The AUN Taskforce on Sustainability is a crucial initiative aimed at harmonizing various sustainability programs among AUN members. During the event, Prof. Widjaja and Dr. Widyarini contributed to the development of the "Blueprint on Sustainability," a strategic document that will serve as a guide for sustainability policies and actions within the AUN network.

This blueprint encompasses three key aspects: a) AUN policies on sustainability, which must be integrated into every program and activity of AUN members; b) Guidelines for systematic and measurable sustainability management to ensure effective implementation of sustainability efforts; and c) Sharing of case studies, best practices, and experiences related to addressing sustainability issues at the national and ASEAN levels, as well as achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) globally.

ITB's Contributions to National Progress

Meanwhile, on Thursday (July 18, 2024), the second session of the 15th AUN Rectors' Meeting, titled 'AUN Universities at the Forefront of Sustainable Development on the Global Stage' was held at the Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai in Bangkok, Thailand. This event served as a platform for AUN member universities to showcase their achievements, share best practices, and discuss challenges related to sustainable development. During this session, Rector of ITB, Prof. Reini Wirahadikusumah, Ph.D., highlighted ITB's concrete contributions to addressing various sustainability issues in Indonesia. Prof. Reini joined other distinguished panelists, including Prof. Dato' Seri Ir. Dr. Noor Azuan Abu Osman from Universiti Malaya, Prof. Lily Kong from Singapore Management University, Br. Bernard S. Oca FSC from De La Salle University, and Prof. Pongruk Sribanditmongkol, M.D., Ph.D., from Chiang Mai University. The session was moderated by MA. Theresa T. Payongayong, Ph.D. from the University of the Philippines.

The speakers shared their experiences on the challenges faced in implementing sustainability initiatives and the solutions they have implemented. This discussion aimed to enrich the insights and strategies of AUN members in achieving sustainability in the ASEAN region.

In her presentation, the Prof. Reini outlined several initiatives undertaken by ITB. Firstly, ITB's contributions through the Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM) to critical areas and underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost regions (3T). This effort reflects ITB's commitment to promoting equitable and just development throughout the country.
Prof. Reini also emphasized the active role of lecturers in addressing national disasters, such as the Cianjur earthquake in West Java. ITB lecturers were directly involved in providing technical assistance and innovative solutions for disaster management, demonstrating their concern and expertise in handling emergency situations.

Furthermore, the Rector of ITB explained the creation of the Desanesha application, a platform that enables effective communication between regional leaders and experts at ITB. This application, supported by the Ministry of Villages, Development of Disadvantaged Regions, and Transmigration (Kemendes RI), aims to strengthen collaboration in regional development. This initiative is expected to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of regional management and development.
Additionally, ITB plays a role in mitigating negative impacts in areas surrounding the new capital city (IKN) location. ITB is committed to making concrete contributions and ensuring that IKN development is sustainable and environmentally friendly. This effort reflects ITB's responsibility to maintain environmental balance and sustainable development in Indonesia.

Lastly, as part of its commitment to partnerships and achieving SDG 3 on health and SDG 17 on partnerships, ITB collaborates with the Faculty of Medicine at Padjadjaran University (FK Unpad) in the field of Health Technology through a Multidisciplinary Master's Program. The first of its kind in Indonesia, this program is a result of collaboration between the quality of research and engineering education at ITB and the excellence and potential for health technology applications at Universitas Padjajaran's Faculty of Medicine. This collaboration strengthens ITB's efforts in developing innovative and sustainable health technology solutions.

AUN-ITB Summer Camp Receives Appreciation

In the AUN Progress Report session, ITB received positive feedback for its successful organization of one of the five AUN Summer Camps 2024 at the ITB Ganesha Campus. This Summer Camp took place from July 15-29, 2024, and was attended by 158 participants, with 132 of them coming from AUN member universities. This number of participants was the second-highest after the Summer Camp organized by the National University of Singapore (NUS). The theme of this year's AUN-ITB Summer Camp was "Integrated Sustainability for Thriving Communities."

ITB's participation in these various activities demonstrates its strong commitment to the sustainability agenda and its active role in the ASEAN academic community. Through concrete contributions and collaboration with various parties, ITB continues to strive to be a pioneer in creating a better and more sustainable future for the people of Indonesia and the world through education, research, and community service.