The International Office at Diponegoro University (IO UNDIP) organized the Asian-African Student 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 studying at universities in Indonesia. Among them were international students from UNY, UI, UGM, UII, UNS, UPI, UMY, UDINUS, UIN Walisongo, and UNISSULA.
The Vice Rector for Cooperation and Innovation, Wijayanto, S.IP., M.Si., Ph.D., in his virtual welcome address, greeted the international students. He emphasized that this forum is a tangible action by students, playing their roles as leaders, activists, and researchers to realize a sustainable future. “This is a part of a 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., the Head of IO UNDIP, mentioned that this student conference was initiated with the spirit of Diponegoro. “With the values of the struggle of Prince Diponegoro, one of Indonesia’s national heroes, we are moving towards change,” he said.
The event continued with a plenary session featuring four speakers: Director for Asia-Pacific and African Intra and Inter-regional Cooperation, Tyas Baskoro Her Witjaksono Aji; Deputy Head of UNDIP’s Reputation Office, Dessy Ariyanti, Ph.D.; ESD and Business Sustainability Expert of the SDGs Center UNDIP, Prof. Bulan Prabawani, Ph.D.; and Head of IO UNDIP, Pulung Widhi Hari Hananto, S.H., M.H., L.L.M.
The first speaker, Tyas Baskoro Her Witjaksono Aji, discussed “Global South to South Cooperation: Climate Justice and Sustainability.” He highlighted the focus on fairness, equity, and well-being. South-to-South cooperation is a crucial agenda for achieving the SDGs.
Next, Dessy Ariyanti, Ph.D., explained “South to South Cooperation for Global Challenges.” With the increasing population, we must begin to ensure the sustainability of current natural resources for future generations. Universities can serve as catalysts for initiating South-to-South Cooperation in addressing the global climate crisis by finding ways to use minimal resources to achieve maximum benefits for both present and future societies.
Following that, Prof. Bulan Prabawani, Ph.D., discussed “The Private Sector’s Role in Advancing SDGs.” To strengthen sustainable development goals, all parties must collaborate. Currently, global emissions in Asia are very high due to the numerous factories, while Africa faces a high population crisis. 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 mentioned that South-to-South Cooperation was formed based on the similar historical struggles of Asian and African countries as developing nations. Now, the climate crisis is a threat if humans do not make efforts to conserve the earth’s ecosystems. Through this conference, students can raise awareness of the importance of environmental issues, conduct research and innovation, and collaborate with other sectors to drive change.
The next session was a panel discussion featuring 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), and Panel 5 (SDG 13: Climate Action). (Titis-Public Relations)
