Capitalizing on web-based open geospatial technologies and a network of universities around the globe, YouthMappers is an initiative with a mission of cultivating a generation of young leaders to create resilient communities and define their world by mapping it. From the very beginning, YouthMappers has conducted different programs to create more leaders and shape the next generation of mappers.
One of the most prestigious programs within YouthMappers is the YouthMappers Leadership Fellowship. In my journey with YouthMappers, I had not had the opportunity to become a part of this esteemed team before 2020. In 2020 I was selected as a Regional Ambassador to serve YouthMappers and for this position is not applicable for the Leadership Fellowship program as they are already considered leaders.
In January 2024, I received an email from the Managing Director with the exhilarating news that I had been selected as a navigator for the highly anticipated YouthMappers Leadership Fellowship. This email was a triumphant moment for me, akin to exclaiming, "I got it, yes! I got it," and it filled me with immense joy.
The YouthMappers network competitively selected 27 students from 16 university chapters worldwide to participate in the 2024 YouthMappers Leadership Fellowship. These students, both undergraduate and graduate level, were chosen based on their demonstrated leadership potential, technical abilities in open mapping, and strong communication skills. The Leadership Fellowship provided fellows with knowledge, skills, professional development, and capacity training in open mapping techniques to enrich their chapter activities. They were mentored by international experts and geospatial champions and engaged with other participants during a ten-day program held from June 9-18, 2024, in Bangkok, Thailand.
This year, fellows were divided into three cohorts under different Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), and Climate Action (SDG 13). Each cohort received learning sessions led by subject matter experts in their respective thematic areas.
Fellows under the Zero Hunger theme learned about agricultural mapping techniques to help communities achieve food security. The Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11) cohort focused on OpenStreetMap contributing tools directed towards flood mapping.
The Climate Action (SDG 13) cohort, where I and my colleague Mr. Boat were co-facilitators and navigators, delved into topics such as Extreme Heat Wave mapping for Climate Change. Fellows not only learned but also demonstrated their newfound knowledge. The team was led by the incredible leader and our mentor, the co-founder, director, and co-principal investigator of YouthMappers, Prof. Dr. Patricia Solis. Her guidance and expertise were invaluable throughout the program.
To conclude the ten-day program, the fellows from the three thematic clusters presented their perspectives on Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), and Climate Action (SDG 13), highlighting their learnings and experiences from the sessions.
Being part of the YouthMappers Leadership Fellowship was a transformative experience. It reinforced the importance of using geospatial technologies to address global challenges and demonstrated the power of youth leadership in creating resilient communities. I would extend my heartfelt gratitude (that would not be measurable) to my mentor, my incredible leader, the amazing personality, Marcela Zeballos and Prof. Dr. Patricia Solis; these two people were built with only a kind heart. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of this prestigious program and look forward to continuing my journey with YouthMappers, contributing to a brighter, more sustainable future for all.
S M Sawan Shariar
Regional Ambassador
Global Tech Support, 2023-2024
Navigator,
2024 YouthMappers Leadership Fellowship.
Reach me at sshariar1991@gmail.com
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