In an effort to develop quality education and support the Higher Education Tri Dharma Program aimed at Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), on Monday, May 6, 2024, the Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada (SPs UGM) conducted an audience with the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of North Sumatra Province. This meeting was held in the Meeting Room A of the SPs UGM Main Building, marking the initial step of a strategic cooperation between the two parties.

Dr. Ir. Dina Ruslanjari, M.Si., the Head of the Master's Program in Disaster Management (MMB), representing the SPs UGM leadership, presented the background of the MMB program and the disasters that have occurred in Indonesia, as well as the activities carried out by the program. Subsequently, Robert Effendi Purba, S.H., the Head of Cooperation, Control, and Evaluation Division of BPBD North Sumatra Province, responded by presenting opportunities to enhance collaboration in various fields, including research, academic program development, and community social activities. Also present at the meeting were the Dean and Vice Dean of SPs UGM to follow up and oversee the progress of the cooperation.

This partnership reflects the dedication of both parties to the implementation of the SDGs, particularly:

• SDG 4 (Quality Education): Improving the quality of the Higher Education Tri Dharma Program, which includes Disaster Management.

• SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): Collaborating with partners to achieve the SDGs.

This meeting opens up opportunities for extensive cooperation, including seminars/workshops, further studies, and other initiatives that support innovation and creativity. At the end of the meeting, the Dean of SPs, Prof. Ir. Siti Malkhamah, M.Sc., Ph.D., expressed that we must live in harmony with disaster in the tumultuous era of Indonesian life.