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Millennium Fellowship Class of 2023 17 Rooms - X Report Cultivating productive connections across all SDGs...

Table of ContentsOverview 01Message from MCN Leadership02Meet the 17-Rooms- X Participant 03A Global Review04Program Impact05Actions Emerging from the 17 Rooms0617-Rooms-X Campus Highlight 07Conclusion and Recommendations08Page 1

Page 2Overview The Millennium Fellowship is a semester-long leadership development program that provides an experiential opportunity for undergraduate students worldwide to solve local challenges and seeks to address the urgent crises facing the world today. The 17 Rooms is an initiative aimed at advancing the economic, social, and environmental priorities embedded in the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The introduction of the 17 Rooms-X model has been transformative, transcending mere discussion and theoretical analysis of the SDGs. It has empowered participants from the 50 selected campuses to identify and pursue actionable, immediate steps towards each of the SDGs. This approach has catalyzed a shift from conceptual understanding to practical, impactful action, marking a significant milestone in their collective journey toward achieving global sustainable development.

Page 03Message From Our Leadership This year, the Millennium Campus Network, in collaboration with the 17 Rooms secretariat, successfully launched the 17 Rooms initiative across 50 campuses globally. Originating from a partnership between the Rockefeller Foundation and the Brookings Institution, the 17 Rooms initiative is designed to foster practical actions for each Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) and to enhance connectivity among participants. The implementation of the 17 Rooms-X initiative within the Millennium Fellowship has spurred a series of impactful actions across the participating campuses.CULTIVATING PRODUCTIVE CONNECTIONS ACROSS ALL SDGSSam VagharExecutive Director, MCN

Page 04Message From Our Partner 17 Rooms is an experimental method for convening people to spur collaborative action for the world's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 17 Rooms aims to surface practical next steps within each SDG, while also stimulating productive connections across all goals. The process offers an efficient way of convening natural and unconventional allies, ideally promoting enough familiarity to enable collaboration and enough diversity to spark new ideas and pathways to action.17 Rooms-X encourages participants to take the SDGs into their own hands and determine how they can take next steps to advance SDG progress in their communities.CULTIVATING PRODUCTIVE CONNECTIONS ACROSS ALL SDGS17 Rooms Secretariat at The Brookings Institution

Page 05The 17 Rooms-X at Mzuzu University was a catalyst for action, inspiring our members to 'take the next step, not the perfect one.'By facilitating cross-disciplinary discussions among peers andexperts, we've identified effective strategies to tackle challengesand enhance the scalability of our projects within the community.

Page 06Valuable Tools Utilized in the 17 Rooms-X InitiativeTo date, the tools and resources provided by the 17 Rooms-X Secretariat, coupled with external resources, have played a pivotal role in facilitating the successful organisation and implementation of the 17 Rooms-X process within the Millennium Fellowship. Tools BenefitsRefined 17 Rooms GuidebookA comprehensive resource provided by the 17 Rooms Secretariat and refined by the team at MCN have helped facilitate content creation and effective implementation of the initiative by the 17 Rooms participating Campuses.Fellowship PortalIntegrating 17 Rooms groups, learning tracks, and discussion boards in the fellowship portal has proven highly valuable for the 50 campuses organizing the 17 Rooms process. Serving as a centralized hub for communication and content dissemination, it has helped enhance the overall coordination and engagement.Evaluation ToolsThe 17 Rooms session evaluation forms and participant feedback forms have been essential for assessing theimpact of the 17 Rooms-X process. These tools, utilized for measuring tangible outcomes, gathering participant feedback, and evaluating overall success metrics, contribute to the initiative's continuous improvement.17 Rooms-X CertificateThe introduction of the 17 Rooms-X Certificate from the 17 Rooms Secretariat, addressing concerns from campuses about the benefits of participation, has emerged as a valuable tool. The certificate serves as a powerful incentive, bolstering interest and commitment among participating campuses. Many participants view the certificate as a testament to their involvement in the 17 Rooms process, symbolizing their dedication to advancing the SDGs. This addition has proven to be a meaningful recognition and motivation for participants throughout the initiative.

Page 0750Campuses 500+Participants 17Countries

Page 08Meet The 17-Rooms Campuses MEET THE 17-Rooms Campuses

Page 10A Global ReviewThe17 Rooms-X process have thus been implemented in 44 Campuses with more than 500 participants across 17 Countries. 54%6%36.7%3.3%North America Asia Africa Australia

Page 09Meet The 17-Rooms Campuses MEET THE 17-Rooms Campuses

Page 1117 Rooms-X Campuses by CountriesAustralia (1)Bangladesh (2)Cameroon (4)University of New EnglandBangladesh University of ProfessionalsNorth South UniversityUniversity of BamendaUniversity of BueaEthiopia (1)Myungsung Medical CollegeGhana (3)Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (Cohort B)University of GhanaUniversity of Development StudiesKenya (4)AMREF International UniversityJomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (Cohort A)University of KenyattaMalawi (2)Malawi University of Business and Applied SciencesMzuzu UniversityIndia (12)Amity University RaipurSai UniversityAmity University MumbaiBharati Vidyapeeth Deemed UniversityUniversity of Delhi south campusIndian Institute of Technology KharagpurPlaksha UniversityKoladaisi UniversityChrist Kengeri CampusMaseno UniversityTechnical University of MombasaNigeria (9)Ekiti State UniversityFederal University of Technology Akure (Cohort A)Obafemi Awolowo University (Cohort B)University of Jos (Cohort A)Bowen UniversityCovenant UniversityLagos State University Cohort BUniversity of IlorinEnugu State University of Science and TechnologyPakistan (1)National University of Medical SciencesUganda(1)Makerere University (Cohort A and Cohort B)United States (7)Duke UniversityPace University New York CityNew York University ShanghaiUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of California BerkeleyNYUDuke Kunshan UniversityYemen (1)Al Razi UniversityZambia (1)Levy Mwanawasa Medical UniversityZimbabwe (1)University of Zimbabwe

Page 12Impacts of the 17 Rooms – X Initiative ActionsInsights60 unique SDG-focusedprojects across 46 campuses.500+ participants.5,678 hours of project planning and execution.Pakistan’s "STP Initiative" for microfinance opportunities.Uganda’s climate change and gender-based violence project in Nwoya District.Feedback and insight from 247 participants.Over 90% reported increased understanding and practical implementation of SDGs.Aligning SDG projects with community needs ensures sustainability.17 Rooms-X initiative Involvement in 17 countries.17 Rooms Campus Coalitions for Global Goals" event with 300+ participants.Community

The 17 Rooms-X process on our Campus is a testament to the power of collective action. It has shown us that impactful change begins with small, individual steps. Providing a platform for our members to recognize the significance of their contributions has illuminated the path to creating a better world for humanity. Lagos State University 17-Rooms Campus Organizer Page 13

Actions EmergingFrom The 17-Room-XPage 1417-ROOMS-X LAGOS STATE UNIVERSITYDuring the engaging 17 Rooms-X sessions at Lagos State University, participants catalyzed a series of impactful projects, each designed to address specific Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) - Climate Change, No Poverty, Quality Education, and Good Health & Well-being.Below is an overview of these initiatives:Climate Action Initiative: Aimed at mitigating climate change impacts within the university community and beyond, this project focuses on increasing awareness and implementing sustainable practices, such as tree planting and waste recycling programs.'No Poverty Campaign: By developing community outreach programs and financial literacy workshops, this initiative seeks to empower underprivileged communities, providing them with the tools and knowledge to break the cycle of poverty.Quality Education for All: This project is dedicated to enhancing access to quality education through the establishment of digital libraries and offering free tutoring services, ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to succeed academically.Good Health & Well-being: Focused on promoting healthy lifestyles and well-being, this initiative organizes health awareness campaigns and provides free health check-ups, aiming to improve overall health outcomes within the community.1.2.3.4.

Actions EmergingFrom The 17-Room-XPage 1517-ROOMS-X NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF MEDICAL SCIENCESAt the National University of Medical Sciences, participants in the 17 Rooms-X process have developed strategic actions to address critical issues in Pakistan, focusing on improving employability, fighting poverty, ensuring food security, enhancing health and well-being, promoting quality education, and advocating for gender equality:Employability & Poverty: Organizing skill development workshops to increase graduates' employability and advocating for microfinance initiatives to support student-led businesses.Zero Hunger: Launching awareness campaigns on food waste reduction and sustainable practices in university dining facilities, alongside conducting research on malnutrition causes and solutions.Good Health & Well-being: Hosting mental health workshops, including mental health courses in curricula, and raising awareness on communicable diseases and reproductive health to tackle healthcare access and quality issues.Quality Education: Implementing holistic educational approaches with events on specific topics, developing peer mentoring programs to support education access for rural areas and girls, and integrating practical skills into academic learning to boost employability.1.2.3.4.

"17 Rooms' stood out for me and my room members as a strategic framework that champions collaboration and focused thinking in tackling complex issues in our community. Its structured approach in pinpointing key interventions has been invaluable for us as we look for a more systematic method to address broad challenges in our communities."Campus OrganizerFederal University of Technology, Akure Page 17

Actions EmergingFrom The 17-Room-XPage 1617-ROOMS-X MAKERERE UNIVERSITYAt Makerere University, participants in the 17 Rooms-X process are taking significant strides to address pressing challenges within the Nwoya district, Northern Uganda, focusing on Gender-Based Violence (SDG 5) and Climate Change (SDG 13), with direct implications on No Poverty (SDG 1). Ojara Stephen, Odong Eric Svienn, and Wokorach Jeremiah are spearheading an initiative to combat gender-based violence in Nwoya district. They recognize the interconnectedness of this issue with climate change, as altered weather patterns disrupt farming, their primary economicactivity.Opiyo Aggrey has joined forces with this team, aiming to address the root cause: climate change. Their project emphasizes community education on climate change's impact on weather patterns and agricultural productivity, encouraging sustainable environmental practices.Integrated Approach to Gender-Based Violence and Climate Change:1.2.By December 10, 2023, aim for 70% community awareness in Nwoya about their role in environmental changes and their power to enact positive change.By February 20, 2024, ensure 85% of the community possesses the knowledge to fight climate change, thereby improving agricultural activities and household development.By March 1, 2024, implement concrete actions to mitigate community challengesStrategic Actions and Goals:1.2.3.Engaging local leaders and community-based organizations (farmer groups, SACCOs, VSLAs) as influencers to drive community mobilization for mindset change sessions and climate action campaigns.Partnering with the Gulu Agricultural Development Company (GADC) and Gulu timber to leverage their extensive network of contracted farmers and provide tree seedlings (shear nut and macadamia) post-training, enhancing the success and impact of their initiatives.Collaboration and Influence:1.2.

Page 1817-Rooms-X Implementation Highlights17-ROOMS-X UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN

Page 1917-Rooms-X Implementation Highlights17-ROOMS-X UNIVERSITY OF KENYATTA

Page 2017-Rooms-X Implementation Highlights17-ROOMS-X PACE UNIVERSITY

"Participating in 17 Rooms has been an eye-opening Journey for my room members at LASU, offering a unique chance to expand our perspectives, connect deeply with others, and actively contribute to initiatives that foster positive global change. We are now motivated towards implementing the practical next steps we have curated towards advancing sustainable development in our communities" 17 Rooms Campus OrganizerLagos State University Campus Organizer Page 22

Next StepsPage 23Where do we go from here?1.2.3.4.Learning and Replicability:Expansion and Formalization:MCN Support Plan: 17-Rooms X Integration into the fellowship programWe are committed to extracting valuable insights, lessons, and best practices from the 17-Rooms X initiative. This wealth of knowledge will not only inform our ongoing efforts but also contribute to the development of a practical model that can bescaled up and replicated across various campuses and contexts.Building on the success of 17-Rooms X, our vision is to broaden participation to encompass a wider spectrum of campuses. Our goal is to extend this initiative to at least 100 campuses, ensuring diverse representationand perspectives.We are poised to support project implementation through the provision of resources and opportunities generated from the outcomes of 17-Rooms X. This support will facilitate the translation of ideas into impactful actions on the ground.Furthermore, we aim to formalize the integration of the 17-Rooms process as a recurring component of the Fellowship program on an annual basis. This will embed the principles and practices of collaborative problem-solving into the fabric of our ongoing initiatives, fostering continuous innovation and impact.

Page 25AcknowledgementsWe extend our heartfelt appreciation to our esteemed partners, the Rockefeller Foundation, Brookings Institution, and Uncommon Collaborations, for their invaluable support in making the 17-Rooms-X process within the Millennium Fellowship program an extraordinary success.Their funding and technical assistance have been instrumental in piloting this transformative process across 50 campuses, beneting over 400 participants. This support has enabled us to empower a diverse cohort of changemakers and drive tangible progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).The impact of the 17-Rooms-X initiative is evident in the remarkable outcomes achieved by participating campuses. With over 70% of campuses, including FUTA Cohort A, Makerere Cohort B, Pace University, and University of Buea, reporting the commencement of project implementations inspired by the 17-Rooms process. These projects span a wide range of SDG-focused initiatives, illustrating the tangible dierence being made on campuses worldwide.Furthermore, the initiative has facilitated invaluable knowledge exchange and collaboration among participating institutions. Examples such as the University of Development Studies and University of Ghana engaging in collaborative projects demonstrate the power of shared resources and expertise in tackling SDG-related challenges more eectively.We are profoundly grateful for the unwavering support and partnership of the Rockefeller Foundation, Brookings Institution, and Uncommon Collaborations. Together, we are driving meaningful change and advancing the global agenda for sustainable development.With heartfelt gratitude,Millennium Campus Network

Our experience as participants of the 17 Rooms has been profoundly transformative. The diversity of collaboration, richness of actionable insights, and depth of connections forged surpass anything I've encountered. It's more than a flash process for us; it has thus served as a movement towards crafting real-world solutions for our participants. Ekiti State University Room Organizer