This past year saw an impressive display of McMaster student talent in global competitions supported by the Office of International Affairs that culminated with graduate student Samardeepsingh Sarna winning the global Universitas 21 (U21)/PwC Innovation Challenge competition.

Sarna won the global competition with his innovative suggestions around what can be done by governments, businesses and education providers to help improve and maintain shared and sustainable prosperity.

“(It was) a stimulating opportunity that ignited our creativity and invigorated innovation!” said Sarna.

In 2020/21, the support of the Office of International Affairs was instrumental in coordinating student involvement in not only the U21/PwC Challenge, but also other global competitions such as the World’s Challenge Challenge and the U21 RISE Competition.

“McMaster’s membership in Universitas 21 gives our students access to high profile competitions such as U21 RISE and the U21/PwC Challenge, said McMaster vice-provost, international affairs, Peter Mascher.

“It is both exciting and stimulating to be able to measure one’s ideas on innovation, impact, potential and collaboration against those of one’s international peers – and do so successfully.”

Student access to such high-profile competitions is part of the Office of International Affairs’ plan to provide global engagement opportunities for our students – and is highlighted in the office’s 2020/21 Annual Review. The review includes highlights of the Office’s initiatives to foster global citizenship and enhance McMaster’s international profile in collaboration with several cross-campus departments, teams, faculty, staff, students and community.

“In such a tough and challenging year, the outstanding efforts and results of our students in global competitions such as U21 RISE and the U21/PwC Innovation Challenge are inspiring examples of resilience and dedication to sustainable development and global citizenship, contributing to a brighter world for all,” said McMaster provost, Susan Tighe.

“The review is a reflection of the unwavering dedication and commitment of the Office of International Affairs staff, and members of the McMaster community, to enhance McMaster’s international profile, even under the most difficult circumstances,” said Mascher.

“We enter 2022 with the firm resolve to continue to foster global citizenship within the McMaster community, to maintain and strengthen our existing international partnerships and to build new ones in the spirit of mutual respect and understanding.”

The upcoming U21 RISE (Real Impact on Society and Environment) Awards will showcase student-led projects in sustainable development, non-profit innovation and social enterprise that relate to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. If you are a McMaster student or recent graduate working on a volunteer, social enterprise, or environmental project as an individual, or as part of a team, you are invited to apply through the McMaster Global Hub. 

All McMaster-nominated entries submitted to the global final will gain access to U21’s global network, the opportunity to generate pledges of support from partners, and have a chance at winning one of three prizes for their project valued at $2000.00 each for the categories of Most Innovative, Most Impact, Most Potential and Most Collaboration.

To be considered for the global final, interested McMaster students and recent graduates must submit an entry by 11:59PM, February 21, 2022. For more information about the competition and entry submission guidelines, click here.