28 August 2024
Fenny Julistine Tarigan
The event was attended by university leaders, administrators, and Liaison Officers from 21 member universities of the Nationwide University Network in Indonesia (NUNI), along with student representatives from each university. This year, the event was held under the theme “Utilization of Natural Resources and Technology for Contributing to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” aiming to strengthen collaboration in the utilization of natural resources and technology to achieve SDGs.
The series of events began with the Student Camp on August 22, 2024, where participants arrived in Medan and were welcomed by the committee. The official opening ceremony took place on August 23 with a welcoming speech from USU's Vice Rector for Research, Community Service, and Cooperation, Prof. Dr. Apt. Poppy Anjelisa Zaitun Hasibuan, M.Si. In her speech, Prof. Poppy expressed pride in USU being the host and hoped that the event would strengthen collaboration among universities within the NUNI network.
“Through this event, we hope to strengthen the collaborative relationships between universities in Indonesia in achieving a greater shared goal,” said Prof. Poppy.
During the Student Camp, participants engaged in various discussion sessions, lectures, and field visits aimed at deepening their understanding of SDG-related issues. Students were also given the opportunity to present their innovative ideas on the topics discussed during the camp.
On Monday (August 26, 2024), the NUNI Presidential Forum and Annual Meeting were held with the attendance of rectors and administrators of NUNI. The event was opened with a keynote speech by Prof. Dr. Drs. Opim Salim Sitompul, M.Sc., who emphasized the importance of USU's contribution to achieving SDGs through the establishment of the SDGs Centre. “Universitas Sumatera Utara has been and will continue to be committed to playing an active role in achieving SDG goals, especially by leveraging the vast potential of North Sumatra in renewable energy, biodiversity, and cultural wealth,” said Prof. Opim.
The Partnership Council meeting, led by Dr. Nelly, S.Kom., M.M., discussed several strategic issues related to the management of NUNI, including the use of membership fees to support impactful programs such as innovation research and faculty and student mobility. Prof. Dr. Ir. Y. Budi Widianarko, M.Sc., in his report on the history of NUNI, emphasized the importance of collaboration between NUNI, the UN, and the Indonesian Digital Leaders Association to promote digital transformation in Indonesia.
Additionally, the meeting discussed NUNI’s work plan for 2025, including the organization of the Student Camp at Andalas University and the potential for the Annual Meeting to be held at Surabaya University in 2026. “We plan to expand cooperation and increase student and faculty mobility across all NUNI member universities,” said Dr. Nelly.
The event concluded with presentations from the Student Camp participants, who shared their discussion results in front of the USU academic community and meeting participants. The closing ceremony was led by Prof. Dr. Poppy Anjelisa Zaitun Hasibuan, who appreciated the active participation of all attendees.
“I hope the results of this forum can be well implemented at each university, so that we can all make a real contribution to achieving the SDGs,” concluded Prof. Poppy.
With the conclusion of this event, it is hoped that collaboration among NUNI member universities will continue to strengthen, and academic activities supporting SDGs can be further enhanced across Indonesia.
USU–SingHealth Collaboration Strengthens Global Health Research and Publications
USU and BPSDM Komdigi Medan Discuss Collaboration on National AI Talent Development
Universitas Sumatera Utara Hosts Scientific Discussion on Indonesian Palm Oil Dialectics Addressing Climate Change and Disaster Risks in Sumatra
