UNAIR NEWS – Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) reaffirms its commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through its SDGs Center, which organized the SDGs Festival on Thursday, October 24, 2024. The festival, held on the Boulevard at UNAIR’s Dharmawangsa Campus Library – B, was themed “Inclusive Collaboration for Sustainable Development: Fostering Innovation in Education, Social Issues, and Environmental Conservation.”
The event offered a series of engaging programs, including the SDGs Talkshow, SDGs Book Launch, SDGs Declaration, SDGs Graduation, SDGs Talent Show, and an Award Night. The festival also featured an expo with 26 booths showcasing the involvement of various faculties, university units, NGOs, and other organizations.
SDGs achievements
Dr. Muhammad Madyan, UNAIR’s Vice-Rector for Resources, expressed pride and gratitude in his opening remarks for UNAIR’s top ranking in SDGs achievements related to “No Poverty” by Times Higher Education. UNAIR placed first globally in this area, achieved the second spot nationwide, and was ranked 81st worldwide out of 2,000 universities.
“This accomplishment demonstrates our commitment to eradicating poverty under SDG Goal 1. It reflects successful collaboration between the university, government, and community. Our dedication goes beyond words and is realized through practical actions,” he stated.
Prof. Madyan elaborated on UNAIR’s initiatives that led to its top ranking in “No Poverty,” highlighting a variety of scholarship programs supporting financially challenged students, including the KIP-K scholarship, UNAIR’s internal scholarships, and other grants from both government and private sources.
Effective poverty alleviation efforts
Prof. Madyan emphasized that UNAIR students should not face financial barriers in pursuing their studies. “Our scholarship program targets 20 percent of our students, ensuring that none have to drop out due to financial hardships,” he explained. This financial support is a significant step in breaking the cycle of poverty.
Prof. Madyan hopes that the SDGs Festival will bring meaningful benefits to all attendees. “May this event create substantial value for us all and strengthen our collaborative steps toward achieving both local and global SDGs,” he concluded.
UNAIR commitment
The event also included remarks by Dr. Bayu Arie Fianto PhD, Head of UNAIR’s SDGs Center, who emphasized that the festival serves as a testament to UNAIR’s commitment to the SDGs. “This event is a clear demonstration of UNAIR’s ongoing dedication to sustainability and achieving the 17 SDGs,” he stated.
Dr. Fianto added that the SDGs Center will continue its efforts toward a sustainable future for upcoming generations. “Let us work together – from the entire academic community to the government and public – with Universitas Airlangga as a catalyst for positive change,” he concluded.
Author: Tsaqifa Farhana W
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
