News and Stories

Vinko Lešić, IEEE Region 8 Vice-Chair, Member Activities

As a result of climate change, extreme weather events are becoming increasingly frequent and resulting in a growing need for more accurate real-time updated weather prediction where short term weather forecasting (nowcasting) is gaining critical importance. With availability of real-time open-source data such as Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) forecasts, satellite and weather radar imagery, together with localized weather measurements, new and interdisciplinary possibilities are emerging in the way weather forecasts are generated.

Here, we recognize opportunity where information and communication technologies (ICT) can greatly contribute. New sensor integration technologies, based on Internet of Things (IoT), enable weather measurements available in real time but also accumulate them and form big data over the years. This enables algorithms from what we call artificial intelligence to exploit the data and create new models to support weather forecasting. Moreover, multi-modal real-time data can now be paired with machine learning approaches to improve the accuracy and reliability of regular weather predictions. We call this data fusion, and in reality, it creates hybrid models based on physics, historical data and real-time Earth observation, that we expect can improve local weather forecasts by up to 70%, depending on the specific weather variable.

The purpose of the challenge is to gather all the experts in the domains, exchange approaches and algorithms, and pinpoint guidelines towards worldwide coverage of improving the accuracy of weather forecasting. For this, we have created a competition shaped as an international hackathon with the finals being conducted in Bari, Italy, during 27-30 November 2024 as part of the IEEE International Humanitarian Technologies Conference (IHTC) 2024. Main task of the competition was to generate 7 days ahead weather forecasts, on hourly resolution, for 2 weather variables in each of the 3 case studies, which are selected as three biomes of Europe, Middle East and Africa (IEEE Region 8): Savanna Preservation, Clean Urban Air and Resilient Fields.

After a very dynamic month and nearly 10,000 views of the competition, it is now closed and teams from 10 countries have submitted their solutions. Some of those have resulted in significantly improved weather forecast compared to the conventional one that we use every day.

The top five teams are selected and those are Visionaries Team from Jordan, CUFE team from Egypt, ENEA & UNINA from Italy, Y-CAST from Germany and DERI from United Kingdom. Full list:

• Faculty of Information Technology at the Applied Science Private University in Amman, Jordan
• Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
• Digital Environment Research Institute at Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
• University of Naples Federico and Enea Research Center, Naples, Italy
• German International University, Cairo, Egypt

The winners will present their solutions and approach on 28th November 2024 at a dedicated session during IEEE IHTC 2024. The session brings also speakers and experts from academia and industry, in the areas of artificial intelligence, meteorology and technology in climate in general. Together with other conference speakers and participants, the session will also set foundations for future stages of the competition, scaling it up and opening it to the whole world.

Savanna Preservation

The world’s famous ecosystem of grasses, shrubs, bushes, and scattered trees with open canopies, hosting our largest and most iconic animals – African savannah – is facing danger of desertification due to excessive heat and droughts as result of an increasing average temperature. Plants are perishing and no longer shelter and hold down soils, which would usually prevent the drying out and erosion of nutrients. The critical factor that rapidly speeds up this process is the increased danger of wildfires. The Savanah preservation climate challenge is focused on accurate predictions of weather variables that create favorable conditions for draughts and wildfires, to better anticipate the upcoming danger.

Clean Urban Air

Today, 55% of the world’s population lives in urban areas, a proportion that is, according to UN, expected to increase to 68% by 2050. The cities of Middle East host emphasized above-average numbers, where Bahrain as an example holds 100% of urban population. Increased global temperatures are leading to drier dry spells and hotter heatwaves, making dust on roads become airborne easier and contribute to particulate pollution, lowering the quality of the air we breathe outdoors. The US Air Quality Index, or AQI, is the system used to warn the public when air pollution is dangerous by tracking ozone and particle pollution. The Clean Urban Air climate challenge is focused on accurate predictions of weather variables that reflect the status of air quality in urban areas.

Resilient Fields

With over 17% of global production, Europe is the highest producer of wheat crops, which are the central driver and origin of our civilization. Actual and upcoming climate changes will evidently have the largest impact on agriculture crops cultivation in terms of reduced harvest, increased costs, and necessary deviation from traditional farming as our seasons are slowly becoming unrecognizable. It is expected that climate change will lower global wheat production by 1.9% by mid-century but the increasing danger of more frequent extreme weather events makes all prognoses very uncertain. The Resilient Fields challenge aims to increase the accuracy of weather forecasts for variables of significant impact to crops development, to improve the resilience of our fields by better anticipation of weather conditions.

Vinko Lešić, IEEE Region 8 Vice-Chair, Member Activities

IEEE has almost 500k members from over 4000 universities and over 10k companies worldwide. In Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region called IEEE Region 8, we have 80k members at 787 universities and few thousand companies. We are now bringing this capacity to help the world with climate change problems. We took few years to brainstorm and pinpoint what we do and what people need, and transformed climate change into tangible things where we could help: those are food, water, energy, communications, and more, varying on specific geographic priorities. We now focus on technology that increases anticipation and resilience to climate impact.

The IEEE Region 8 Climate Challenges is a program of Region-wide competitions aiming at climate change mitigation by technological initiatives. As series of large-scale international competitions from different technical areas, challenges are focused to specific objectives, member focus groups and geographic areas to address the local perspectives. The three challenges are selected: (a) AI in Enhanced Weather Forecasting, (b) Disaster-resilient Communication, and (c) Technical Innovations – with academic and startup initiatives.

The program is organized by an international team of experts that are coming from industry and academia and countries of Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Slovenia, Bahrain, Nigeria, Sudan, Germany, Greece, Sweden, United Kingdom, Cyprus, Egypt, Italy and Croatia, all joining together after a series of global difficulties during the past few years. Even broader, a recognized characteristic among our members is the willingness to help from their particular technological perspective and specialized areas of expertise, including utilization of local and global network of contacts.

IEEE acts as kind of a technical authority where our best experts sit down together, and with external professionals from industry and NGO, but most of all with business sector to select the promising technologies for the imminent future, to boost humanity answer to climate challenges.

AI in Enhanced Weather Forecasting

The challenge gathers world’s best machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) experts to bring this expertise to the meteorology – to combine huge data that is globally available and open source from our climate experts, together with it combine many models, and long-term to network every weather sensor available to create a global weather observation platform. We start with pinpointing best AI algorithms through this global 1-month hackathon. We then bring the best experts to present and share their knowledge, which we then combine and scale up.

Disaster-resilient Communication

This one calls for the best first respond devices and software support that would promptly establish communication after natural disasters, and to train our engineers worldwide and on site of such territories in crisis to be able to quickly replicate the technology and establish means for our emergency services to operate with full capacity.

Technical Innovations – with academic and startup initiatives

This one aims for the new cutting-edge technologies on two fronts: 1) putting scientific research directly in front of investors, hopefully to make disruptive steps in bringing new products to solve climate crises, 2) bringing young startups to the same goal and from another angle, scaling up their idea internationally, regionally to EMEA, and worldwide.

Lucija Brezočnik, IEEE Region 8 Humanitarian Technology Activities Committee

Based on the previous year’s successful call, we are doing it again! The IEEE Region 8 Humanitarian Technology Activities Committee (R8 HTAC) provides seed funding to IEEE Region 8 SIGHT groups to support their upcoming year’s activity through the SIGHT Groups Accelerator Program. Every SIGHT group that completes the application is eligible for funding up to $300!

The SIGHT Groups Accelerator Program aims to:

• provide funding to organize more SIGHT groups activities;
• help to evaluate the health of the SIGHT groups;
• promote good practices of active SIGHT groups.

What are the rules? All active SIGHT groups established for at least one calendar year (12 months) with properly reported activities from November 1st, 2023 till October 31st, 2024 can apply for the SIGHT Groups Accelerator Program funding. A SIGHT group must fulfill the following Membership and Reporting Requirements to receive funding: at least two activities reported in the vTools Events Reporting, up-to-date roster following the HTB/SIGHT guidelines in the vTools Officer Reporting, and successfully submitted their 2024 Region 8 SIGHT Group Self-assessment Report. There is an additional option of getting Criteria Funding (up to $150), where a SIGHT group chooses the activities it wants to carry out from the possibilities listed in the Criteria section on our program webpage. The more criteria a SIGHT group meets, the more funding it can get. For all SIGHT groups wanting to compete and be exposed as the most active ones, the program also offers Ranking Funding (up to $150).

Remember: the SIGHT Groups Accelerator Program 2024 provides seed funding for the SIGHT groups based on the activities carried out from November 1st, 2023, until October 31st, 2024. The application submission portal will open on October 1st, 2024 with a deadline of November 10th, 2024.

Neemat Abdelrahim, IEEE Region 8 Humanitarian Technology Activities Committee

IEEE SIGHT Day’s purpose is to foster a spirit of community for the global SIGHT network, increase awareness of IEEE SIGHT within IEEE, and celebrate the impact SIGHT volunteers and groups are making. A Connecting Humanitarian Experts Webinar took place intertwined with the 2024 IEEE SIGHT Day celebration under the theme of quality education, sustainable lifelong education in particular, and it was presented by Stamatis Dragoumanos, Chair of the IEEE EAB pre-university education coordination committee. Connecting Humanitarian Experts Webinars aim to understand the humanitarian impact of achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as engineers and technologists. This time, a safe and welcoming learning environment, opportunities for lifelong learning, access to high-quality education, and more were highlighted with attendees from 20 sections and 27 SIGHT groups from all over the region. At the same time, the IEEE SIGHT Day 2024 was celebrated across the region as many SIGHT groups organized an IEEE SIGHT Day, bringing together individuals passionate about technology for humanitarian purposes. Let’s have an overview of these events and get inspired from the work of SIGHT volunteers in Europe, Middle East, and Africa.

SIGHT Day Celebration Congress in Tunisia

organized by IEEE Tunisia Section SIGHT at 20-21 April

The IEEE SIGHT Day Celebration Congress (SDC), hosted by IEEE SIGHT Tunisia Section x IEEE SIGHT ESSTHS SB, marked a milestone in the IEEE SIGHT community. This month-long initiative challenged SIGHT Groups and Student Branches to address local humanitarian issues through innovative collaborations. Participants worked with local humanitarian units on predefined challenges, developing impactful solutions. The most promising solution received funding and support for implementation, ensuring sustainability. The event included presentations, workshops, challenges, and networking opportunities, both virtual and in-person. Attendees learned from successful projects, shared experiences, and connected with fellow SIGHT members. Prominent IEEE Humanitarian Technologies Board (HTB) figures provided insights on overcoming challenges in underserved communities, highlighting strategies to improve the quality of life.

IEEE SIGHT Day 2024 Celebration in Egypt

organized by IEEE Egypt Section SIGHT at 27 April

The day commenced with inspiring speeches from the IEEE Egypt section chair, IEEE Jordan section chair, IEEE SIGHT Egypt chair, and IEEE SIGHT Jordan chair. Then 4 keynote speeches, from Mike Hinchey (R8 Director-Elect), Sampathkumar Veeraraghavan (HTB Past Chair), Theodoros Chatzinikolaou (R8 HTAC Chair), and Julianna M Pichardo (Humanitarian Activities & Sustainable Development Manager), set the tone for discussions centered around humanitarian, innovation, collaboration, and social impact. Finally, the attendees engaged in a thought-provoking panel discussion titled “Empowering Humanitarian Technology: Challenges and Opportunities”, delving into topics ranging from disaster response technology, education technology solutions, the adoption of healthcare technology solutions, sustainable energy solutions, and sustainable development. The event was attended by 70 people.

Training Program to Improve the Technical Skills in Circuit and Systems used in Renewable Energy for the Future Engineers

organized by IEEE Lebanon Section SIGHT at various dates in April and May

IEEE Joint Chapter IE13/PE31/CAS04/PEL35, in collaboration with IEEE Lebanon SIGHT and LIU student Branch is undertaking an exciting initiative aimed at introducing high school students to the fascinating world of renewable energy. Many IEEE members received specialized training at various universities with Dr. Mohamad Arnaout, the chair of IEEE Joint Chapter IE13/PE31/CAS04/PEL35, while the team visited various schools to perform the experiments. The collaboration aims to inspire young minds and ignite their passion for science and technology by providing them with hands-on experience in conducting experiments and applying theoretical concepts in practical settings. The program is expected to help students develop critical thinking skills and encourage them to pursue careers in STEM fields.

SIGHT Day Celebration in H I Informatics & Mathematics of Monastir

organized by IEEE H I Informatics & Mathematics of Monastir SB SIGHT at 22 April

To commemorate SIGHT Day, the IEEE ISIMM SIGHT GROUP proudly marked the occasion for the second year with a meticulously crafted booth. Adorned with handcrafted embellishments and a captivating display of projects, the booth showcased our dedication and innovation. Polaroids captured pivotal moments from our journey, highlighting our achievements. Throughout the event, we engaged with students, sharing insights into our initiatives and inviting them to explore sight-related endeavors. Our goal was to showcase our accomplishments and foster a deeper understanding of sight’s significance. We also extended our hospitality to the faculty administration, whose appreciation underscored our work’s importance. Our participation served to inspire others to join our mission in advancing sight-related causes.

ESPRIT SIGHT Webinar 4.0

organized by IEEE ESPRIT SB SIGHT at 4 May

On May 4, 2024, we celebrated IEEE SIGHT Day with the Esprit SIGHT Webinar 4.0, honoring our volunteers and showcasing humanitarian technologies’ power. Distinguished speakers included Engr. Abdullateef Aliyu, who shared valuable insights, Dr. Mohamed S. Darweesh, who discussed his groundbreaking work, and Dr. Mousa Al Akhras, who highlighted impactful innovative solutions. The webinar united global experts and participants, fostering collaboration and innovation. Discussions emphasized technology’s role in addressing humanitarian challenges and the importance of volunteer contributions. This celebration demonstrated the power of collective action and the positive change achieved through dedication and innovation. We are grateful to everyone who participated and made the ESPRIT SIGHT Webinar 4.0 a success.

SIGHT Day Celebration in H I Informatics & Mathematics of Monastir

organized by IEEE Federal University of Technology Owerri SB SIGHT at 13 June

During the SIGHT celebration, an inspection of a completed SIGHT project at Umuokanne (Umuokanne Solar Water Project) was hosted. In addition to the inspection of the already completed project in use already, the recently awarded SIGHT projects (Solar Dryer for Agric Produce and Umuokanna Solar Water Project) were presented at the event. During the event, an awards and certificate presentation, and a membership development session were featured. The event was held successfully with 98 people in attendanceat the venue.

Omar Salameh, IEEE Region 8 Humanitarian Activities Committee

In February, The IEEE Region 8 Humanitarian Activities Committee held a workshop for Humanitarian Projects and Teams Management where participants delved into crucial aspects of managing humanitarian volunteering groups, project coordination, and nurturing strong team-community relations.

The workshop was led by Dr Kennedy, Project Manager of FUTO CISCO Academy, Nigeria, and Chair of the MSR-Laboratories at FUTO, the workshop provided valuable insights into structuring SIGHT Groups, forging funding collaborations, and fostering membership growth. The attendees benefited from the precious experience of Dr Kennedy to extend their collaboration with industry leaders and local communities as he has spearheaded impactful projects, earning him over 32 awards and securing research grants exceeding £2M in Africa.

The workshop covered a range of topics, beginning with an exploration of IEEE Humanitarian Projects, shedding light on available opportunities from an IEEE perspective. Dr. Kennedy then delved into the nuances of effective team management in humanitarian projects, offering guidance on how SIGHT Groups can cultivate high-performing teams to address humanitarian opportunities.

A highlight of the session was the presentation of case studies and a group discussion, where Dr. Kennedy showcased best practices and examples from diverse humanitarian projects. Project leaders shared their experiences, detailing how they navigated challenges and achieved success, leaving a positive impact on their communities.

The workshop served as a platform for learning and sharing experiences, equipping participants with valuable knowledge to navigate the complexities of humanitarian projects and drive meaningful change in their communities. The workshop concluded with a Q&A session, providing attendees with the opportunity to seek further insights and clarification.

Theodoros Chatzinikolaou, IEEE Region 8 Humanitarian Activities Chair

The IEEE Region 8 Humanitarian Activities Committee (R8 HuAC) played an active role in IEEE EUROCON 2023, a flagship conference of R8 held in Torino, Italy, on 6-8 July 2023. On the inaugural day, the R8 HuAC representatives attended the oral finals of the R8 Student Paper Contest (SPC), one of the oldest R8 competitions that showcase the scholarly skills of talented students. During this event, they took the opportunity to present the various humanitarian opportunities that IEEE offers, underlining the potential to contribute to society through technological innovation and the power of technological innovation in driving positive change.

The following day marked the beginning of the “B.S. and M.S. Student Competition”, attracting students from diverse disciplines. The core theme revolved around sustainable development projects, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). To guide the participants, an introduction to R8 HuAC and IEEE SIGHT was delivered, along with insights into the intricacies of cultivating humanitarian projects. Subsequently, the participants were divided into teams to delve into UN SDGs with a focus on three specific goals: “Good Health and Well-Being” (Goal 3), “Sustainable Cities and Communities” (Goal 11), and “Responsible Consumption and Production” (Goal 12). This collaborative brainstorming phase generated some innovative presentations, each outlining concrete plans and ideas to harness technological solutions for uplifting communities.

The final act of this competition occurred on the third day, as teams took the stage to present their refined ideas to the evaluation committee. This presentation was followed by a rigorous Q&A session, testing the depth of their ideas and the feasibility of their solutions. The grand finale of the conference, the closing ceremony, marked the acknowledgment of outstanding contributions. Among the accolades presented, the team behind “Shared Communal Gardens” was granted the distinguished “Best Idea Award”, while the “Best Presentation Award” was bestowed upon the creators of the “Ecocarpool” concept. It is only fitting to extend hearty congratulations to all participating teams for their exceptional dedication and innovative concepts.

Neemat Abdelrahim, IEEE Region 8 Humanitarian Activities Committee

The Connecting Humanitarian Experts of IEEE Region 8 Humanitarian Activities Committee consists of a quarterly webinar on humanitarian topics, hosted by a subject matter expert in the area. The goal of the webinar is to gain an understanding of how we may achieve the SDGs and the role that humanitarians play in attaining them from an engineering and technological standpoint. The second webinar of this series was a gateway to agribusiness impact on climate change and climate change impact on agribusiness focusing on the role of technology, as well as to the oceans life below water focusing on the climate change challenges and the role of engineers. All in all, Dr. R. Venkatesan and Victor Grimblatt discussed the “Climate Change Impact: Roles of Engineers in Oceans and Agribusiness.”

The importance of teamwork, sustainable use, technological innovation, and conservation and restoration were emphasized in the webinar discussions. To build a future that is more resilient and sustainable, it is critical that individuals, groups, and governments give priority to initiatives that protect and conserve life below the surface. In addition, to share effective projects, encourage participation, and increase understanding of the significance of reaching zero hunger and also the discussion highlighted the importance of conservation and restoration, sustainable use, technological innovation, and collaboration. It is important for governments, organizations, and individuals to prioritize efforts aimed at protecting and conserving life below water in order to create a more sustainable and resilient future.

Omar Salameh, IEEE Region 8 Humanitarian Activities Committee

In a groundbreaking collaboration between the IEEE Region 8 Humanitarian Activities Committee (HuAC) and the Climate and Sustainability Task Force (CSTF) of the IEEE Young Professionals, an enlightening online workshop titled “Design Thinking for Sustainable Humanitarian Projects” unfolded. This workshop served as a beacon for harnessing design thinking, creativity, and entrepreneurial innovation to craft projects aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals while emphasizing the crucial role of climate action on a community level utilizing IEEE resources. The distinguished main speaker, Mr. Sajith Wijesuriya, the 2023 Chair of IEEE YP CSTF, brought forth invaluable insights derived from his significant experience as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, delving into grid decarbonization and resilient human settlements.

The workshop embodied several pivotal elements contributing to its resounding success. It commenced with an introduction by Mr. Omar Salameh, the corresponding member of the IEEE Region 8 Humanitarian Activities Committee, who shed light on the committee’s objectives, its diverse programs, and opportunities available to support SIGHT Groups. Next, Mr Sajith Wijesuriya took the stage to offer an in-depth exploration of IEEE YP CSTF, showcasing its programs and initiatives and aiding volunteers engaged in climate-related activities. Through compelling success stories and collaborations with international organizations, he underscored the influential role of IEEE’s technical voice in addressing the imminent danger posed by climate change.

The highlight of the workshop was Mr Sajith Wijesuriya’s presentation on climate action, spotlighting the global players and essential agreements shaping this field, notably the Paris Agreement. Delving into terms and processes employed by both public and private sectors, he illustrated the critical steps in designing sustainable projects that empower communities to mitigate the effects of climate change and emphasised the importance of amplifying local voices in these initiatives. Furthermore, he generously shared valuable resources to aid participants in understanding evaluation criteria and crafting exceptional project proposals. The workshop concluded with an engaging Q&A session, enabling participants to seek clarification on specific topics and fostering meaningful discussions with the presenters on the path forward.

The workshop was an unequivocal success, with the participation of 73 individuals from diverse backgrounds representing 18 different sections. It is worth noting that 15 SIGHT Groups took part in the workshop, demonstrating a strong interest and commitment to addressing climate change at the community level. The workshop played a critical role in the SIGHT Groups Coordination Workshops initiative, which aims to guide and support SIGHT Groups in overcoming operational and organizational challenges. The success of this initiative is essential to ensuring the optimal functioning of these groups and, in turn, facilitating the achievement of the committee’s broader goals and objectives.

Nour Sbaoulji, IEEE Region 8 Humanitarian Activities Committee

On April 28, 2023, the world witnessed a remarkable celebration as IEEE SIGHT Day united the global SIGHT community, fostering humanitarian innovation, collaboration, and recognition of outstanding volunteers and groups. This year’s festivities were nothing short of extraordinary, with the IEEE R8 Humanitarian Activities Committee (HuAC) SIGHT Day/Week Challenge taking the center stage, pushing the boundaries of creativity and inspiring us all.

A World of Creativity Unleashed

In the bustling corners of Tunisia and Uganda, the spirit of innovation took flight as three SIGHT Groups embraced the challenge. Let’s embark on a journey through the kaleidoscope of their inspired celebrations!

The Ugandan IEEE Kyambogo University SIGHT Group chose to enlighten and inspire. Their infosession served as a guiding light, revealing the potential of IEEE SIGHT to transform communities. With passion and enthusiasm, they beckoned students to join hands in humanitarian work and bring about positive change. The limited slots emphasized exclusivity, ensuring a profound impact on the chosen few.

Meanwhile, the IEEE Ecole supérieure privée d’Ingénierie et de Technologie (ESPRIT) SIGHT Group orchestrated a symphony of events in Tunisia that embraced diverse communities. From igniting young minds with aerospace and IT knowledge to reaching out to children with special needs, their dedication to inclusive innovation was evident. The pitching competition showcased impressive solutions to real-world problems, while the international webinar provided a global perspective on IEEE SIGHT’s endeavors.

Not to be outdone, the IEEE École supérieure des sciences et de la technologie de Hammam Sousse (ESSTHS) SIGHT Group, also in Tunisia, celebrated a milestone – their first birthday! Amidst cake and camaraderie, they emphasized the significance of the SIGHT community. Participating in the 24 hour IEEE SIGHT event further strengthened their bonds with other SIGHT Groups and unveiled a realm of potential partnerships.

A Resonating International Impact

The essence of IEEE SIGHT Day transcended borders, with the IEEE Region 8 Humanitarian Activities Committee leading by example. Their captivating webinar brought together over 60 attendees, featuring an esteemed speaker, Mr. Abdullateef Aliyu, and distinguished guests. Their collective wisdom added immeasurable value, spreading the message of humanitarian technology across continents.

As the celebration dust settled, the moment of reckoning arrived – the IEEE R8 HuAC SIGHT Day/Week Challenge results. The judges were immersed in a whirlwind of creativity, originality, and impact as they assessed the submissions. Each celebration carried its unique charm, making the task arduous. As the curtains drew to a close, the time had come to honor the champions. Amidst a palpable atmosphere of anticipation, the winners emerged. With a close lead, the title of the “Most Inspiring R8 SIGHT Day 2023 Celebration” was crowned to the IEEE ESPRIT SIGHT Group, while the IEEE Kyambogo University SIGHT Group and the IEEE ESSTHS SIGHT Group have received honorable mentions for their amazing efforts as all of them stood tall as true champions of innovation and compassion!

The Grand Finale: A World United by Vision

As the world looks forward to the next IEEE SIGHT Day, the call for creativity, collaboration, and inspiration echoes louder than ever. Together, we pave the way for a future where technology serves as a catalyst for positive change, bridging gaps and lighting up lives around the globe. Let’s be the change-makers, and together, let’s redefine what it means to make a difference.

Editorial note: IEEE SIGHT stands for IEEE Special Interest Group on Humanitarian Technology. More information on SIGHT is available at sight.ieee.org

Originally published on IEEE Region 8 News September 2023 issue.

Omar Salameh, IEEE Region 8 Humanitarian Activities Committee

In a recent collaboration between the IEEE Region 8 Humanitarian Activates Committee (HuAC) and the IEEE Humanitarian Technologies Board (HTB), a highly informative online workshop titled “Crafting Persuasive HTB/SIGHT Project Proposals” was conducted. This workshop aimed to equip participants with the necessary skills to develop compelling project proposals that effectively address community challenges. The committee was honoured to host Mr Lwanga Herbert, the IEEE HTB 2023 Chair, as the main speaker. Mr Lwanga Herbert, an influential figure within the IEEE community, brought forth his extensive experience in addressing community challenges through innovation. With support from the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology, he has patented several innovations and implemented various humanitarian projects and programs in Uganda with the assistance of IEEE.

The workshop encompassed several key elements that contributed to its success. It commenced with Mr Theodoros Chatzinikolaou, the IEEE Region 8 Humanitarian Activities Chair, introducing the committee and its objectives. Participants gained insights into the diverse programs and initiatives offered to volunteers throughout the region, along with the opportunities available to support SIGHT Groups. Next, Mr Lwanga Herbert provided an indepth introduction to the IEEE HTB committee. He highlighted the various programs and initiatives implemented by the committee to support volunteers engaged in humanitarian activities. By sharing compelling examples, he showcased the transformative power of technological innovation in addressing humanitarian challenges. To further enhance participants’ understanding, Mr Mohamed Essaaidi, the IEEE SIGHT Chair, delivered a comprehensive briefing on SIGHT. Attendees gained valuable insights into the role of SIGHT as a platform for fostering technological innovation dedicated to humanitarian purposes.

The highlight of the workshop was Mr Lwanga Herbert’s presentation on crafting persuasive HTB/SIGHT project proposals. He provided participants with a detailed understanding of the essential components to include in their proposals and cautioned against potential pitfalls to avoid. Furthermore, he shared valuable resources to facilitate a better comprehension of the evaluation criteria and offered guidance on developing outstanding project proposals. The workshop concluded with an interactive Q&A session, allowing participants to seek clarification on specific topics and engage in meaningful discussions with the presenters.

With a remarkable turnout of 35 individuals representing 17 sections, the workshop attracted participants from diverse backgrounds. Notably, 10 SIGHT Groups were also represented, highlighting the significant interest and commitment to advancing humanitarian projects and initiatives. The workshop played a crucial role in the SIGHT Groups Coordination Workshops initiative, which provides guidance and support to SIGHT Groups in overcoming operational and organizational challenges. By ensuring the optimal functioning of these groups, the initiative aims to facilitate the achievement of the committee’s goals and objectives.

Originally published on IEEE Region 8 News September 2023 issue.