UNAIR SDGs Connect 2026 culminates, recognizes youth innovation and strengthens global collaboration

UNAIR NEWS – UNAIR SDGs Connect 2026 officially culminated on Friday, October 16, 2026. The global-scale event, which began on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, was held in conjunction with the 11th International Advisory Committee (IAC) Meeting and the 5th Health Promotion International Conference.

The event was officially concluded with an awards ceremony for the competition winners. The prestigious awards ceremony took place at at the Garuda Mukti Hall, UNAIR MERR-C Campus Management Office.

Encouraging global synergy for sustainability

Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, and Community Development at UNAIR, Prof. Miftah, expressed his pride and utmost appreciation to the delegates from 25 countries who actively participated. He said that this conference is a crucial platform for strengthening global collaboration in addressing global health challenges and sustainability.

“This conference reminds us of one crucial message: that health promotion, the One Health approach, and sustainable development cannot be achieved through isolated efforts. They require cross-disciplinary collaboration, inclusive innovation, and partnerships that connect universities, governments, health institutions, and local communities,” he said.

Innovative ideas from young people worldwide

In addition, Prof. Miftah highlighted the active contributions of students and young researchers through 85 youth projects, 52 oral presentations, and 36 poster presentations. According to him, the innovations presented by these young participants play a vital role as drivers of change today.

“This contribution reminds us that youth are not merely future leaders, but also important agents of change today,” said the professor at the Faculty of Medicine (FK).

He also encouraged all participants to carry the spirit of change forward after the conference: “Let us leave this conference not only with new knowledge, but also with a new commitment to creating a healthier, more inclusive, and more sustainable world,” he emphasized.

UNAIR SDGs Connect 2026 Winners

Here are the award recipients at UNAIR SDGs Connect 2026.

Best Oral Presentation Youth Project AUN-HPN 2026

1. Siriya Mektavepong & Jaranrat Toranonboonsong (Mahidol University, Thailand) – Student Ideas to National Health Action: Building a University-Based Pipeline for Student-Led Health Promotion in Thailand
2. Nurul Fatihah binti Kamaruzzaman & Raihanah Adzra binti Abdul Aziz (Universiti Teknologi MARA / UiTM, Malaysia) – A Sensory Based Nutrition Intervention to Promote Fruit and Vegetable Acceptance among Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorder at Pusat Pemulihan dalam Komuniti Puncak Alam
3. Frestine Mae A. Mianagua & Kenneth Mark B. Balinas (University of the Philippines Visayas, the Philippines) – Spatial Distribution of Potential Pollution Sources and Fecal Indicator Bacteria in Selected Coastal Waters of the First District of Iloilo, Philippines

The Best Youth Project Abstract 2026

1. Annas Buanasita (Surabaya Health Polytechnic, Ministry of Health / graduate of the Doctoral Program, Faculty of Public Health, UNAIR) – Development Of An Interpersonal Communication Strategy In Triggering Commitment To Improve Multiple Micronutrient Supplement (MMS) Compliance Among Pregnant Women
2. Joshua Sebastian Konda & Favian Fawwaz Darmawan (Universitas Indonesia) – Bridging the Gap Through Curma Roadshow 2025: Anxiety, Stigma, and Mental Health Service Utilization Among FKM UI Students
3. Nicholas Edwin Handoyo (Universitas Nusa Cendana, Kupang) – Fighting Stunting through Interprofessional Education Model of Learning in Health Promotion!

Best Poster Presentation Youth Project AUN-HPN 2026

1. Athea Elaiza Repaso & Ombion Christian Niccolo Felipe Valencia (De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute, the Philippines)
2. Althea Rose Daling & Michaizel Joy P. Cartagena (University of the Philippines Visayas, the Philippines)
3. Asmaul Husna (Universitas Airlangga)

UNAIR Sustain Action 2026 (student organizations)

1. Rasena (FTMM)
2. BEM FEB
3. BEM UNAIR Best Impact: KOMBO Berdaya (FTMM) Favorite: BEM FST

SDGs Action Plan for senior high schools across East Java

1. MAN 1 Lamongan
2. SMKN 10 Surabaya
3. Nation Star Academy Surabaya Favorite Winner: SMA NU Gresik

Universitas Airlangga SDGs Ambassador 2026

1. Winner (Main Ambassador): Zhafira Rafa Amalia (Faculty of Public Health)
2. First Runner-up: Violla Intan Az-Zahra (Faculty of Science and Technology)
3. Second Runner-up: Sofia Nadhira Shifa (Faculty of Social and Political Sciences) Top Innovative: Kendra Anabella (Faculty of Science and Technology) Top Favorite: Ahmad Dhafrin Al Farisi (Faculty of Science and Technology)

Author: M Yasir Dharmawan Diniy

Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia