The Institute for Development Studies (IDS), on Thursday 12 August 2024 partnered with the UNDP Accelerator Lab in Kenya to commemorate International Youth Day through a seminar themed “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development."

The IDS Director of Research Prof. Paul Kamau moderated the session. Victor Apollo, the Head of Solutions Mapping at the UNDP Accelerator Lab in Kenya, led the presentation of the day.

The main aim of the seminar was to share stories about the Lab’s learning, insights, and innovation processes while providing participants with a deep understanding of Kenya’s development experiences.

The UNDP Accelerator Labs are a global initiative that embodies a high level of ambition, driven by innovative approaches and the best of current thinking. This initiative recognizes that traditional methods will not achieve the development goals we envision for 2030 and beyond. Consequently, the development community looks to organizations like UNDP to propose new ways of operating that radically reimagine and shape 21st-century development.

The presenter gave an example of how utilizing data had enabled effective water resource management through a collaborative effort with the County Government of Tana River, The National Drought Management Authority, Civil Society, Academia, the private sector, and communities. UNDP is developing a dynamic map of water resources providing real-time and accurate data on water availability and distribution. Armed with accurate data, herders and farmers can advocate for water infrastructure and policies that support sustainable water management practices. On the other hand, authorities can use the data to inform policy planning and resource allocation. 

To ensure the reliability and inclusiveness of the data, UNDP actively engages community data stewards. This crossroad involvement empowers individuals to collect accurate data ensuring that the information gathered truly represents the community's needs. The dynamic map acts as a lifeline for communities, enabling them to respond swiftly and effectively to these challenges. “By harnessing, the power of data, we are not only building resilient communities but also creating a future where every drop of water is valuable. Together, we strive to ensure that every community has the necessary tools and knowledge to protect and sustain their water resources.” Said Victor in his presentation.