Lucia Karina, a member of the Faculty Advisory Board (FAB) of the Faculty of Economics and Business at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FEB UGM), has won the 2024 SDG Pioneer Award from the United Nations (UN) Global Compact.
She is the only recipient from Indonesia and one of two representatives from the Asia-Pacific region. This award recognizes Karina’s dedication and contribution to supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
As the Director of Public Affairs, Communication, and Sustainability at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) Indonesia, she was acknowledged for promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth through circular economy initiatives in waste management.
Karina, as she is commonly known, along with a community involving thousands of waste workers called Punaryoddha, initiated the WASH+ program. This program focuses on clean water provision, water conservation, and empowering MSMEs across the supply chain.
These efforts were made while ensuring environmentally and socially responsible operational activities.
“This award is the result of everyone at CCEP Indonesia and our partners’ hard work, dedication, and collaborative spirit in integrating sustainability principles into our business. It is a validation of our consistent efforts to positively impact society and the environment,” she said in an online interview on Monday (Nov. 18).
Karina expressed that the award reinforces her belief that business can be a force for good. By integrating the goals of prosperity, people, and the planet in a balanced way, based on partnership and peace, society can create immense value for all stakeholders.
However, she recognized that this grand vision can only be realized through multi-stakeholder synergy.
“This grand vision can only be achieved by synergizing with visionary governments, innovative academics, critical civil society, and the communities we serve. This is the key to true sustainability, a symbiosis that strengthens each other,” Karina explained.
She also took this opportunity to offer and open collaboration opportunities with FEB UGM to strengthen the impact of her initiatives.
According to her, students can participate in consumer behavior research, studies on circular business models, behavior change campaigns, or entrepreneurship mentoring for MSME partners.
Meanwhile, lecturers can provide critical perspectives and strategic input to refine the design and implementation of the programs.
“We are very open and enthusiastic about collaborating with FEB UGM to strengthen the impact of these initiatives,” she explained.
She also emphasized the important role of the FAB FEB UGM as a strategic partner in developing a green economy in Indonesia.
According to her, FAB can act as a think tank that designs sustainability-based curricula and develops research and social business incubation programs that support the application of ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) aspects in business practices in Indonesia.
“We can also collaborate in developing curricula and training programs to equip students with a sustainability mindset and skill set relevant to the needs of the future industry,” she said.
Karina also shared her plan to bring three main initiatives into the FAB FEB UGM. These initiatives include sustainability leadership, a sustainable innovation platform, and integrating the concept of sustainability into campus culture.
Therefore, she invited all FEB UGM students and academic communities to boldly take part in creating change.
“Every individual has the great potential to make a positive impact. Don’t hesitate; remain confident starting with small steps because every effort, no matter how small, can contribute to a better future for our planet. If not you, then who? If not now, then when?” she concluded.
FEB UGM Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Bayu Sutikno, on behalf of FEB UGM, expressed pride in the achievement of Lucia Karina, a member of FAB FEB UGM, who was named SDG Pioneer 2024 by the UN Global Compact.
This achievement further solidifies the role of FEB UGM, not only through its academic community and alumni but also through its FAB, which contributes positively, especially in the field of sustainability, in line with its mission.
“FEB UGM is proud and delighted with this achievement. It further strengthens FEB UGM’s role in sustainable development,” he said.
Reporter: FEB UGM/Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
Author: Agung Nugroho
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya