The 10th International Workshop on UI GreenMetric (IWGM 2024) was held from June 4th to 7th, 2024, in Bogotá, Colombia. The event was collaboratively hosted by Universidad del Rosario, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Universidad Autónoma de Occidente, and Universidad El Bosque. This year’s workshop embraced the theme “Instituting UI GreenMetric: The Way Forward,” fostering friendships and partnerships among 110 high-ranking officials from 61 universities across 23 countries. Representatives from Colombia, Indonesia, Russia, the Philippines, Venezuela, Argentina, Montenegro, Ecuador, Italy, Brazil, UAE, Turkmenistan, Nigeria, Mexico, Canada, the Netherlands, USA, Lebanon, France, Panama, El Salvador, Turkey, and Lithuania showcased their institutions' best practices and sustainability efforts in the historic city of Bogotá.
Steering Committee 2024
The workshop commenced on June 4th with the annual steering committee meetings of the UI GreenMetric National Coordinators at Universidad del Rosario. Attended by 21 representatives from 15 countries, both in person and online, the committee reviewed past activities, discussed ongoing projects, and planned future collaborations. This meeting provided a platform to address critical questions regarding the roles of universities in tackling global sustainability challenges, with the primary objective of enhancing cooperation and knowledge sharing among universities worldwide.
Figure 1. Steering Committee Meeting
Workshop Activities
Day 1: June 5th
The first full day of the workshop, held at Universidad del Rosario, featured opening speeches by:1. Gustavo A. Quintero-Hernández, MD, Rector of Universidad del Rosario, Colombia
2. Dr. María Clara Rangel Galvis, Rector of Universidad El Bosque, Colombia (online video) and Dott. Ing. MGO Prof. Jaime Alberto Romero-Infante, Representative of Rector of Universidad El Bosque, Colombia
3. HE Tatang Budie Utama Razak, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Colombia
4. Prof. Riri Fitri Sari, Chairperson of UI GreenMetric World University Rankings
As the representative of Indonesian Embassy in Colombia, HE Tatang Razak was highlighted the essential role of universities in fostering sustainable development and future leaders. He praised the University of Indonesia GreenMetric for promoting global sustainability practices. Reflecting on Indonesia's progress since independence, he emphasized the impact of higher education in reducing poverty and illiteracy. He introduced the new capital, Nusantara, a zero-emission, forest-smart city, showcasing Indonesia's commitment to innovation and sustainability. He concluded by stressing the importance of academic collaboration in achieving environmental goals and encouraged the sharing of best practices to inspire global sustainability efforts.
Figure 2. Gustavo A. Quintero-Hernández, MD, Rector of Universidad del Rosario, Colombia
Figure 3. Dott. Ing. MGO Prof. Jaime Alberto Romero-Infante, Representative of Rector of Universidad El Bosque, Colombia
Figure 4. HE Tatang Budie Utama Razak, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Colombia
Figure 5. Prof. Riri Fitri Sari, Chairperson of UI GreenMetric World University Rankings
Figure 6. Bestowal of Appreciation from UI GreenMetric to speakers
The day continued with three parallel sessions covering:
1. Managing Energy and Climate Change (Sessions 1A and 1B)
2. Managing Waste (Sessions 2A and 2B)
3. Managing Transportation (Session 3A)
4. Managing Education and Research (Session 3B)
The day concluded with closing remarks from Prof. Dr. Diego Fernando Mejia-Carmona, PhD, Assistant professor, Universidad Nacional de Colombia and Prof. Riri Fitri Sari, along with a cultural show.
Figure 7. Group Photo
Figure 8. Cultural Show
Day 2: June 6th
The second day of the workshop was hosted by Pontificia Universidad Javeriana and began with welcoming speeches from:1. Prof. Maria Adelaida Farah Quijano, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Colombia
2. Prof. Riri Fitri Sari, Chairperson of UI GreenMetric World University Rankings
The day featured three more parallel sessions:
1. Managing Setting and Infrastructure (Session 4)
2. Managing Water (Session 5)
3. Managing Education and Research (Sessions 6A and 6B)
Figure 9. Prof. Maria Adelaida Farah Quijano, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Colombia
Figure 10. Prof. Riri Fitri Sari, Chairperson of UI GreenMetric World University Rankings
Figure 11. Bestowal of Appreciation
During the proceedings, UI GreenMetric announced that Université Côte d'Azur, France, will host the next IWGM in 2025. The day concluded with remarks from Prof. Diego Hernandez Lozada, Rector of Universidad Autónoma de Occidente, Colombia, and Prof. Riri Fitri Sari.
Figure 12. Dr. Yasser MAGHRBI Director of Research Operations, Université Côte d’Azur, France
Figure 13. Prof. Diego Hernandez Lozada, Rector of Universidad Autónoma de Occidente, Colombia
Figure 14. Group Photo
Day 3: June 7th
The final day of the workshop was dedicated to exploring the Natural Park Matarredonda, offering participants an opportunity to experience Colombia’s natural beauty and reflect on the workshop's discussions.
Figure 15. Exploring the Natural Park Matarredonda
Achievements and Impact
The 10th International Workshop on UI GreenMetric successfully met its goals of promoting sustainable universities, facilitating knowledge exchange, and encouraging global collaboration. Through keynote speeches, presentations, panel discussions, workgroup sessions, and networking opportunities, the workshop cultivated an environment of learning, sharing, and cooperation. The outcomes of this event will significantly contribute to a greener and more sustainable future for higher education institutions worldwide.
Documentation:
https://iwgm.ui.ac.id/gallery-international-workshop-on-ui-greenmetic-2024/
Written by: Sabrina Hikmah Ramadianti and Yovita Y. Yamin
