14–16 October 2025, Surabaya — Over three inspiring days, student delegates from universities across Indonesia gathered at Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) for The 5th National Student Leaders on Sustainability Meeting (NSLSM), held from 14 to 16 October 2025 in collaboration with UI GreenMetric World University Rankings. The event served as a dynamic platform for young changemakers to exchange ideas, explore best practices in sustainability, and strengthen their role in driving collective environmental action for a more sustainable future.
Throughout the program, participants experienced a rich blend of field exploration, academic dialogue, and collaborative learning. The meeting began with a visit to Mangrove Wonorejo, where students learned firsthand about the importance of mangrove conservation for climate resilience and coastal protection. Guided by local farmers, they joined hands in planting mangrove seedlings—an act symbolizing their shared commitment to restoring and preserving Indonesia’s coastal ecosystems.
The subsequent discussions and seminar sessions brought together experts from UI GreenMetric, the East Java Environmental Agency (DLH), PDAM Surya Sembada, and sustainability practitioners from various sectors. Participants explored key aspects of sustainability leadership, environmental management, and the integration of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into university programs. The entire program also reflected one of the main criteria of the UI GreenMetric methodology—Education and Research—by encouraging students to engage in hands-on learning, critical discussions, and evidence-based approaches to addressing environmental challenges.
“On this fifth commencement of the National Student Leaders on Sustainability Meeting, we continue to carry the message that youth are the pivotal actors shaping our sustainable future. Through this venue, we encourage students to engage in discourse, debate, and collaboration—turning ideas into meaningful actions that support sustainability in their universities and communities,” said Dr. Vishnu Juwono, S.E., MIA., Ph.D., Chairperson of UI GreenMetric World University Rankings.
The final day showcased the creativity and leadership of participants through a series of student project presentations, culminating in the NSLSM Awards ceremony recognizing the most innovative initiatives in campus sustainability.
NSLSM Awards 2025 Winners
1st Place: Group 1 – Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) & Universitas Airlangga
2nd Place: Group 9 – Universitas Hasanuddin & Universitas Indonesia
3rd Place: Group 10 – Politeknik Negeri Bali & Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha
Special Recognitions
Best Speaker: Riva Rizkiana Ramadhani (ITS)
Best Essay: ITS
Most Active Participant: Puan Maharani (Universitas Hasanuddin)
The event concluded with a gala dinner celebrating collaboration, friendship, and the shared vision of advancing sustainability across Indonesia’s higher education institutions.
UI GreenMetric extends its sincere gratitude to Universitas Airlangga for its warm hospitality and outstanding partnership in hosting this year’s meeting. Through this collaboration, the 5th NSLSM once again reaffirmed the vital role of youth in building a more sustainable and inclusive future—where learning, action, and research come together to shape real change for the planet.
Written by Riska P. Hariyadi - Communication Specialist UI GreenMetric
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