Participating in the Harvard Sustainability Impact Summit 2025, organized by the Harvard Undergraduate Foreign Policy Initiative (HUFPI), was a remarkable opportunity to engage with global sustainability challenges. Over several days, I collaborated with international students to research, discuss, and present solutions aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our team focused on addressing SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) by proposing a sustainable policy integrating solar-powered vertical farming systems. This experience combined my interests in technology, sustainability, and global development, while allowing me to apply my academic knowledge to real-world issues.
LO1 – Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth:
Through the summit, I recognized my strengths in research, creative problem-solving, and team collaboration. However, I also identified that I need to improve my ability to summarize complex ideas clearly and confidently during presentations. This awareness has motivated me to work on my public speaking and leadership communication.
LO2 – Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken and new skills developed:
Working virtually with participants from different time zones and cultural backgrounds was challenging. I had to adapt quickly, manage time effectively, and develop digital collaboration skills to ensure our team could deliver our proposal efficiently. These challenges strengthened my adaptability and global teamwork skills.
LO4 – Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences:
Throughout the summit, I attended every workshop, contributed consistently to research discussions, and collaborated with my teammates even outside scheduled hours. This consistent effort demonstrated my perseverance and commitment to achieving our project goals despite tight deadlines.
LO5 – Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively:
The summit required effective teamwork and active participation. Our team shared diverse ideas, combined our expertise, and supported each other’s learning. I learned that collaboration not only improves the final outcome but also enhances mutual understanding and respect among participants from different cultures.
LO6 – Engagement with issues of global significance:
The summit revolved around finding solutions to pressing environmental issues such as climate change and clean energy access. Engaging in this global dialogue helped me understand how sustainability challenges are interconnected and how innovative solutions must balance environmental, social, and economic dimensions.
LO7 – Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions:
While developing our sustainability policy, we discussed the ethical implications of implementing new technologies—ensuring inclusivity, affordability, and minimal environmental harm. This reflection helped me understand the importance of ethics in policymaking and sustainable innovation.
Reflection:
The Harvard Sustainability Impact Summit 2025 was a transformative experience that helped me grow as a learner and a global citizen. It encouraged me to think critically about the intersection of technology and sustainability while applying theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges. Working with a diverse group of students pushed me out of my comfort zone and strengthened my teamwork, communication, and problem-solving abilities. I learned that creating sustainable change requires persistence, collaboration, and ethical awareness. Overall, this experience enhanced my skills as a communicator, thinker, and principled individual, and inspired me to continue pursuing projects that contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future.
