Yogyakarta, Indonesia – The 12th Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Forum 2024, hosted by Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), took place on December 5-6, 2024 at Hotel MM UGM, Yogyakarta. The forum brought together education experts, students, and practitioners from around the world to explore how Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) can drive solutions for global sustainability challenges.
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This year’s theme, “Building Resilient Communities through Education for Sustainable Development: Advancing the SDGs for a Better and Sustainable Planet,” emphasized the crucial role of education in building resilient communities and advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The forum highlighted SDGs such as Quality Education (Goal 4), Reduced Inequalities (Goal 10), Sustainable Cities (Goal 11), Climate Action (Goal 13), and Partnerships for the Goals (Goal 17).
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The forum was inaugurated with a keynote address from Prof. Dr. M. Baiquni, M.A., who shared UGM’s efforts in promoting community resilience through collaborative learning and local solutions. He emphasized that universities should not only provide education but also actively engage with communities to address local sustainability challenges.
The opening ceremony, held on December 6, featured Dr. Arie Sujito, S.Sos., M.Si., Vice Rector of Students Affairs, Community Service, and Alumnae of UGM, and Prof. dr. Ova Emilia, M.Med.Ed.,Sp.OG(K)., Ph.D., the UGM Rector, both of whom welcomed participants and reaffirmed UGM’s commitment to advancing Education for Sustainable Development.
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The forum was attended by members from partner universities, including Shizuoka University (Japan), Srinakharinwirot University (Thailand), Burapha University (Thailand), Mariano Marcos State University (Philippines), and Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia. The hybrid format of the forum allowed both in-person and online participation, enabling a wide range of voices to contribute to the discussions on advancing the SDGs.
Dr. dr. Rustamaji, M.Kes., Director of Community Service at UGM, spoke about the importance of education in fostering real-world impact. He said, “At UGM, we believe in the power of education to transform communities. Through programs like KKN-PPM, we connect students with local communities, empowering them to implement sustainable solutions. This forum serves as an essential platform for sharing ideas and building partnerships that contribute to achieving the SDGs.”
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Throughout the forum, participants engaged in a series of parallel sessions, where experts discussed the practical implementation of ESD and shared innovative strategies for integrating sustainability into educational systems, community development, and environmental management. The sessions fostered rich discussions on topics such as the role of digital tools in ESD, the integration of traditional knowledge with modern sustainability practices, and the building of effective partnerships for community resilience.
Prof. Ir. Nanung Agus Fitriyanto, S.Pt., M.Sc., Ph.D., IPM, the UGM Manager for the 12th ESD Forum, highlighted the importance of international collaboration in advancing sustainable development through education. He stated, “The ESD Forum is a testament to the power of global collaboration. Bringing together diverse perspectives allows us to tackle the complex issues of sustainability from various angles. Through this forum, we hope to create a lasting impact, not only within academia but also in local communities, where true change begins.”
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In addition to the seminar sessions, the forum featured a field trip to Gunungkidul, a district in Yogyakarta known for its sustainable development initiatives. Participants visited local projects supported by UGM students through the KKN-PPM (UGM Student Community Service) program in Patuk. This program allows students to work directly with communities on sustainable solutions in education, agriculture, and environmental management.
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The trip also included a visit to the Gunkid Chocolate House, operated by the Sarimulyo Farmer Group, showcasing how local farmers are integrating sustainable agricultural practices. The field trip highlighted the importance of community-driven projects and the role of education in fostering these initiatives.
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The 12th ESD Forum 2024 underscored the importance of collaboration among educational institutions, local communities, governments, and organizations to address global sustainability challenges. As the event concluded, participants left with a renewed commitment to advancing Education for Sustainable Development in their own countries and institutions, with a shared vision of building a sustainable, equitable future.
This year’s forum has also actively contributed to advancing SDG Goal 4: Quality Education, by discussing innovative educational approaches that foster sustainability; SDG Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, by highlighting community-driven initiatives and local solutions; and SDG Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by bringing together global participants to collaborate on achieving the SDGs. The forum reinforced the essential role of education in realizing a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future for all.
The forum will continue to serve as a vital platform for exchanging ideas, forging partnerships, and taking concrete steps toward achieving the SDGs. Looking ahead, the ESD Forum promises to remain a central space for global dialogue on sustainable development through education.
writer: bil
