Inspiring the next generation of sustainability leaders with Rotary

UNSW SMaRT Centre Director Prof Veena spoke at the Rotary Sustainability and Humanitarian Summit where she also helped to inspire the next generation of sustainability leaders.

Hub leader Prof Veena Sahajwalla took part in a judging panel for the Rotary's Pitch For Purpose event, alongside Dr Alan Finkel AC and Jennifer Scott AM

The event saw 260 students from 53 teams across Greater Sydney develop practical solutions for tackling environmental and humanitarian issues. 

Further amplifying SMaRT'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.

It was part of Rotary’s Sustainability and Humanitarian Summit which included school students, teachers, Rotarians and community members.

The event was hosted by Rotary Sydney District 9685 under the leadership of District Governor Niranjan Deodhar, pictured below presenting Veena with a thank you gift.

Niranjan said: "Thank you Veena Sahajwalla for joining us at our conference and Pitch for Purpose Finals! It was thrilling to bring together the creativity of young minds, the service ethos of Rotary, and the thought leadership of our eminent judges and speakers."

"Pitch for Purpose aims to develop stewardship, citizenship, and problem-solving skills among young people, with a focus on tackling environmental issues. In its very first year, Pitch for Purpose has proven to be a remarkable success with fantastic feedback from students, teachers, schools and parents."

In her talk "Harnessing the Potential of Recycled Materials - A smart vision for a sustainable future", Veena shared her vision for a sustainable future, highlighting the importance of creating a circular economy and how using waste as a resource must be at the centre of our manufacturing future and innovative decarbonisation efforts, in collaboration between researchers and industry.

She highlighted that using innovations such as UNSW SMaRT Centre's recycling and MICROfactorie^TM technologies that recover valuable materials from waste and reform them into new manufacturing feedstock and products through collaborators, are central to help achieve the sustainability needed for the future.

Pre-event information:

Event website and registration

Event hosts Rotary say:

Experience the power of people and Rotary as we tackle today’s most urgent sustainability and humanitarian challenges . Discover impactful projects, acclaimed keynote speakers, and inspiring student ideas that will empower you to create a sustainable, brighter future . Join us for a day of meaningful connections and solutions to shape our better world.

What’s on at the Summit:

🌎 Learn about impactful sustainability, environmental and humanitarian projects in critical areas like water and sanitation, education and youth development.
😷 Discover Rotary’s major global initiative to eradicate polio.
🕊️ Gain insights into how Rotary volunteers create local and global change.
💙 Explore how Rotary is addressing pressing Australian issues, such as domestic violence, homelessness, mental health, and environmental protection.
💡Pitch For  Purpose Student Innovation Challenge: Be inspired by school and university students showcasing innovative solutions for a better world.

Did you know Rotary has a global network of 1.4 million volunteers committed to creating a better future? Our unique position allows us to tackle local and global challenges through partnerships with governments, community groups, the UN, WHO, and more.

One of the most pressing global challenges today is environmental degradation. Climate change, deforestation, pollution, and biodiversity loss are all closely linked to humanitarian crises. As natural resources dwindle, communities face food and water shortages, displacement from extreme weather, and escalating poverty. The most vulnerable populations, especially in developing regions, are hit hardest, leading to heightened health risks, social inequality, and conflict. Addressing environmental issues is not just crucial for ecological harmony but also for humanitarian peace.

This year in Penrith, Sydney, we are hosting Our Better World: Through People & Rotary, a summit dedicated to environmental sustainability and the people who depend on it. Featuring keynote speakers such as Alan Finkel, Australia’s former Chief Scientist, and Veena Sahajwalla, a leading UNSW scientist, this event promises to inspire. Explore our expo showcasing impactful community projects and the Pitch For Purpose Student Innovation Challenge, which highlight enlightening ideas for a sustainable future. You'll leave empowered with practical steps you can take to contribute to ecological harmony.

Our summit brings together passionate professionals from the community, humanitarian, environmental and sustainability leaders and other key fields, providing the perfect opportunity to build new connections. Located just 45 minutes from Sydney, the event will be held at the brand-new Pullman Hotel in Penrith, within the state-of-the-art Western Sydney Conference Centre. Attendees can also take advantage of our exclusive accommodation rates.