The 2024 UNGSC Robotics Competition reached a new level of engagement. In only its second annual edition, attendance nearly doubled, with 1150 participants and 39 schools from across the Valencian Community converging at L'Alqueria del Basquet to mark UN Day.
The dynamic, hands-on event was a resounding success and testament to effective teamwork, as students showcased their technical prowess with 107 autonomous robots, meticulously engineered for strength and versatility.
From detecting landmines to ensuring safe passage, identifying hazardous materials, sorting medical supplies, and delivering goods, the robots were tasked to overcome a series of obstacles directly linked to the needs of peace operations.
In addition to gaining a deep understanding of the transformative potential of technology, for many, this inspiring event was also their first introduction to the work of the UN. Alongside the vibrant competition, a Humanitarian Fair and Technology Expo enabled students and teachers to interact with UN entities, including UNGSC co-located partner organizations UNICEF, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the UN International Computing Centre (UNICC), and with a wide range of NGOs and university partners.
"At UNGSC, we are dedicated to engaging young minds in the work of the UN, developing their problem-solving skills, and inspiring them to apply technology to forge a better world," noted UNGSC Head of Premises for Valencia and Digital Technologies Service Chief, Michel Bergeron.
"We are all impressed by the students' capabilities and the quality of the organization," remarked a municipality representative, a sentiment echoed by the teachers. "This event is a powerful opportunity for youth to gain confidence in their abilities to innovate and make a difference."
Building on this event and the recently adopted Pact for the Future, the Competition is set to expand, with its next destination set for Brindisi, Italy, in the Spring of 2025. The call to participation has already been shared across the Puglia Region, with results of the competition to be announced on the International Day of UN Peacekeepers.
UNGSC congratulates the winning teams, and thanks all the participants and partners for their commitment, collaboration and spirit of innovation!
See the winners and learn more at https://indico.un.org/event/1010475/page/1429-results.
