Kantor Urusan Internatiol Universitas Diponegoro (KUI UNDIP) organized the international Asian-African Students’ Conference with the theme “Global South to South Cooperation: Climate Justice and Sustainability” from July 29–31, 2024. The event was attended by 42 international students from various countries such as Pakistan, Afghanistan, Yemen, Ghana, the Philippines, The Gambia, Nigeria, Myanmar, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Somalia, Kenya, Timor-Leste, and Liberia, who are currently studying at universities in Indonesia. Among them were international students from UNY, UI, UGM, UIII, UNS, UPI, UMY, UDINUS, UIN Walisongo, and UNISSULA.
The Vice-Rector for Cooperation and Innovation, Wijayanto, S.IP., M.Si., Ph.D., delivered his welcome remarks virtually, addressing the international students. He emphasized that the forum is a concrete action by students in their roles as leaders, activists, and researchers in creating a sustainable future. “This is a part of cross-continental partnership in a discussion regarding policy and framework about renewable energy. Let’s make the best of it,” he stated.
Pulung Widhi Hari Hananto, S.H., M.H., L.L.M., Head of KUI UNDIP, stated that the student conference was inspired by the spirit of Diponegoro. “With the values of struggle from Prince Diponegoro, one of Indonesia’s national heroes, we move towards change,” he said.
The event continued with a plenary session featuring four speakers: the Director for Asia-Pacific and African Intra and Inter-regional Cooperation, Tyas Baskoro Her Witjaksono Aji; Deputy Head of the UNDIP Ranking Office, Dessy Ariyanti, Ph.D.; ESD and Business Sustainability Expert of the SDGs Center UNDIP, Prof. Bulan Prabawani, Ph.D.; and Head of KUI UNDIP, Pulung Widhi Hari Hananto, S.H., M.H., L.L.M.
The first speaker, Tyas Baskoro Her Witjaksono Aji, presented on “Global South to South Cooperation: Climate Justice and Sustainability.” He explained that both concepts focus on fairness, equity, and well-being. South to South Cooperation is a crucial agenda for achieving the SDGs.
Next, Dessy Ariyanti, Ph.D., discussed “South to South Cooperation for Global Challenges.” With increasing population, efforts must begin to sustain the natural resources currently available for future generations. Universities can act as catalysts for initiating South to South Cooperation in tackling the global climate crisis by finding ways to use resources minimally while producing maximum benefits for current and future societies.
Prof. Bulan Prabawani, Ph.D., then addressed “Private Sector’s Role in Advancing SDGs.” She emphasized that to strengthen sustainable development goals, all parties must collaborate. Currently, Asia produces high emissions due to numerous factories, while Africa faces challenges related to high population. Therefore, in its development, the corporate sector must consider ecosystem sustainability and energy conservation to achieve long-term national prosperity.
Pulung Widhi Hari Hananto, S.H., M.H., L.L.M., presented “Climate Action and Climate Justice.” He noted that South to South Cooperation is rooted in the shared historical struggles of Asian and African nations as developing countries. Today, the climate crisis poses a threat if humans do not make efforts to conserve the earth’s ecosystems. Through this conference, students are expected to raise awareness of environmental issues, conduct research and innovation, and collaborate with other sectors to drive change.
The next session was a panel discussion consisting of: Panel 1 (SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy) Panel 2 (SDG 4: Quality Education) Panel 3 (SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) Panel 4 (SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities) Panel 5 (SDG 13: Climate Action) (Titis – Public Relations)
Source: undip.ac.id