Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan believe that education, faith, and action are inseparable in responding to the challenges of our time.
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Jesuit Universal Apostolic Preferences (UAPs), and Pope Francis’ encyclical letter, Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home offer converging paths toward a world that is just, peaceful, and sustainable. These three global and spiritual frameworks intersect and inspire the University’s mission of forming persons for others — committed to social justice, ecological integrity, and the greater glory of God.
The 17 SDGs, adopted by the United Nations in 2015, provide a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet. They address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and education — inviting nations, institutions, and individuals to take part in creating a sustainable future.
On the other hand, the UAPs direct Jesuit institutions like Xavier Ateneo toward a faith that does justice and engages with the realities of the world.
Lastly, Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical calls all people to an ecological conversion — to rediscover our relationship with God, others, and creation. Further, Laudato Si’ urges integral ecology, where environmental, social, cultural, and spiritual dimensions are deeply intertwined. It inspires the Church and the world to care for creation and the poor, promoting a new way of living marked by simplicity, gratitude, and solidarity.
Each framework — the SDGs, UAPs, and Laudato Si’ — converges on a single truth: true progress unites care for people, care for creation, and care for the spirit. They remind us that sustainability is not only about environmental balance, but also about moral renewal and collective responsibility for the common good.
Guided by these three frameworks, Xavier Ateneo integrates faith, sustainability, and social engagement across its operations and programs. Given that the journey toward sustainability and justice is also a journey of faith, Xavier Ateneo embraces the Jesuit mission of forming leaders who serve with conscience, competence, and compassion.