Yogyakarta, 4th–5th November 2025 — The Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada (SPs UGM) once again hosted the 13th International Graduate Student and Scholar Conference (IGSSCI), held on 4–5 November 2025. This year, the annual international conference carries the theme “Navigating the Future: Strengthening Resilience through Local Collaboration toward World Peace,” highlighting the importance of integrating local wisdom and global knowledge to strengthen community resilience in the face of global challenges.
The committee chair, Doddy Wibowo, S.I.P., M.A., Ph.D., in his opening remarks, stated that this two-day conference serves as an interdisciplinary platform for students and researchers from various fields—ranging from social sciences, humanities, economics, technology, to environmental studies.
“Global challenges such as the climate crisis, social inequality, and technological development require cooperation uniting local wisdom with global knowledge. Through IGSSCI, we aim to create a space for dialogue that encourages resilience and intergenerational collaboration,” he said.
the Dean of SPs UGM, Prof. Ir. Siti Malkhamah, M.Sc., Ph.D., IPU, ASEAN.Eng., in her speech, expressed her appreciation to all participants, speakers, and organizers. She emphasized that the conference is attended by academics, researchers, and graduate students from various regions in Indonesia and abroad. “This forum reflects the mission of the Graduate School of UGM to foster research responding to global issues while remaining grounded in local values,” she explained.
Prof. Siti Malkhamah added that in this era of accelerated information and technology, academic activities like IGSSCI serve as an important reminder that research does not stand alone, but is a collective journey to find solutions for humanity. She hopes that the conference will inspire new collaborations, strengthen academic networks, and open new perspectives on global dynamics.
Meanwhile, Prof. Puji Astuti, representing the Rector of Universitas Gadjah Mada, stated in her remarks that the theme of the 13th IGSSCI reflects the spirit of the university in addressing the challenges of higher education in an era of globalization and digital transformation. “UGM is committed to become a center for knowledge development oriented toward social needs. Collaboration across disciplines and regions must remain grounded in local realities, because education must ultimately serve culture and community,” she said.
She also emphasized that universities play a strategic role in shaping social resilience and encouraging inclusive change. “In the midst of rapid global flows, we must ensure that innovation and research continue to uphold humanistic values,” added Prof. Puji.
As the keynote speaker, Prof. Hirobumi Takenouchi from Japan delivered a presentation titled “Research and Hopes for the Future.” He highlighted the importance of building confidence and resilience in navigating an uncertain future. He stressed that global challenges such as climate crises, social disparities, and technological disruptions cannot be addressed in isolation but require collaboration that unites communities across disciplines and generations.
According to him, the concept of “local collaboration toward world peace” is not merely about knowledge exchange, but about building bridges between cultures and scientific understanding.
“We need to strengthen dialogue between local values and global innovation. Such collaboration can serve as the foundation for achieving peace and sustainability,” he said during the plenary session.
The conference features a variety of discussion panels and scientific presentations addressing strategic issues such as food security, urban resilience, energy transition, public health, digitalization, education, as well as social and cultural resilience. Participants have the opportunity to exchange ideas and present research findings expected to contribute meaningfully to sustainable development.
The UGM Graduate School, through the organization of the 13th IGSSCI, reaffirmed its role as a center for knowledge development grounded in global collaboration and local relevance. This event is expected to inspire the younger generation of scholars to continue innovating and contributing to the creation of a more resilient, inclusive, and peaceful world.
This activity is also aligned with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Writer: Ninda
Editor: Arni Wistriatun