When I was a kid, I was a computer geek and, at university, I found it natural to study Computer Science (or, more precisely, Informatics). Since returning to Mauritius in 1998, I have worked in many institutions and organisations and I have always tried to put my following mantra into practice:
“It’s not about hardware or software. It’s about people.”
For me, empowering people and unleashing them to fight against problems affecting fellow citizens is the only reasonable way forward…
This is why I am very happy to announce that I am now the Head of Experimentation at the Accelerator Lab of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Mauritius & Seychelles office. As part of a network operating in 116 countries, the Mauritius & Seychelles Accelerator Lab will contribute to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030:
- No Poverty,
- Zero Hunger,
- Good Health and Well-being,
- Quality Education,
- Gender Equality,
- Clean Water and Sanitation,
- Affordable and Clean Energy,
- Decent Work and Economic Growth,
- Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure,
- Reducing Inequality,
- Sustainable Cities and Communities,
- Responsible Consumption and Production,
- Climate Action,
- Life Below Water,
- Life On Land,
- Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions and
- Partnerships for the Goals.
This is going to be tough. But I am confident that, with the Head of Solutions Mapping and the Head of Exploration and other colleagues at UNDP Mauritius & Seychelles, we will achieve big. As Head of Experimentation, I will do my best to create multi-stakeholder solutions to address complex problems using innovation, technology, strategic-thinking and leadership.
Prior to joining UNDP, I was Senior Adviser at the Ministry of Technology, Communication and Innovation, a board member of the National Computer Board and a one of the governors of the University of Technology, Mauritius. Here are some key moments during my tenure.
A lot of important and interesting things need to happen during the next ten years.
I want to work with all those willing to put in the effort to make the world better.
Horizon 2030, that’s our new motto ?
Vanessa says
Hello all the best in the new adventure. I read a lot about the undp accelerator labs from abroad, can we have more info regarding the Mauritius team and the members leading this incredible adventure on the island, thanks for sharing! 🙂
Avinash Meetoo says
Hi Vanessa, thank you for your comments. We’ll start blogging on what we do and who we are very soon. I’ll keep you posted.