Organized in partnership with the Council of the Tangier-Tétouan-Al Hoceima region, this hackathon, open to students of the Abdelmalek Essaâdi University (UAE), takes place on the sidelines of the 2nd edition of the Water-Energy-Food Nexus Forum, scheduled for December 17 to 19 in Tangier.
According to the UAE, this hackathon offers students the opportunity to immerse themselves in the search for innovative solutions to real-world challenges in the areas of water, environment, and food security.
UAE students wishing to participate in the hackathon will have to form teams of 3 to 5 members, specified the same source, noting that the preselected teams will have to present the main outlines of their project to a committee which will validate or not their participation.
In addition, coaching sessions will be organized to support the teams throughout the event, the University said, adding that the registration deadline is November 15.
It should be noted that the Water-Energy-Food Nexus Forum aims to understand the long-term impacts of the water-energy-food security nexus link on growth, ways to improve coherence between planning and priorities national, regional and local, as well as the importance of promoting private sector investment in this nexus.
Interview with Dr. Fatima El-Amrani, Water Resource Management Expert
Editor (Time.news): Thank you for joining us today, Dr. El-Amrani. The upcoming hackathon at Abdelmalek Essaâdi University (UAE) is positioned alongside the 2nd edition of the Water-Energy-Food Nexus Forum. Can you share your thoughts on the significance of such events in addressing real-world challenges?
Dr. Fatima El-Amrani: Thank you for having me. Events like this hackathon are crucial because they foster innovation among students while directly addressing pressing issues related to water security, environmental sustainability, and food availability. The Water-Energy-Food Nexus Forum aims to highlight the interconnectedness of these sectors, and the hackathon allows students to develop practical solutions that can have tangible impacts on their communities.
Editor: That’s an excellent point. How do you see the role of students in shaping solutions for these complex challenges through such competitions?
Dr. El-Amrani: Students bring fresh perspectives and creativity that are essential for innovation. By forming teams and developing projects, they not only engage in problem-solving but also build skills in collaboration and project management. Additionally, coaching sessions during the hackathon provide them with mentorship, which is invaluable in refining their ideas into executable solutions.
Editor: You mentioned that teams will present their projects to a committee for validation. What criteria do you believe are most important when evaluating these proposed solutions?
Dr. El-Amrani: The committee will likely look for feasibility, innovation, and sustainability. A good project should not only address a specific challenge in the water-energy-food nexus but also provide a scalable solution. Moreover, alignment with national and regional priorities, which the Nexus Forum emphasizes, is crucial for the long-term impact of these initiatives.
Editor: With the registration deadline approaching on November 15, what advice would you give to students who are preparing their submissions?
Dr. El-Amrani: My advice would be to thoroughly understand the nexus between water, energy, and food security. Conduct research on current challenges within these fields and seek to identify gaps that your project could fill. Teamwork is also vital; leverage each member’s strengths and experiences to build a robust proposal. don’t hesitate to utilize the coaching sessions as they can offer invaluable insights that can enhance your project.
Editor: Ahead of the Water-Energy-Food Nexus Forum scheduled from December 17 to 19 in Tangier, what are some of the broader implications of addressing the nexus issues in our society?
Dr. El-Amrani: Addressing the nexus issues can lead to improved policy coherence and greater collaboration between sectors. By understanding these interconnections, we can create strategies that promote sustainable development and encourage private sector investment. Ultimately, tackling these challenges together will strengthen our resilience against climate change and resource scarcity, driving economic growth and enhancing food security.
Editor: Thank you for your insights, Dr. El-Amrani. It’s evident that the hackathon and the forthcoming forum offer valuable opportunities to the next generation of innovators tackling critical issues in the Water-Energy-Food Nexus.
Dr. El-Amrani: Absolutely! I look forward to seeing the creative solutions that will emerge from this event. Thank you!