The Regional Workshop on Sustainable Campus for Universities in Asia-Pacific, focusing on "Green Technology for Sustainable Development," was a landmark event held from July 22 to 23, hosted by Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. This significant gathering drew 107 participants and featured 10 esteemed speakers from diverse countries, including Indonesia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Mexico, and Colombia, who attended both in person and virtually.

The workshop commenced with an inspiring opening speech by Prof. Dr. Wening Udasmoro, S.S., M.Hum., DEA, the Vice Rector for Education and Learning at Universitas Gadjah Mada. She motivated all participants to continue striving towards achieving sustainable development goals, highlighting UGM's own commitment through its participation in the UI GreenMetric rankings and its collaboration in hosting this event.

Prof. Dr. Wening Udasmoro, S.S., M.Hum., DEA, the Vice Rector for Education and Learning at Universitas Gadjah Mada

Following Prof. Udasmoro, Prof. Riri Fitri Sari, M.M., M.Sc., the Chairperson of UI GreenMetric, addressed the participants. In her speech, she emphasized the crucial role of technology in transforming societies to be more eco-friendly, thus preparing the next generation to tackle environmental challenges effectively.

Prof. Riri Fitri Sari, M.M., M.Sc., the Chairperson of UI GreenMetric

The first session featured a presentation by Mr. Andreas Bayu Nugroho, S.T., M.P.A., Head of the Socio-Cultural Division at the Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda) of Yogyakarta. Mr. Nugroho elaborated on the implementation of sustainability practices in Yogyakarta, discussing both the achievements and challenges faced in striving to meet the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the coming years.

Mr. Andreas Bayu Nugroho, S.T., M.P.A., Head of the Socio-Cultural Division at the Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda) of Yogyakarta

Next, Dr. Junaidi, S.S., M.A., the Vice-Chair of UI GreenMetric, delivered an insightful presentation on what sets UI GreenMetric apart from other global university rankings. He detailed the establishment, methodology, criteria, and requirements of UI GreenMetric, emphasizing its six criteria, thematic priorities, and the process for universities to participate. This session also included a Q&A segment, providing an opportunity for attendees to explore ways to enhance their campus sustainability efforts.

Dr. Junaidi, S.S., M.A.

A significant highlight of the workshop was the signing of a declaration by eight new university members, committing to participate in the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings and Network. The new university members as follows:

- Biliran Province State University, Philippines

- Bulacan Agricultural State College, Philippines

- Universitas Bakti Indonesia, Indonesia

- IAIN Kudus, Indonesia

- Politeknik LPP Yogyakarta, Indonesia

- Polytechnic of Wilmar Bisnis Indonesia, Indonesia

- UIN Sunan Ampel Surabaya, Indonesia

- Universitas Mulawarman, Indonesia

This was followed by a presentation from Prof. Sung-Chi Hsu, Vice-President of Chaoyang University of Technology in Chinese Taipei, who shared best practices from his institution in achieving a sustainable campus.

Signing of Declaration

Prof. Sung-Chi Hsu, Vice-President of Chaoyang University of Technology, Chinese Taipei

Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo, Rector of Batangas State University, The National Engineering University, Philippines, continued the workshop by sharing his university's best practices in implementing the SDGs. This was followed by Mr. Arief Nugroho, S.T., M.Eng., Ph.D., Vice-Rector for Planning, Assets, and Information Systems at UGM, who discussed UGM's sustainability initiatives based on the six UI GreenMetric indicators. This session concluded with a Q&A segment.

Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo, Rector of Batangas State University, The National Engineering University, Philippines

The subsequent session featured Prof. Mario A. Gandini from Universidad Autónoma de Occidente, Colombia, who joined online to share his experiences in managing a sustainable campus and presenting best practices from his university.

Prof. Mario A. Gandini, Representative of Rector, Universidad Autónoma de Occidente, Colombia

Prof. Frederick Godinez, representing De La Salle University - Dasmarinas, Philippines, offered his perspectives on achieving a sustainable campus, followed by a presentation from Prof. Dr. M. Baiquni, M.A., Chairman of the Board of Professors at UGM. Prof. Baiquni emphasized UGM's efforts in sustainability through education and research, highlighting the need for a comprehensive understanding of sustainability concepts before taking action. This final session concluded with an engaging Q&A.

Prof. Frederick Godinez, representative of Rector, De La Salle University - Dasmarinas, Philippines

Prof. Dr. M. Baiquni, M.A., Chairman of the Board of Professors at UGM

This workshop served as a crucial platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration, reinforcing the role of universities as leaders in the pursuit of a sustainable future. By integrating green technologies and sustainable practices, institutions are poised to drive significant change, inspiring others to follow suit.

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Written by: Yovita Y. Yamin