Faculty of Cultural Sciences Universitas Padjadjaran Holds Public Lecture on SDGs for New Students
The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) at Universitas Padjadjaran held a public lecture on August 13, 2025, as part of the orientation program for new students of the 2025/2026 academic year. The session focused on the dynamics of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in academic life, both from the perspective of students and lecturers, and how these global goals can serve as a framework for advancing education and research at FIB Unpad.
The guest speaker was Mr. Bokhtar Bokozoda from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Kyushu Center, Japan, who shared his insights on the role of universities in contributing to the achievement of the SDGs. He emphasized how students, as future professionals and scholars, can integrate sustainability values into their studies, daily activities, and community engagement.
During his talk, Mr. Bokozoda highlighted the importance of individual responsibility. “Everyone has their own contribution to make for the SDGs,” he said. “By working together, we can create a better life for all—especially when we focus on high-quality education, which is the foundation for many other goals.”
He also underlined the unique role of young people in shaping the future. “Students are not just learners, they are agents of change. Your creativity, critical thinking, and commitment are vital for addressing global challenges such as climate change, inequality, and cultural sustainability,” Mr. Bokozoda noted.
In addition, he stressed the importance of global partnerships. “No country or institution can achieve the SDGs alone. International cooperation—whether between universities, governments, or communities—will strengthen our collective capacity to make meaningful progress,” he explained. “That is why academic collaborations, like the one we are sharing here today, are so essential.”
The event received enthusiastic responses from the new students. Many were eager to engage with the topic, seeing it as an inspiring introduction to their academic journey at FIB Unpad. In the Q&A session, several students posed questions in Russian, Japanese, and English, reflecting the multilingual and intercultural atmosphere of the faculty. Impressively, Mr. Bokozoda, who is fluent in these languages, responded to each question directly, making the discussion lively and inclusive.
This public lecture not only provided valuable knowledge about the SDGs but also showcased the international and interdisciplinary spirit of FIB Unpad. By connecting global challenges with academic development, the faculty aims to equip students with the awareness and skills to become active contributors to sustainable progress.
Red. Hilman Fauzia Khoeruman
