Engineering Impact: How United Nations Energy Projects Can Fight Poverty, Climate Change, and Inequality

This talk uses a UNDP internship as a live case study to explore how students can move beyond theoretical solutions to deliver projects that are both technically sound and strategically viable. It traces a personal and professional journey, starting with the gap between technical design and project funding, and presenting a hybrid approach that combines techno-economic modelling with strategic business case development. The session showcases tangible results, multiple approved business cases securing over $200,000 for solar and e-mobility projects across several countries, and concludes with key insights for Futuremakers. An interactive discussion will highlight practical takeaways for students aiming to become “impact engineers” capable of bridging technology and strategy to drive real-world change.