On September 12, 2024, the second opening of the UI GreenMetric Online Course on Sustainability for Team 1 took place. This online course is a collaborative effort among eight universities, initiated by UI GreenMetric, in response to the global demand for a sustainable future. The participating universities include the University of São Paulo, El Bosque University, Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo, Universitas Indonesia, University of Sharjah, University of Sousse, University of Szeged, and Oguz Han Engineering and Technology University. The event was held virtually, enabling students and lecturers from across the world to attend via Zoom.
The event officially began with opening remarks from Dr. Junaidi, Chairman of UI GreenMetric. He shared the vision and mission of UI GreenMetric, which aims to inspire universities worldwide to transform toward greater sustainability. He emphasized that this course is unique in providing a global experience, enabling experts and students from various countries to learn diverse perspectives on sustainability.
Next, remarks were delivered by Prof. Patricia Iglecias, Head of Environment at the University of São Paulo, who spoke on behalf of the rector. She noted that the course will equip students with the knowledge needed to respond effectively to the global environmental and social challenges posed by climate change. She stressed that the interconnected nature of these problems requires a multidisciplinary approach that integrates various perspectives to address global environmental issues.
Dr. Agustin Kusumayati, M.Sc., Ph.D., Secretary at Universitas Indonesia, highlighted that this online course represents the starting point of future collaborations between universities to address the global need for climate solutions. She also outlined the benefits for participants, including gaining invaluable knowledge on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and being inspired to design effective interventions or programs aimed at meeting these goals.
Dra. Maria Clara Rangel, Rector of Universidad El Bosque, also offered remarks. She welcomed all students participating in the course, expressing her belief that this initiative will serve as a platform to unite universities, experts, and students globally in a joint effort to work toward a sustainable future.
Prof. László Rovó, Rector of the University of Szeged, shared that sustainability is a key indicator in university policy, education, research, and operations. He affirmed that this online course would provide participants with valuable and up-to-date knowledge on topics related to the SDGs.
Following this, Prof. Maamar Bettayeb from the University of Sharjah expressed appreciation for the course, which empowers students with constructive knowledge on sustainability and fosters the spread of sustainable practices. The representative emphasized that the spirit of collaboration driving this initiative enables everyone to work together toward a better future.
Ing. Byron Vaca, Ph.D., Rector of Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo (ESPOCH), then shared his university's commitment to addressing global sustainability issues through this collaborative initiative. He noted that the online course provides professors, lecturers, and students with an opportunity to engage in international education focused on sustainability.
The President of the University of Sousse, Prof. Lotfi Belkacem, followed with remarks, stating that this program ensures students gain interdisciplinary knowledge to make an impact in their communities, engage in environmental protection, and respond to society's growing need for sustainable practices.
Dr. Sardar Gadayef, speaking on behalf of the rector of Oguz Han Engineering and Technology University, highlighted the opportunities students would gain by participating in the course. These include engaging in meaningful discussions with experts, deepening their understanding of sustainable practices, and fostering personal growth. He emphasized that this course is a response to the urgent global challenges of sustainability.
The event then proceeded with a presentation by Prof. Tadeu Fabricio Maheiros, who provided general information about the course. He emphasized that the lecturers and students participating in this Zoom meeting were gathered for a noble cause. He also shared that the primary goal of the course is to promote collaborative efforts in addressing climate issues, with a focus on identifying solutions tailored to specific contexts. The course offers perspectives from a wide range of backgrounds, ensuring that students receive a comprehensive understanding of sustainability challenges.
Prof. Tadeu Fabricio Maheiros continued with an introduction to the SDGs, warning that climate disasters are compounding existing problems, and the time available to address these challenges is limited. He stressed the urgent need for collaborative efforts to develop solutions. He also provided examples of how human intervention, although it took a long time, has the potential to bring about meaningful change. Prof. Maheiros underscored the importance of changing behaviors, production technologies, and policies to mitigate these issues and work toward a sustainable future. The event then proceeded to the Q&A session, which was filled with insightful discussions. The session wrapped up with students and tutors joining breakout rooms to explore their sustainability goals and thoughts in more detail.
This opening event highlighted the critical global need for solutions to sustainability challenges. It emphasized how the UI GreenMetric Online Course on Sustainability plays a key role in providing interdisciplinary knowledge and fostering collaboration among students worldwide, instilling in them a sense of urgency and the responsibility to contribute to effective solutions for sustainability issues.
Written by Salsabila D. Rahmarizi – Communication Intern
Editor: Riska P. Hariyadi
