Libya, 20th – 23rd April 2025 – Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) through the Environmental Science Doctoral Program, Postgraduate School, conducted a strategic visit to Omar Al-Mukhtar University, Libya. This visit is part of UGM concrete steps in expanding international academic networks and strengthening global competitiveness, especially in the field of environmental education and research.
During the visit, the delegation consisting of Prof. Eko Haryono and Dr. Sudaryatno promoted UGM’s doctoral program to prospective international students. In addition to explaining the curriculum, facilities, and potential for academic collaboration, the team also explored opportunities to recruit two students from Libya who have research interests in line with the focus of the UGM Environmental Science Doctoral Program.
This activity was complemented by a field lecture given by Prof. Eko Haryono in the Green Mountain Plateau area, a famous karst area in Libya. In the lecture, Prof. Eko explained the process of karst geology formation such as sinkholes, caves, and springs, while emphasizing the importance of karst environmental conservation for the sustainability of nature. The lecture was enthusiastically welcomed by students of Omar Al-Mukhtar University.
As part of the series of visits, UGM also signed a Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Omar Al-Mukhtar University and the Faculty of Geography UGM. The MoU entitled Education and Research Cooperation includes cooperation in the exchange of lecturers and students, development of joint laboratories, implementation of symposiums and training, and research collaboration in the fields of geoscience and the environment.
“The signing of this MoU is an important step in expanding UGM’s international cooperation network, especially in the development of research and education in the fields of geography and geosciences,” said Prof. Eko Haryono.
The three activities consisting of the promotion of doctoral programs, field lectures, and the signing of the MoU are a real manifestation of UGM commitment in supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
UGM hopes that this initiative will be the starting point for a long-term, productive and impactful cooperation, and will be able to encourage global contributions in the development of science and environmental conservation.
Author: Muhammad Ulyn Nuha
Editor: Siti Muyasaroh