XVII FECITEC Girasoles 2026: Young Minds, Bright Future

From 18 to 22 August 2026, Encarnación, Paraguay, became a meeting point for science, creativity, and international exchange with the celebration of the XVII FECITEC Girasoles 2026.

This year’s event brought together more than 100 scientific projects, welcoming international delegations from Chile, Mexico and Puerto Rico, alongside national and local participants from across Paraguay. Over five days, children and young people presented their work, exchanged experiences and shared their enthusiasm for science, technology and innovation.

Behind every project lies a journey of discovery: asking questions, developing ideas, working as a team and searching for answers to challenges within communities and beyond. Experiences such as FECITEC help participants build confidence, develop new skills and recognise the potential of their ideas.

More importantly, they provide a space where children and young people can see themselves as active contributors to the future of society. Supporting their curiosity today means encouraging a new generation capable of thinking critically, collaborating across cultures and using knowledge to create positive change.

MILSET and its Regional Office, MILSET AMLAT, extend special recognition to Maria Nilda Martinez Alemán and Natasha Kasprzyk, from Colegio Privado Bilingüe Girasoles, an official MILSET member in Paraguay, for their leadership, dedication and commitment to coordinating FECITEC and strengthening youth science in the country.

Their efforts, together with those of the organising team, teachers, mentors, evaluators, participating institutions, families, collaborators and volunteers, made this edition possible and created a welcoming environment for every delegation and participant.

The presence of delegations from different countries added another important dimension to the experience. Beyond presenting projects, participants had the opportunity to encounter new cultures, establish friendships and discover how science can become a common language across borders.

Together, we continue inspiring new generations through science and building stronger connections across the MILSET community.