Former Governor of Jakarta, Anies Baswedan, delivered a guest lecture at the 2025 Global Summer Week attended by 65 students from 11 countries on Monday (Jul. 14) at the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FEB UGM).
In his address, Baswedan spoke about the concept of narrative leadership. According to him, solving a nation’s problems requires the involvement of all stakeholders, and to foster such participation, leadership must be mobilizing, inviting, and inspiring, encouraging individuals to take action.
“Data, facts, and meaningful narratives can move people, not merely through the transmission of information, but by touching their emotions,” said the FEB UGM alumnus.
Baswedan further emphasized that future leadership must be capable of inspiring collective action, including in addressing environmental issues. He explained that the kind of leadership needed builds emotional connections and a shared sense of responsibility.
“This emotional engagement is key to encouraging widespread participation, because governments, corporations, or civil society alone cannot solve environmental challenges. Instead, they require action from households and individuals,” he added.
“That is why we need narrative leadership, leadership that moves people.”
The 2025 Global Summer Week, organized by FEB UGM, brought together 65 students from 11 countries who are currently studying at nine partner universities. This year’s program was held in collaboration with Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, and the University of Canterbury, New Zealand.
Dean of FEB UGM, Professor Didi Achjari, stated that over the course of two weeks, the international participants will engage in collaborative exploration and problem-solving. They will work together to find solutions that are not only theoretically sound but also practically relevant. Together, they will reflect on how business can catalyze social good and environmental stewardship.
“At FEB UGM, we believe that international education plays a vital role in shaping future leaders who are not only skilled but also socially responsible, empathetic, and globally oriented,” he said.
Professor Achjari emphasized that Global Summer Week is FEB UGM’s flagship summer program. It goes beyond academic discourse to offer a meaningful space for dialogue, intercultural exchange, and collaborative learning.
Taking the theme of “Innovative Business Models for a Sustainable and Inclusive Future”, this year’s program aims to foster a collective awareness to address global challenges such as inequality, environmental degradation, and the urgent need for responsible innovation.
“I hope all participants will have an enriching, valuable, and enjoyable experience throughout Global Summer Week 2025,” he explained.
Author: Agung Nugroho
Post-editor: Bendina
Photographer: Firsto