Four J'can universities to unveil tech innovations at Social Good Summit 2018

Four of Jamaica's top universities, led by their presidents and principals, are coming together for an unprecedented unveiling of their own technology innovations that can impact health, crime, natural disaster risk, and the blue and green economies at the 2018 Social Good Summit 2018.

The four university leaders, backed by an expert panel, will appear on the same stage at the Jamaica edition of the global summit spearheaded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) country office in Kingston.

The event is being hosted at Northern Caribbean University's (NCU) gymnatorium today, with registration starting at 9 a.m.

The high-level panel discussion begins at 9:30 a.m. and will be addressed by NCU president, Professor Dr Lincoln Edwards; University of the West Indies, Mona principal, Professor Dale Webber; University of Technology president, Professor Stephen Vasciannie; and Caribbean Maritime University president, Professor Fritz Pinnock.

They will reveal the innovation work of their institutions in the four key areas identified as accelerators for implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Jamaica.

The accelerators were identified in a Cabinet-approved road map for SDG implementation funded by UNDP.

Other speakers scheduled to participate will examine the regulatory environment for innovation and the culture of innovation in Jamaica.

The panel will be followed by an innovation expo featuring technology and social innovation initiatives of the universities.

The Go For The Goals Digital Hotspot will also be deployed to the summit with a customised

Wi-Fi signal that permits the audience to receive digital resources on Sustainable Development Goals on their smartphones without the need for an Internet connection.

"Innovation is the means by which we can quickly and efficiently solve some our most persistent challenges while advancing progress in areas that impact poverty, injustice and other inequalities," said UNDP Resident Representative Bruno Pouezat.

He added, "[The] UNDP is now placing added emphasis on innovation as a means of accelerating development that impacts lives. The Social Good Summit provides an excellent platform for championing a culture of innovation that serves the common good."

Held annually during the United Nations General Assembly week, the Social Good Summit focuses on how we can unlock technology's potential to make the world a better place.

The summit is open to the public and will be moderated by Ingrid Riley of SiliconCaribe.