International congress gathers world-renowned expertise at USask

The People Around the World (PAW) 2024 International Congress takes place at USask from Oct. 16-18. Researchers and speakers from USask and across Canada, the United States, Germany, the Netherlands, and more will come together to share critical research and new ideas here on the Prairies. 

Dr. Darcy Marciniuk (MD), associate vice-president research at USask and the co-chair of PAW 2024, said this kind of gathering is necessary for fostering new ideas and research internationally.

“The PAW congress is important to our institution as it is a strong signal of our university’s goal and intention to internationalization,” he said. “We are very proud that PAW 2024 brings together world-leading experts, thinkers and innovators to drive meaningful sustainable solutions to problems affecting not only Saskatchewan but also the world.” 

The theme of the PAW 2024 Congress is the exploration of the food-energy-water nexus with data as a cross-cutting concept.  

The connections between food, energy and water are described by the United Nations (UN)-Water website as “a nexus at the heart of sustainable development” around the world. As demand for all three interconnected resources increases, they put pressure on each other.  

Addressing solutions to relieve pressure and better manage the food-energy-water nexus is necessary for achieving the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  

“The best use and learning from data, in every way imaginable, amplifies our capabilities and understanding of global food-water-energy needs, and potential solutions,” Marciniuk said. “USask has significant expertise, and capability in these areas, but we also hope that bringing experts and leaders from around the world to PAW and USask will further activate and accelerate innovation and real-world solutions.” 

The PAW 2024 congress will feature speakers, presentations, and discussions on Oct. 17 and 18 around the food-energy-water nexus and the role that data can play in managing those needs. There will also be a student poster session featuring work from USask’s aspiring researchers, and a reception for attendees.  

As Marciniuk puts it, this international-reaching event is about more than listening – it’s about looking for collaborative and innovative solutions for global problems. 

“The conference is designed to be immersive,” he said. “Attendees will examine how integrated approaches in these fields can effectively address socio-cultural challenges at local and global scales. We are extremely excited to welcome everyone to PAW 2024.”