D-TAP FOUNDATION
SDG-Challenge 2025
Where Oman’s brightest minds tackle tomorrow’s challenges — today.
6 universities. 4 weeks. 1 mission.
About Club17
Club17 is a global network dedicated to empowering young people to take meaningful action toward a sustainable future.Guided by the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we connect students, businesses, and communities to co-create innovative solutions that address both local and global challenges.
In Oman, Club17 aligns closely with Oman Vision 2040, which is deeply rooted in the SDGs. Through initiatives like the SDG Impact Contest, we provide students with real-world challenges from companies, enabling them to contribute directly to the nation's sustainable development goals while also making a global impact.
The Club17 SDG Challenge in Oman is a four-week competition where talented students from six of Oman’s most prestigious universities team up to solve real sustainability challenges presented by leading organizations.
Guided by the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), they work across disciplines, sectors, and perspectives to co-create bold, actionable solutions.
Held in celebration of 400 years of maritime ties between Oman and the Netherlands, the SDG Challenge also marks the official launch of Club17 Oman, a new platform for long-term collaboration between youth, academia, business, and international Club17 members. Together, we build local capacity, connect innovation with impact, and contribute directly to Oman Vision 2040. This is where the next generation of changemakers steps up and shapes the future.
"This inaugural edition is more than a contest,
it’s a national moment."
400 Years of Maritime Relations
Oman -
the Netherlands
To mark 400 years of maritime ties between Oman and the Netherlands, the Club17 SDG - Contest was launched as a new chapter in a long-standing tradition of collaboration. The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Muscat facilitated the initial exploration and launch of this initiative. What once began at sea now moves forward with purpose—driven by young talent, real-world challenges, and a shared vision for sustainability.
Our ambition: to turn this contest into a lasting tradition, returning each year with new solutions and greater impact.
Our Team
Lara
Melkert
Global Coordinator
Heidi
Hoogvliet
Local Coordinator
Aisha
Al Balushi
Student Coordinator
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Universities Partnerships
How the Contest Works
From Awareness to Action – A Journey into Real-World Sustainability
The Club17 SDG Contest is not your typical competition. It’s a hands-on experience where bright students and innovative companies join forces to tackle real sustainability challenges.
Here’s how we turn awareness into action:
Step 1: Intro & Get Inspired
We officially launch the contest with a dynamic Announcement Day, including a press event and an SDG workshop. All participating students and companies come together for the first time. This energizing kickoff introduces the teams to the contest, the key themes, and the people behind the challenges, setting the stage for meaningful collaboration.
Step 2: Learn & Train
Before diving into solutions, teams receive training in the Sustainable Development Goals, problem-solving strategies, project planning, and presentation skills. Everything you need to turn ideas into impact.
Step 3: Create Real Solutions
Over four weeks, teams work intensively on their assigned challenge, visiting companies, testing ideas, and co-creating prototypes. Weekly check-ins ensure that everyone stays on track and gets the feedback they need.
Step 4: Present & Shine
At the grand finale, all teams pitch their solutions to a jury of experts, companies, and changemakers. It’s your moment to shine, and maybe even see your idea implemented for real impact.
Timeline
Club17 SDG-Challenge 2025
Announcement &
Press Day
GU-Tech
14 Sep 2025
09:30 - 13:00
The official opening of the contest at GU-Tech University. With media present, inspiring speakers, and a panel discussion on the role of youth in sustainability, this day marks the start of an exciting journey full of ideas, action, and impact.
Kick-off Day
Middle East College
17 Sep 2025
09:30 - 16:30
Hosted at Middle East College, this is where the journey truly begins. Students meet their teammates, get introduced to their company challenge, and join interactive workshops to prepare for the weeks ahead. It’s all about building skills, making connections, and getting ready to take action.
Green Tour
1 & 2 Oct 2025
An inspiring behind-the-scenes experience where students visit local companies to see how sustainability is applied in real. Through guided tours and Q&A sessions, they learn directly from professionals how sustainable goals translate into daily operations turning theory into practice.
Semi-Finals
Digital
6 Oct 2025
All teams present their first solutions to a panel of experts. It’s a moment of feedback, learning, and selection—only the most promising teams move on to the Grand Finale. The pressure is on, and the energy is high.
Grand Finale
16 Oct 2025
11:00 - 17:00
In a distinguished setting, the finalist teams present the solutions they’ve worked on with focus and dedication. Before a respected jury, they showcase ideas with real potential for impact. A true finale, where ambition meets recognition.
VIP Award dinner
Embassy of the Kingdom
of the Netherlands
19 Oct 2025
17:00 - 21:00
A festive closing evening marking the end of the contest. The winning team is awarded, all partners are recognised for their contribution, and a final panel reflects on the journey. The evening concludes with a shared dinner to celebrate collaboration, achievement, and future ambitions.
"It’s a straightforward way to engage with future talent while contributing to both Oman’s national sustainability goals and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals."
Driving impact locally and worldwide,
through action, not promotion.
The Club17 SDG-Contest
A unique opportunity for companies in Oman to actively support the goals of Oman Vision 2040 while developing innovative sustainability solutions.
A Partnership with Purpose
The Club17 SDG-Contest gives companies in Oman a unique opportunity to actively support the goals of Oman Vision 2040. By participating, your company adopts a student team and challenges them to co-create innovative solutions aligned with your sustainability ambitions.
You provide a real-world challenge students provide fresh ideas, energy, and commitment. Together, you create impact that lasts.
Your Contribution Matters
Your contribution helps cover the basic participation costs and ensures students are guided, trained, and supported throughout the contest.
In return, your company gains visibility, access to emerging talent, and concrete solutions that reflect your commitment to sustainable development.
Why Your Company Should Join?
Participating in this contest means more than just engaging with students, it places your company at the heart of a national dialogue on sustainability and innovation.
High Visibility
Your brand featured across all official communication, media coverage, and event materials.
Panel Participation
Join thought leaders as a speaker during key moments, including the Grand Finale.
Access to Talent
Work closely with top students on real-world sustainability challenges.
VIP Award Dinner
Exclusive invitation to the closing dinner with decision-makers, diplomats, and fellow innovators.
Networking
Engage with a high-level audience from government, academia, and the private sector.
Recognition
Receive a participation award and be acknowledged as a company committed to Oman Vision 2040.
Contribution to In-Country Value
By participating in the SDG Impact Contest, your company makes a direct and measurable contribution to its In-Country Value (ICV) performance.
Investment in local human capital
Skills development for Omani youth
Knowledge transfer through collaboration
Supporting
Oman Vision
2040
Join as a Participating Company
Participate in the SDG Impact Contest, companies make a one-time contribution of OMR 2,500.
This contribution gives your team full access to the program: from working with a dedicated student team on your sustainability challenge to attending key events like the Grand Finale and VIP Award Dinner.
