Cairo, Egypt – The international engagement of the Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) is solidifying its position further as the center of scientific excellence contributing to global solutions. During a visit to Cairo, Egypt, from April 12 to 19, 2025, a delegation consist of Prof. Eko Haryono and Dr. Sudaryatno actively participated in the IGU Egypt 2025 Thematic Conference and conducted a series of strategic visits to strengthen international academic partnerships.
Participation in the conference themed “Geo-Spatial Technology, Global Changes & Sustainability” provided a platform for UGM to share innovations in environmental management. Prof. Eko Haryono’s presentation on the geopark approach to conserve karst areas in the Mangkalihat Peninsula, East Kalimantan, received significant attention from global scientists and environmental practitioners. The concept of integrating nature conservation with community empowerment through sustainable tourism, and is seen as a relevant model for application in various karst regions worldwide. UGM contribution directly supports the achievement of SDGs 13: Climate Action and SDGs 15: Life on Land.
In addition to the conference, the UGM Graduate School delegation actively expanded its academic network by visiting several important institutions in Cairo. Starting with a strategic meeting with the Education and Culture Attaché of the Indonesian Embassy in Cairo, the UGM team explored opportunities for cooperation to support the internationalization of Indonesian higher education. Subsequently, visits continued to three leading universities in Egypt: Cairo University, Suez University, and Ain Shams University. During these benchmarking visits, in-depth academic discussions were held to exchange knowledge, explore potential collaborations in research and education, and build synergy between institutions.
The active steps taken by the UGM Graduate School in Egypt demonstrate a strong commitment in contributing solutions for global challenges and expanding its international academic network. These visits are expected to strengthen UGM reputation in the Middle East and North Africa and to pave the way for closer collaborations in the future, in line with the goals of SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. The next visit to Libya will emphasize the vision of the UGM Graduate School to be an integral part of a global academic community that mutually supports and collaborates.
Author: Muhammad Ulyn Nuha
Editor: Berlian Belasuni