Besides the chair of directors and managers, the occasion was virtually attended by ITB’s Board of Trustees, Academic Senate, Professors’ Forum, alumni, associates, and academic communities.

"I would like to invite all colleagues, academic staff, students, and everyone who joins this event to unite and contribute to our beloved institute, nation, and the world despite the pandemic," declared Prof. Reini Wirahadikusumah, Ph.D., Rector of ITB, in her opening speech.

She added that ITB was established and continued to thrive with the help of Indonesia's best citizens coming from different backgrounds and scattered across the archipelago.

"ITB was born in diversity and grew in diversity. Thanks to diversity, people in Indonesia can work together to reach a common goal- elevating Indonesia’s prosperity through its advancement and utilization of science, technology, art, social sciences, and humanities," the Rector stated.

Prof. Reini conveyed several challenges in education faced by the world, which are formulated in the UNESCO document "Reimagining Our Futures Together: A New Social Contract for Education” published in 2021.

Based on the results of the study conducted by the International Commission on the Futures of Education, the document illustrates the recent global conditions as well as its progression towards 2050 and beyond. The study delves into numerous global crises revolving around the economy, environment, health, and socio-economic problems caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We can conclude that the current state of the world is at its turning point. In short, when all countries are pursuing economic growth, we have explored the environment instead. This may pose a threat to our survival," she explained.

“Taking into account these predicaments, it is crucial for all parties to consider the lives of present and future generations to overcome social gaps and ensure human rights are fulfilled.”

In this ceremony, ITB held an awarding session for those who contribute to the education, research, innovation, and institutional development fields. There were 58 awards given in total, with 12 of them in the education category, 12 in the research category, 22 in the innovation category, and 12 in the institutional development category. Prof. Reini hoped that this award can ignite the spirit of innovation in academic communities so that they can continue to create in the face of adversities.

Reporter: Yoel Enrico Meiliano (Food Engineering, 2020)

Translator: Ruth Nathania (Environmental Engineering, 2019)