A 17-year-old student from Dubai, Aritro Chatterjee, is making headlines globally after being invited to speak at the 79th UN General Assembly in New York. Aritro, a Year 12 student at Dubai College, was among 25 students chosen worldwide and the only representative from the UAE. His focus at the event was on youth representation in decision-making and environmental advocacy.
Aritro shared his excitement:
“I was honored to speak at the UN General Assembly about the importance of involving youth in decision-making, addressing environmental issues, and leveraging technologies like AI and Math to find solutions.”
This prestigious opportunity came after Aritro was selected as one of the RISE Global Winners, a program by Schmidt Futures and the Rhodes Trust. This initiative identifies and supports exceptional young individuals making an impact in their communities and beyond.
Making A Global Impact
“RISE selects 100 students from over 50,000 applicants worldwide, recognized as ‘The World’s Most Promising Teens’ by Forbes,” Aritro explained.
As part of his RISE project, he launched a podcast to feature young environmentalists, scientists, entrepreneurs, and activists from countries like Nigeria, Lebanon, South Korea, and the UAE. “The podcast highlighted diverse perspectives on environmental advocacy,” Aritro said. His project and achievements led to the invitation to address the UN General Assembly.
Aritro also delivered a TED Talk on the History of Mathematics, showcasing his passion for problem-solving and quantitative approaches to global challenges.
A Memorable Experience in New York
Reflecting on his time at the UN, Aritro described it as awe-inspiring.
“Walking into the room, thousands of miles from home, was overwhelming. I met delegates from around the world, including the South African Water Commission. Speaking on such a platform made me feel proud of the work I’ve done,” he said.
Aritro’s speech highlighted the UAE’s focus on sustainability through initiatives like the Year of Sustainability, COP 28, and Expo 2020. These efforts, he said, have shaped his ambitions to contribute to sustainable development globally.
“Sustainability isn’t just about the environment. It includes social and economic aspects too. My goal is to inspire youth to make an impact in their communities with the right resources and support from local institutions,” Aritro explained.
Passion for Numbers and Problem-Solving
Aritro, originally from India, shared how his love for puzzles as a child evolved into a passion for mathematics. Over time, he began applying mathematical research to environmental and social issues.
“As I grew older, I realized I could use my love for math to solve real-world problems. That’s what drove me to focus on quantitative methods for environmental research,” he said.
Looking ahead, Aritro hopes to work as an environmental scientist, collaborating with governments and global organizations. His vision is to bridge the gap between technical experts and policymakers.
“There’s a divide between research and policy. I want to address that gap and create innovative solutions for global challenges,” he concluded.
