UNAIR NEWS – Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) proudly hosts the 2024 Association of Southeast Asia Institutions of Higher Learning (ASAIHL) Conference, a four-day event held from Tuesday to Friday (November 19–22, 2024). The conference formally began on Wednesday (November 20, 2024) at Ternate Hall in the ASEEC Tower, located on UNAIR’s Dharmawangsa-B Campus.
The opening ceremony featured notable attendees, including Indonesia’s Vice Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Dr. Fauzan, M.Pd.; the Secretary of the Directorate General of Higher Education, Prof. Tjitjik Sri Tjahjandarie, Ph.D.; UNAIR Rector and ASAIHL President, Prof. Dr. Mohammad Nasih, S.E., M.T., Ak.; ASAIHL Secretary Dr. Ninnat Olanvoravuth; UNAIR Vice Rector for Resources, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Madyan, S.E., M.Si., M.Fin.; and the Director of Airlangga Global Engagement (AGE), Prof. Iman Harymawan, S.E., M.B.A., Ph.D.
This year’s conference, hosted by UNAIR, focuses on the theme, “The University’s Role in Advancing Climate Crisis Reduction.” It explores three key sub-themes: curriculum design for climate crisis reduction, green economy research for university industry collaboration, and community service frameworks for climate crisis solutions.
“Universities play a critical role in addressing the climate crisis. We must take concrete action to drive impactful change,” said Prof. Fauzan during his opening remarks.
Strong commitments and real actions
UNAIR Rector, Prof. Nasih highlighted that ASAIHL 2024 coincides with UNAIR’s anniversary celebration earlier this month. Speaking in his capacity as ASAIHL President, he reaffirmed the university’s commitment to making meaningful contributions to society.
Our mission for 2021–2026 is to enhance added value and make significant contributions locally and globally. Through its sub-themes, ASAIHL aims to empower universities and higher education institutions to play a critical role in formulating solutions for the climate crisis via research, education, and partnerships,” Prof. Nasih stated in his opening remarks.
UNAIR Rector, Prof Dr Mohammad Nasih SE MT Ak, delivers remarks as ASAIHL President. (Photo: PKIP UNAIR)
To support this vision, Prof. Nasih introduced UNAIR’s SMART University initiative, which emphasizes five pillars: Sustainable Education for All, Meaningful Research and Community Services, Advancing Innovation, Enterprising and Industry Linkages, Responsive and Lean Management, and Topping-Up Resource Utilization. He also highlighted the establishment of the World University Association of Community Development (WUACD), an initiative designed to build a global academic community by fostering innovative, leading, and independent international programs.
Role of universities in sustainability
During a keynote session, Prof. Iman Harymawan, S.E., M.B.A., Ph.D., Director of AGE, discussed sustainability within the framework of the sub-theme, “Curriculum Design for Climate Crisis Reduction.” He outlined strategies for integrating sustainability into academic programs.
Prof. Harymawan stressed the need for a comprehensive approach that begins with foundational courses and culminates in capstone projects encouraging students to address sustainability issues. “Universities can strengthen this integration by offering multidisciplinary courses. This approach fosters collaboration among students from different fields to develop sustainable solutions,” he explained.
Author: Febriana Putri Nur Aziizah
Editor : Khefti Al Mawalia
