Atom Araullo’s journalism represents a significant role in fostering partnerships that align with Sustainable Development Goal 17. Atom’s work highlights social issues, raises public awareness, and encourages collective efforts from the public, organizations, and the media to address these issues. Lastly, through his works, Atom shows how journalism contributes to having effective partnerships, which is essential in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 17.   

Born in 1982 in Quezon City, Philippines, Atom Araullo grew up in a politically charged environment that shaped his understanding of social issues. His parents were both activists, which provided him with a keen awareness of the social injustices around him. Atom’s interest in journalism began during his childhood when he was captivated by nature documentaries (Sun, n.d.). Though initially uncertain about pursuing journalism, Atom’s passion for science and storytelling led him to take a job as a researcher at a media organization (GMA News, 2021). Over time, Atom transitioned into journalism and became a renowned broadcast journalist, anchoring news programs and producing impactful documentaries. His career took a significant turn in 2017 when he became an advocate for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). In 2019, he was appointed as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, marking the beginning of a new phase in his career, where he used his platform to raise awareness about the plight of refugees and other marginalized communities (UNHCR, n.d.).

Araullo’s background in science and his passion for storytelling uniquely positioned him to combine journalism with social advocacy, amplifying his voice on the global stage. His decision to become involved with humanitarian work arose from a deep understanding of the systemic issues faced by marginalized groups. By using his media platform to educate and inform, Araullo not only helps raise awareness but also inspires action from both the public and private sectors (McQuail, 2010).

One of Atom Araullo’s most notable contributions to humanitarian efforts is his collaboration with the UNHCR. His advocacy for refugees is exemplified by the “Two Billion Kilometers to Safety” campaign in 2019. This initiative encouraged people worldwide to walk, run, or cycle a combined total of two billion kilometers, symbolizing the distance refugees must travel to find safety (Step in Solidarity with Refugees, 2019). This campaign raised global awareness about the refugee crisis and inspired individuals to take action, thus embodying SDG 17’s focus on partnerships (Goal 17. Strengthen the means of implementation, n.d.). Atom’s documentaries, such as Tawid-Aral (2024), which highlights the challenges faced by children in remote areas seeking education, are further examples of how his work fosters partnerships. By telling the stories of marginalized communities, Atom’s documentaries mobilize support from various sectors—governments, NGOs, and the public—encouraging joint efforts to address these challenges.

Atom’s documentaries do not just inform the public; they also inspire action. His collaborations with the UNHCR have resulted in partnerships that have not only raised awareness but have also prompted concrete actions. For example, Atom’s Tawid-Aral documentary shed light on the struggles of students in remote areas and motivated both public and private sectors to invest in improving education in marginalized communities (Stories of Young Children, 2024). This type of partnership aligns with SDG 17, which seeks to enhance the effectiveness of partnerships in achieving the SDGs (Leila, 2024). Araullo’s ability to engage diverse audiences through his documentaries enables him to effectively bring together various stakeholders, making his media work a powerful catalyst for social change.

Furthermore, Atom’s work exemplifies how media can act as a bridge between different sectors to foster collaboration. A significant part of SDG 17 is fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships that leverage expertise, resources, and networks from diverse sectors to solve complex global challenges (United Nations, 2018). Through his documentaries, Atom facilitates such partnerships, encouraging organizations to join forces in pursuit of common goals. These partnerships, whether with international agencies like UNHCR or local organizations, contribute significantly to advancing the SDGs (UNDP, 2024).

The media is instrumental in advancing SDG 17 by raising awareness, promoting collaboration, and fostering transparency in partnerships. As an example, the SDG Media Compact launched by the United Nations in 2018 exemplifies the role of the media in enhancing SDG-related coverage. By providing accurate information, the media can engage the public and policymakers, driving collective action toward achieving the SDGs (Martin, 2019). The media’s role in promoting SDG 17 is also reflected in initiatives like PhotoVogue’s partnership with the United Nations, which documents environmental issues through photography (De Biasio, 2024). This collaboration is an example of how the media can contribute to SDG 17’s target 17.6, which focuses on knowledge sharing and cooperation for access to science, technology, and innovation. The media’s ability to transform complex issues into accessible content allows for broader engagement and action, particularly when it comes to global challenges like climate change (McQuail, 2010).

Another example of the media’s contribution to SDG 17 is the partnership between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and various media outlets. This collaboration aims to raise awareness about the SDGs and promote partnerships across the public, private, and civil sectors. By facilitating transparency and accountability, the media ensures that the partnerships are effective and impactful. As seen with UNDP’s initiatives, the media serves as a bridge between organizations and the public, creating an informed audience that is more likely to participate in actions that support the SDGs (Leila, 2024). These efforts highlight the media’s unique position in fostering global cooperation and raising awareness of social issues.

To further understand the impact of Atom Araullo’s work, we can apply the theory of Symbolic Interactionism, which examines how individuals and groups create meaning through their interactions and the symbols they use (Goffman, 1959). In Atom’s case, his documentaries serve as symbols that represent the struggles of marginalized groups, such as refugees and students in remote areas. Through these stories, Atom not only raises awareness but also shapes how the public perceives these issues. His work encourages people to engage with the social issues he covers, transforming them from abstract concepts into real-world problems that require immediate action. Symbolic Interactionism suggests that these media representations influence people’s understanding of social problems and motivate them to form new social behaviors, such as supporting humanitarian initiatives and engaging in global partnerships (Bertot, Jaeger, & Grimes, 2010).

For example, in Tawid-Aral (2024), Atom’s portrayal of students facing immense hardships to obtain an education in remote areas challenges the viewer to reconsider the value of education and the systemic inequalities that hinder access to it. These media representations invite individuals to reflect on their own perceptions of inequality and act toward solutions. By presenting these issues through a human-centered lens, Atom fosters empathy and collective responsibility, which are fundamental principles of Symbolic Interactionism (Goffman, 1959).

Atom Araullo’s work in journalism and his advocacy for social change demonstrate the powerful role of media in advancing SDG 17. Through his documentaries, partnerships, and campaigns, Atom has shown that the media is not just about reporting facts—it is a tool for fostering collaboration and collective action. By highlighting critical issues like refugees and education, Atom encourages partnerships that align with the global goals of sustainable development. As technology and media continue to evolve, journalists like Atom play an essential role in shaping public perception, influencing social change, and contributing to the achievement of the SDGs. The future of media in humanitarian work is promising, and with continued partnerships, the global community can work together to create lasting change for a better future (United Nations, 2018).

Atom Araullo’s work as a journalist reflects the values of compassion, integrity, and service to others. His commitment to helping shed light on social issues, such as advocating for refugees and other social injustices, embodies the Christian principle of standing up for the oppressed. His commitment to telling the truth reflects the Christian values of helping those in need and standing up for what is right, such as advocating for refugees. His advocacy and works remind us that the media is not just about reporting facts—it is about making a difference, fostering partnerships, and encouraging everyone to participate for a better future.

As media continues to evolve in the digital age, journalists like Atom Araullo will play an increasingly important role in driving global conversations around social issues. By leveraging the power of storytelling, the media can serve as both a catalyst for change and a platform for amplifying marginalized voices. Atom’s commitment to using his platform for humanitarian advocacy highlights the potential of media to not only inform but also inspire collective action. Moving forward, it is essential that media professionals continue to collaborate with international organizations, governments, and local communities to ensure that social issues such as refugee crises and educational inequality remain at the forefront of global discourse. The partnerships fostered by media, exemplified through Araullo’s work, will be key to achieving the SDGs and creating a more inclusive, sustainable world for future generations.

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