Weaving Global Partnerships: Collaboration between Sofonias Nicaragua Association, EPFL, And UNAN Managua

December 2023

In an exciting chapter of international exchange and collaboration, the Sofonías Nicaragua Association, based in Jinotepe, Carazo, had the honor of welcoming representatives of the project “SOCIAL CONCRETE: Towards a New Paradigm of Construction,” carried out by the prestigious Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland.

This meeting marked the beginning of a significant collaboration aimed at enriching knowledge transfer and promoting innovation in the social and technological fields.

The purpose of the visit was to gain first-hand insight into the social projects and construction technologies implemented by the Sofonías Nicaragua Association, an organization committed to community development and improving quality of life in the region.

The EPFL representatives expressed great interest in learning about local initiatives, recognizing the value of the experience accumulated and the opportunity to establish meaningful collaborations among key stakeholders. This also included links with the Architecture and Civil Engineering programs at the National Autonomous University of Nicaragua (UNAN-Managua), with a view to identifying potential areas for research collaboration.

Knowledge transfer became the central focus of this interaction. The Sofonías Nicaragua Association shared its experience in designing and implementing innovative social projects, highlighting its community-centered approach and the application of technologies such as ferrocement systems and microconcrete roofing tiles, which are widely used in social housing projects.

This exchange will not only benefit both organizations but will also strengthen future initiatives undertaken by EPFL.

Research collaboration was another key aspect explored during the visit. Potential areas for joint research were discussed, identifying opportunities to address social and technological challenges from a global perspective. This synergy between EPFL, the Sofonías Nicaragua Association, and the Architecture and Civil Engineering programs at UNAN-Managua promises to generate innovative and sustainable solutions.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the representatives of EPFL's “SOCIAL CONCRETE: Towards a New Paradigm of Construction” project for their dedication and interest during their visit. This meeting has laid the foundations for a lasting and fruitful collaboration. We look forward to the continued growth of this partnership, confident that it will generate meaningful innovations with a positive impact on our communities and beyond.

Together, we are building a bridge toward a more collaborative, equitable, and sustainable future.

The Sofonías Nicaragua Association (Sofonic) is a member of the EcoSur Network.