In line with the commitment of Faculty of Geography to become the leading institution in international cooperation in Southeast Asia, the Faculty along with Cologne University of Applied Science (CUAS), Germany have initiated a new consortium in disaster risk reduction that involves ten states (Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, Bangladesh, Nepal, Brazil, Egypt and Germany as donor country).
Head of Foreign Cooperation of the Faculty, Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko, explained the consortium was born out of the CNRD (Center for Natural Resources and Development) network programme which is a network of 11 universities in 10 countries (Indonesia, Vietnam, Nepal, Germany, Mozambique, Egypt, Jordania, Mexico, Chile and Brazil), financed by DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) and German Economic and Development Cooperation Ministry.
“CNRD is a 5-year program in natural resources management,” said Danang on Monday (16/).
He added since 2009 there have been 15 students of UGM receiving S2 and S3 scholarships to study in partner countries. Besides, Prof. Dr. Junun Sartohadi, M.Sc. was elected guest lecturer in CUAS from 2011 – 2012 while five other teaching staff were guest lecturers in several partner countries. The initiation of the consortium is realised in the international workshop that last from 9-13 September. The workshop designs a number of exit strategies in extending the network in terms of partners,activities and sustainability. As a result, 16 countries have joined the network.
Rector of UGM that opened the workshop emphasised that UGM as the oldest university in Indonesia is also the most comprehensive university in giving solutions to state problems, particularly disaster risk reduction. UGM gives significant contributions through education, research and community services to every citizen across Indonesia.
“Through the student community service (Kuliah Kerja Nyata), UGM has given real contributions in terms of community service,” said Pratikno.