FIB Unpad Hosts Hybrid Public Lecture on SDGs for New Students and Community
The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) Universitas Padjadjaran held a hybrid public lecture on August 13, 2025, marking the start of the 2025/2026 academic year for new students. The event, which was part of the faculty’s orientation program, explored the role of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in academic and community life, offering both students and the wider public valuable insights into how global goals can be localized in education and research.
The keynote speaker, Mr. Bokhtar Bokozoda from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Kyushu Center, shared his perspectives on the contributions of higher education institutions to the advancement of the SDGs. He encouraged students to actively integrate sustainability values into their daily practices and academic work, highlighting the broader social impact of education.
“Everyone has their own contribution to make for the SDGs. By working together, we can create a better life for all—especially when we focus on high-quality education, which serves as the foundation for many other goals,” Mr. Bokozoda emphasized.
He also underscored the transformative power of youth:
“Students are not only learners but also agents of change. Your creativity, critical thinking, and dedication are essential for addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change, inequality, and cultural preservation.”
Highlighting the importance of partnerships, Mr. Bokozoda added:
“No single country or institution can accomplish the SDGs alone. Academic collaborations and international cooperation, like what we are experiencing here today, are crucial for building collective capacity to achieve sustainable progress.”
Hybrid Access for Broader Participation
What made this event particularly special was its hybrid format. In addition to the hundreds of new students who attended on-site, the lecture was also streamed online, enabling parents, alumni, and members of the wider community to take part in the session. This approach reflected FIB Unpad’s vision of inclusivity, allowing not only students but also the general public to engage in discussions on global sustainability.
Student Engagement in Multilingual Dialogue
The lecture drew strong enthusiasm from participants. In the lively Q&A session, students posed questions in Russian, Japanese, and English, demonstrating the multicultural and international orientation of FIB Unpad. Mr. Bokozoda, fluent in all three languages, responded directly, creating an engaging and inclusive exchange.
Reinforcing FIB’s International Spirit
By hosting this hybrid public lecture, FIB Unpad not only introduced its new students to the relevance of the SDGs in academic life but also extended the conversation to families and the broader society. This initiative underscores the faculty’s commitment to combining global perspectives with local engagement, preparing students to become responsible citizens and active contributors to sustainable development.
Red. Hilman Fauzia Khoeruman
