SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goal
Highlights
International Collaboration on SDGs
Through the Sustainable Development Solutions Network Philippines (SDSN PH), hosted by Ateneo, the University works with international partners and its sister Jesuit universities—Ateneo de Davao University and Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan—to advance research and capacity-building aligned with global SDG frameworks.
One key initiative is the SDG2 Zero Hunger Project, coordinated by Adjunct Professor Edgardo T. Valenzuela of the Ateneo School of Government and the Economics Department. Supported by SDSN PH, the project draws from global development experience, including partnerships with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and other regional institutions, to apply systems thinking and international best practices to local contexts of hunger, food security, and nutrition.
Since 2020, the project has organized 17 webinars and public dialogues, such as the 2024 event “Nourish the Nation: Advocacies on Nutrition,” to exchange insights from international and national experts. These collaborative research and education activities contribute to shaping multi-sectoral and globally informed solutions for hunger eradication and sustainable food systems.
Education and Research: Study Programs Related to Sustainability
Ateneo de Manila University demonstrates a strong, institution-wide commitment to sustainability and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through a portfolio of six dedicated academic programs that integrate scientific, managerial, and policy perspectives. Together, these offerings cultivate the competencies needed for environmental stewardship, climate action, disaster preparedness, and sustainable development leadership across sectors.
Program Portfolio
School of Science and Engineering – Undergraduate: Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science
John Gokongwei School of Management – Graduate: Master of Science in Sustainability Management
School of Science and Engineering – Graduate: Master in Disaster Risk and Resilience
School of Science and Engineering – Graduate: Master in Environmental Management
School of Science and Engineering – Graduate: Master of Science in Environmental Science
School of Science and Engineering – Graduate: Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Science
Ateneo's participation in government policy development
Ateneo de Manila University has actively participated in the development of national government policies related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Its involvement in the creation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan 2020-2030 is an example of its ability to collaborate with the government in policy formulation. The university is a part of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and the Ateneo Institute of Sustainability serves as the host of SDSN Philippines.
To showcase its commitment to the SDGs, the Ateneo Institute of Sustainability, and later the Ateneo Innovation Center, have released a report on the University's sustainability initiatives and its contributions to attaining the SDGs 1–17 in order to demonstrate its commitment to the SDGs.
Ateneo's Contribution to SDG 17: Progress and Challenges
Analyzing trends in SDG 17, research supporting sustainable development partnerships improved from 2021 to 2022 but saw a slight decline in 2023. This indicates potential setbacks in fostering effective partnerships. Relationships to support the goals were strong in 2021 but declined in 2022 and 2023, suggesting a decreasing focus on partnerships for sustainable development.
On a positive note, Ateneo actively engages in cross-sectoral dialogues on SDGs and collaborates internationally on gathering SDG data, contributing to research reports on multiple SDGs. The university also reviews best practices for tackling SDGs through international collaborations and actively partners with NGOs and local governments for SDG initiatives. However, there was a significant drop in the publication of SDG reports in 2023, indicating a potential setback or need for further investigation. Despite these challenges, Ateneo demonstrates a commitment to meaningful education on SDGs through mandatory education for all students and dedicated courses addressing sustainability within the university curriculum and for the broader community through outreach and scholarship programs.