Atenean ‘SDGConnect’ project triumphs at ISSF Vietnam 2024

A team of third-year Ateneo de Manila University students won the prestigious Most Innovative Research Award for their project, SDGConnect, in the 8th International Student Science Forum (ISSF) 2024 held from August 1 to 4 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. SDGConnect, developed by students Micah Shane Calivo, Katelyn Xanthe Nable, and Sophia Carla “Matti” David Valencia, emerged triumphant among the 90 selected delegates out of more than 300 applicants, 

With the theme “Igniting Youth-led Social Impact: From Local to Global,” the conference brought together the brightest minds from around the world to present their research and solutions to global challenges. Thus, ISSF was a landmark event for youth-led innovation.

SDGConnect is not just a digital platform. It is a comprehensive hub designed to empower youth-led organizations in their quest to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This mobile application offers unique features that set it apart from traditional platforms.

The success of SDGConnect at ISSF Vietnam is not only a testament to the vision and dedication of its creators but also a reflection of the support from the Ateneo Institute of Sustainability (AIS). The Institute’s commitment to fostering innovative solutions for sustainable development was instrumental in shaping the project’s trajectory. This collaborative approach ensured that SDGConnect was not just another application but a transformative tool with the potential to revolutionize how youth-led organizations contribute to global sustainability efforts.

Winning the Most Innovative Research Award at ISSF Vietnam is just the beginning for SDGConnect. The team, with continued support from AIS, plans to further develop the platform, expand its reach, and integrate new features that will enhance its usability and effectiveness. By providing youth-led organizations with the tools they need to collaborate, innovate, and achieve the SDGs, SDGConnect is poised to become a cornerstone of global youth engagement in sustainability.

The success of SDGConnect at the ISSF is a clear indication that the future of sustainability lies in the hands of innovative, passionate, and dedicated young leaders. As Ateneo de Manila University and AIS continue to support and nurture such groundbreaking initiatives, the potential for impactful global change grows ever stronger.