UNAIR NEWS — Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) has once again reinforced Indonesia’s role in the global academic arena. This year, UNAIR took part in the 6th Rectors’ Conference, held Thursday (Dec 4, 2025) at the OIC-COMSTECH Secretariat in Islamabad. The event, themed “Shaping the Future: Governance, Leadership, & Reforms in Higher Education,” gathered university leaders, diplomats, and policymakers from across the world.
UNAIR’s delegation was led by Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, and Community Development Prof Dr Muhammad Miftahussurur SpPD-KGEH PhD, along with WUACD Executive Secretary Prof Dr Ni Nyoman Tri Puspaningsih MSi and LPJPHKI Head Prof Ferry Efendi Skep Ns MSc PhD. Their presence also served as Indonesia’s representation in discussions on governance, research development, and strategies for nurturing global talent.
Leadership rooted in character
During the opening session, Superior University Rector Prof Dr Sumaira Rehman delivered a keynote address titled “Leading with Character: From Aspiration to Action.” She emphasized that strong leadership begins with personal character building, aligning with the prophetic character-based leadership model that highlights integrity, empathy, patience, and accountability.
Prof Sumaira also introduced a three-tier leadership framework, spiritual and personal virtues; relational and social virtues; and societal and strategic virtues, along with the Five Pillars concept, which she described as the foundation for creating impactful and sustainable leadership.
UNAIR expands research collaboration and academic diplomacy
Throughout the conference, UNAIR delegates actively participated in policy discussions and explored potential partnerships with universities across Pakistan. Conversations centered on strengthening higher education governance, promoting multidisciplinary research, broadening international publication networks, and enhancing community-engagement programs through WUACD.
The agenda continued with the Validation Forums for National Policy Development, particularly Forum 1: Governance Deficit, which addressed governance challenges faced by developing nations. Former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, delivered a keynote urging evidence-based policy formulation and reaffirming the role of universities as engines of public innovation.
UNAIR’s involvement in the conference marks a significant step in expanding its global partnerships, deepening academic diplomacy, and reinforcing Indonesia’s contribution to the evolving structure of international higher education.
Author: Prof Ferry Efendi
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
