University of São Paulo , Brazil

Universitas Padjadjaran, Indonesia

Semarang, 5-7 December 2024 — The 4th National Student Leaders on Sustainability Meeting (4th NSLSM) brought together student leaders from across Indonesia to discuss and explore strategies for building a greener future. Hosted by Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) in collaboration with UI GreenMetric, this influential event was made possible through Universitas Negeri Semarang's ongoing commitment to positioning universities as key leaders in shaping students into future leaders with a strong knowledge of sustainability, contributing to the vision of Indonesia Emas 2045. The event opened with a series of impactful speeches from notable leaders in sustainability. Prof. Dr. Ir. Amin Retnoningsih, M.Si., Kasubdit Konservasi Universitas Negeri Semarang, and head of the organizing team, delivered the first remarks, emphasizing the essential role of conservation knowledge in preserving the planet. Her leadership has been instrumental in creating a platform that empowers students to become active champions of sustainability. Prof. Amin’s vision for NSLSM continues to inspire and shape the direction of sustainability efforts in higher education. The Rector of UNNES, Prof. Dr. S. Martono, M.Si., was represented by Prof. Dr. Sugianto, M.Si., the Secretary of UNNES, who also addressed the audience. Prof. Sugianto reinforced the university’s commitment to sustainability, urging students to actively engage in the promotion and adoption of sustainable practices on campus. He highlighted the importance of universities in shaping a sustainable future by integrating sustainability into all aspects of academic and campus life. In addition to Prof. Sugianto’s remarks, Prof. Dr. Ir. Riri Fitri Sari, M.M., MSc., Chairperson of UI GreenMetric joined the event virtually and spoke about the critical role that student leaders play in advancing sustainability at their universities. She encouraged students to become advocates for sustainability and to implement practices that align with global environmental goals. On Day 1, Alfian Fajri Nasrulloh, an NSLSM alumnus, took the stage to share his personal journey and ongoing commitment to sustainability, offering inspiring insights on how student leaders can influence their universities' sustainability programs The event continued with a presentation by Dr. Junaidi, Vice Chairperson of UI GreenMetric, who explored the transformative power of student leadership in shaping a more sustainable world. His message resonated deeply with the audience, reminding participants of their unique role in advancing sustainability efforts both on campus and beyond.The first day culminated in a symbolic environmental commitment ceremony, where NSLSM alumni, VIPs, and student leaders signed a collective pledge to contribute to environmental conservation. This act highlighted the shared responsibility for creating a sustainable future. On Day 2 of the 4th National Student Leaders on Sustainability Meeting (NSLSM), the event featured dynamic sessions focused on the role of Generation Z in advancing sustainability and the green economy. The day kicked off with a panel discussion exploring sustainable conservation practices, where Darmanto, S.P., M.AP., from BKSDA Jateng, discussed the importance of strengthening local conservation leadership through grassroots efforts. Prof. Dr. Amin Pujiati, S.E., M.Si., from UNNES, followed by emphasizing the pivotal role of Gen Z in driving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), urging students to see themselves as active change-makers in both local and global contexts. Later in the day, Arief Khristanto, S.Hut, an expert on Low Carbon Development from Bappenas, provided a compelling overview of the future of green jobs in Indonesia’s low-carbon economy by 2045. He highlighted how sectors like renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and green infrastructure will offer significant opportunities for young leaders. The discussions offered valuable insights on how student leaders can contribute to shaping Indonesia’s sustainable future through innovation, policy advocacy, and the creation of green solutions. In between these fruitful sessions, the event also offered an outdoor activity—a fish-release activity at Embung, symbolizing the participants' commitment to environmental stewardship. After this refreshing break, the event continued with a session on the role of student leaders in creating sustainable campuses, focusing on the implementation of the six UI GreenMetric indicators. The session was led by Teguh Prihanto, S.T., M.T., who moderated an engaging panel discussion with student leaders from various universities, highlighting how they can integrate sustainability practices within their campuses. This final session wrapped up the day’s activities, offering participants the tools and inspiration to make real, impactful changes at their own universities. On the third day, marking the final day of the event, participants enjoyed a city tour of Semarang’s cultural landmarks, offering them the opportunity to reflect on the connections between environmental stewardship and cultural heritage. As they explored sites such as Tugu Muda, Lawang Sewu, and the Kota Lama, participants were reminded of the importance of preserving not only the natural environment but also the historical and cultural assets that define a community. This experience provided a holistic perspective on sustainability, emphasizing the need to protect both the planet and the rich cultural heritage that shapes our identities. This event was fruitful in fostering collaboration and enriching discussions on the implementation of sustainability practices across Indonesian campuses. We look forward to continuing these discussions and supporting student leaders as they play a crucial role in enhancing awareness of sustainability and encouraging the adoption of sustainable practices both at national and international levels. The conversation will continue in 2025 when Universitas Airlangga will host the next NSLSM, bringing together student leaders from across Indonesia to further explore the role of students in shaping a sustainable future. For those interested in joining the conversation and learning about future events, please visit this page. Galleries: Written by Riska P. Hariyadi - Communication Specialist UI GreenMetric

On November 21st, 2024, UI GreenMetric continued its efforts to promote sustainable practices by hosting an insightful Instagram Live discussion on the theme “Youth on the Frontlines: Driving the Climate Change Movement.” The event featured passionate young individuals, including Samintang, President of Climate Catalyst; Adventhius Immanuel Karo Karo, SDGs Campus Ambassador from Universitas Indonesia; La Mardani Putra, an alumnus and winner of NSLSM 2023 from UIN Raden Fatah Palembang; and was moderated by Rayhana, a Partnership Specialist at UI GreenMetric. The discussion was rich with valuable insights as the speakers shared concrete steps for youth to contribute and collaborate in achieving a sustainable future. The discussion began with the role of youth in addressing the ongoing climate crisis. According to Samintang, the role of youth in tackling the current climate crisis is crucial. He pointed out that two-thirds of Indonesia’s population is made up of young people, making them a dominant demographic. This presents an opportunity for youth to unite as key players in raising awareness and taking action on climate issues. Youth movements often begin at the grassroots level, working closely with local communities to empower them with knowledge about climate challenges, particularly for those most affected. These movements operate across various levels, from local to global, with each contributing significantly to the broader fight against the climate crisis. Immanuel then highlighted that youth carry a double burden in the fight against climate change. On one hand, they are beneficiaries of efforts to address the crisis, but on the other, they also bear the responsibility of driving meaningful impact. He broke this role down into three main functions. First, youth act as initiators and drivers of change, taking concrete actions to address climate challenges. Second, they serve as advocates, providing recommendations to governments and pushing for sustained commitment to sustainable development goals. Without strong governmental alignment, the impact of youth-led initiatives can become limited. Third, youth are the recipients of the benefits that arise from these collective efforts, making their involvement even more essential. Lamar added that young people are the core of a civilization and act as agents of change. Their innovative ideas and energetic nature allow them to empower communities and create positive societal transformations. The discussion also explored practical ways youth can contribute to the climate movement. Starting with Immanuel, he emphasized the importance of education, particularly in fostering behavioral changes as people become more aware of environmental issues. He suggested targeting groups that are not typically exposed to environmental discussions, such as anime or motorcycle communities, to broaden the reach of climate awareness. He also stressed the need to understand local contexts by actively listening to the specific challenges faced in different regions. For young people, he recommended joining organizations or communities that work closely with the government to actively participate in creating policies that promote sustainability. Lamar proposed that, as outlined in the Paris Agreement, climate crisis mitigation efforts must include research and development. He noted that findings from research can help reduce the severity of climate impacts. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of early education, ensuring that environmental issues become an integral part of children’s lives, helping them develop habits and values that consider their environmental impact. Sam also suggested that contributing to climate solutions doesn’t have to start with grand actions. Small, actionable steps can make a significant difference over time. She reminded everyone that everyone is equally vulnerable to the effects of the climate crisis, which makes it crucial for all to participate in mitigating it. Simple daily habits, such as carrying reusable containers and tumblers, reducing the use of single-use plastics, and opting for thrifted clothes instead of buying new ones, can collectively contribute to reducing the impact of the climate crisis. The discussion underscored the vital role youth play in addressing climate change and emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts at all levels. By taking proactive steps, whether through education, advocacy, research, or small individual actions, young people can significantly contribute to building a sustainable future. Together, these efforts can create a powerful collective movement capable of tackling the climate crisis and creating a more sustainable future. Written by Salsabila D. Rahmiziri - Communication Intern Editor: Riska P. Hariyadi

On November 21-22, 2024, UI GreenMetric and Universitas Airlangga joined forces to host a two-day Writing Clinic at Merr-C Campus, Surabaya. This collaborative event aimed to empower academics, researchers, and students to produce high-quality, impactful publications with a strong focus on sustainability. Universitas Airlangga, serving as the host, showcased its dedication to supporting the mission of UI GreenMetric in advancing sustainable practices in higher education and prolonging the global conversation around sustainability. The Writing Clinic opened with welcoming remarks from the Chairperson of UIGM and the Rector of Universitas Airlangga, who both highlighted the critical role of research in driving sustainable development. These opening speeches emphasized the collaborative effort between UIGM and Universitas Airlangga, underscoring the importance of academic contributions to sustainability. This partnership aligns with UI GreenMetric’s goals, which aim to elevate the standards of sustainability in universities and foster a more environmentally-conscious academic community. The first educational session, led by Prof. Hery Purnobasuki, M.Si., Ph.D., titled "Publications Are Not Difficult," focused on the essentials of academic writing. Prof. Hery provided participants with strategies for structuring papers effectively, choosing suitable journals, and navigating common challenges. This session included interactive discussions, allowing participants to ask specific questions related to their research, with an emphasis on making sustainability research more accessible. The session tied back to the core values of UI GreenMetric by demonstrating how impactful publications can drive meaningful change. In the afternoon, the second session featured Ferry Efendi, S.Kep., NS., M.Si., Ph.D., who presented on "High-Quality and Impactful Publications." This course focused on crafting research that not only meets academic standards but also contributes significantly to sustainability discourse. Ferry’s presentation encouraged participants to critically assess how their research could influence sustainable practices, particularly within the context of higher education. This aligns with UI GreenMetric’s mission to foster research that promotes sustainable solutions and policies. On the second day, the event centered on publishing in international journals and managing the peer review process. Prof. Dr. Radin Maya Saphira Binti Radin Mohamed delivered a course on "Tips for Choosing Reputable International Journals," guiding researchers in targeting credible publications related to sustainability. This session reinforced the global aspect of UI GreenMetric’s goals, highlighting the importance of disseminating quality research that can influence sustainability practices worldwide. The final session was led by Dr. Setyo Budi Kurniawan, who covered "Navigating Peer Review: Tips and Tricks." His presentation focused on responding to reviewer feedback effectively, enhancing manuscript quality, and understanding the peer-review process. These skills are essential for publishing high-quality research that aligns with the rigorous standards of UI GreenMetric and supports its vision of advancing sustainability in academia. By hosting the Writing Clinic, Universitas Airlangga demonstrated its commitment to the mission of UI GreenMetric, further solidifying its role as a key player in the sustainability movement within Indonesian higher education. The collaboration between UIGM and Universitas Airlangga underscored the importance of empowering academic professionals to produce impactful research and prolonging the sustainability conversation in global forums. The event not only enhanced the participants' skills in academic writing and publishing but also highlighted the critical role of universities in leading the way toward a more sustainable future. As UIGM and Universitas Airlangga continue to drive initiatives that support sustainability in higher education, the Writing Clinic 2024 serves as a significant step in their shared mission to shape the future of research and education in sustainability. The success of this event reaffirmed the dedication of both institutions to foster collaboration, drive impactful research, and elevate the standards of sustainability in the academic community. Galleries: Written by Riska P. Hariyadi