continue to support science-based solutions as part of the transition to a more sustainable and circular economy.
