Maria Nelago Kanyama from Namibia has been awarded the DHL Young SDG Leader Award at the 29th AFS Youth Assembly, held in August 2024 in New York City for Smart Water Network Monitoring with Artificial Intelligence, a project that revolutionizes water management by developing an advanced anomaly detection system for water networks using artificial intelligence.
This award recognizes and supports young leaders who are driving sustainability initiatives in Sub-Saharan Africa, supported by DHL, a global leader in the logistics industry specializing in international shipping, courier services and transportation. DHL has been partnering with the AFS Youth Assembly and supporting its young delegates for two years, enabling them to advance social impact in their local communities.
Maria’s project Smart Water Network Monitoring with Artificial Intelligence aims to ensure efficient and sustainable water use by identifying and addressing issues such as leaks, contamination, and infrastructure failures promptly.
“Winning the DHL Young SDG Leader award is a significant milestone in my journey of research and innovation, particularly in applying AI and IoT to enhance water security. This is especially crucial in Sub-Saharan Africa, one of the driest regions in the world, where preserving the limited water resources we have is vital. It underscores the essential role that innovation and research play in addressing global challenges and aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Africa’s Agenda 2063, both of which envision a world where every individual has access to essential resources like clean water,” shared Maria upon winning the award.
The DHL Young SDG Leader Award was presented at the 2024 AFS Youth Assembly, which gathered more than 600 young leaders from 80+ countries as a global platform that cultivates an international network of young leaders and changemakers through exchange, education, action and impact. “Witnessing young people from around the globe come together to engage in discussions about pressing global issues filled me with profound hope and inspiration. The AFS Youth Assembly reinforced the importance of being part of a global youth movement that is actively shaping the future,” said Maria about her experience at the event. She went on to add, “These experiences collectively underscore the power of youth, technology, and innovation in driving meaningful global change.”
As a young global leader, Maria shared her insights with her peers worldwide looking to make a difference in their communities by saying:
“As someone who has navigated a career in aviation while passionately pursuing tech solutions for water scarcity, I’ve learned that your passions don’t have to fit neatly into a single box. My advice to young people is this: don’t wait for the ‘perfect’ environment or opportunity to start chasing your dreams. The resources and circumstances you think you need might not be immediately available, but that shouldn’t hold you back. Begin with what you have, where you are. Perseverance is key. Rejections and setbacks are part of the journey, but they’re not the end of the road. It’s through these challenges that we grow stronger and more resilient. Living a life of purpose, driven by a passion to make a difference, is what gives life its deepest meaning. Never underestimate the impact of your actions, no matter how small they may seem. Your dedication has the power to inspire others and contribute to the collective effort needed to bring about meaningful change in your community and beyond.”
Applications are now open for the 2025 AFS Youth Assembly, which will take place on August 8-10, 2025 in New York City.