Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), as the coordinator of the Regional Centre of Expertise (RCE) Yogyakarta, through its Directorate of Community Service (DPKM), successfully organized the 12th Forum on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) on Dec. 5–6, 2024.
Held in a hybrid format at the MM Hotel UGM, the forum focused on “Building Resilient Communities through Education for Sustainable Development: Advancing the SDGs for a Better and Sustainable Planet.”
The event was a collaborative effort between RCE Yogyakarta and Shizuoka University, Japan; Srinakharinwirot University and Burapha University, Thailand; Mariano Marcos State University, Philippines; and Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia.
The forum brought together education experts, students, and practitioners, emphasizing knowledge-sharing, partnership-building, and concrete actions toward achieving the SDGs while promoting sustainability within communities through ESD.
UGM Rector Professor Ova Emilia highlighted that addressing challenges in building resilient communities aligned with the SDGs requires innovative solutions and collective commitment from all sectors of society.
She reaffirmed UGM’s strong dedication to promoting sustainability through education, research, and community service.
“As an academic institution, we recognize our vital role in empowering individuals and communities to enhance their capacities, demonstrating our commitment to driving positive change,” she stated.
Professor Emilia added that UGM’s involvement in the 12th ESD Forum reflects the university’s dedication to global efforts to address urgent environmental, social, and economic challenges, particularly through education.
“I express my gratitude to all our partners involved. I believe these collective efforts can inspire young generations to act wisely in creating a more sustainable planet,” she concluded.
The forum opened with a keynote speech by Professor M. Baiquni, who discussed UGM’s efforts to foster community resilience through collaborative learning and local solutions.
He emphasized that universities should provide education and actively engage with communities to address sustainability challenges at the local level.
Dr. Rustamaji, UGM Director of Community Service (DPKM), underscored the significance of education in driving real-world impacts, citing best practices implemented by DPKM UGM.
He highlighted UGM’s belief in education as a transformative force for society, as demonstrated through programs such as the Student Community Service Program (KKN-PPM), which connects students with local communities to implement sustainable solutions.
“This forum serves as a crucial platform for sharing ideas and building partnerships that contribute to achieving the SDGs,” he said.
Professor Nanung Agus Fitriyanto, Manager of the 12th ESD Forum, emphasized the importance of international collaboration in advancing sustainable development through education.
According to him, the forum exemplifies the strength of global collaboration by uniting diverse perspectives to address complex sustainability issues.
“Through this forum, we hope to create lasting impacts not only within academia but also in local communities, where true change begins,” he concluded.
Throughout the forum, participants engaged in a series of parallel sessions where experts discussed the practical implementation of ESD and shared innovative strategies for integrating sustainability into education systems, community development, and environmental management.
These sessions fostered rich discussions on topics such as the role of digital tools in ESD, integrating traditional knowledge with modern sustainability practices, and building effective partnerships for community resilience.
In addition to seminar sessions, the forum featured a field visit to Gunungkidul, a regency in Yogyakarta renowned for its sustainable development initiatives. Participants visited local projects supported by UGM students through the KKN program in Patuk.
This program allows students to work directly with communities to explore sustainable solutions in education, agriculture, and environmental management. The visit also included a stop at the Gunkid Chocolate House, managed by the Sarimulyo Farmers Group, showcasing how local farmers integrate sustainable agricultural practices.
These field visits highlighted the importance of community-driven projects and the role of education in fostering such initiatives.
Author: Triya Andriyani
Photo: DPKM UGM