Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) strongly supports the implementation of sustainable development as translated in the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To strengthen quality education and implement SDGs, UGM utilizes various strategic channels, including open online learning content based on Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) and micro-credentials.
Recently, UGM, as a core member of the Southeast Asian University Consortium for Graduate Education in Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC), along with other member universities under The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), has received funding from ERASMUS+ to develop the Post Graduate Micro-Credential on Food Security & Climate Change (PMC FSCC) module starting in 2024.
UGM Vice-Rector for Education and Teaching, Professor Wening Udasmoro, stated that Kasetsart University, Thailand, is leading the development of the PMC FSCC module. UGM plays a role in developing micro-credential modules and promoting policy harmonization among consortium network universities within SEARCA.
“UGM is responsible for standardizing micro-credential modules, ensuring quality content and learning processes, supporting regulations, and recognizing and transferring credits for PMC FSCC participants,” said Professor Udasmoro on Saturday (May 11).
According to the vice-rector, UGM’s involvement in developing the PMC FSCC module manifests UGM’s inclusive spirit in education by committing to open opportunities for the wider community to access and enjoy UGM’s science and technology through various open online learning platforms like ugmonline.id.
Professor Udasmoro and the development team target the PMC FSCC module to be fully accessible to the general public by 2025, becoming the best initiative in regional collaboration in Southeast Asia for knowledge development for the broader global community.
“The module will be ready for public access in 2025,” he said.
Dr. Hatma Suryatmojo, the Director of Academic Studies and Innovations at UGM, mentioned that the development of the PMC FSCC involves nine universities in Southeast Asia, SEARCA, and two universities in Europe.
This program continues the cooperation to develop a joint Master of Science program in Food Security and Climate Change funded by ERASMUS+ from 2016 to 2019.
The development of this online learning module also aims to utilize digital technology advancements to develop and offer widely accessible online modules to enhance competencies and skills in contributing to addressing food security and climate change issues presented through micro-credential modules at the postgraduate level.
“The PMC FSCC module will be a tangible contribution from UGM in implementing sustainable development goals,” he said.
According to the director, the development of the PMC FSCC module aligns with sustainable development goals, especially SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Author: Gusti Grehenson