FIB Unpad Participates in Cross-Sectoral Dialogue on SDGs to Strengthen Academic Contribution and Global Ranking

The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) at Universitas Padjadjaran actively participated in a cross-sectoral dialogue on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a forum designed to bring together representatives from academia, government institutions, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The event highlighted the importance of collaborative action in addressing global sustainability challenges while also reinforcing the role of universities in driving SDG-related initiatives.

The dialogue took place at the SDGs Center Kitakyushu, Japan, on May 23, 2025, and became one of the key activities in the ongoing partnership between FIB Unpad, Kitakyushu University, and JICA Japan.

In this dialogue, Hilman Fauzia Khoeruman, S.S., M.Phil., a lecturer at FIB Unpad, delivered a presentation on SDG-related academic data at FIB Unpad. His presentation underlined how academic contributions, particularly in research, curriculum development, and community engagement, are directly connected to improving Universitas Padjadjaran’s performance in the QS World University Rankings (WUR) Sustainability.

“The integration of SDGs into our academic practices not only benefits local communities and strengthens our role in policy development, but also contributes to enhancing Unpad’s global visibility,” Hilman emphasized during his talk. “By systematically documenting and presenting data on SDG engagement, we can ensure that Unpad’s efforts are recognized internationally, particularly in the QS WUR Sustainability metrics.”

Adding to this, Prof. Miyake from Kitakyushu University highlighted the fundamental role of higher education in achieving sustainable development: “Academics and research are the very foundation for advancing every single SDG. Without knowledge production and critical inquiry, policy and practice will not be sustainable in the long run.”

The forum itself was part of a series of SDG training programs organized through a collaboration scheme between FIB Unpad, Kitakyushu University, and JICA Japan. This joint effort focuses on equipping participants with the skills, knowledge, and collaborative networks necessary to implement sustainability initiatives both at the local and global levels.

The dialogue also served as a platform for discussing strategies such as:

• Strengthening collaboration between universities, governments, and NGOs.
• Identifying key challenges and opportunities in implementing SDGs at the local and national level.
• Sharing best practices in data collection, policy development, and adaptive management.

Government representatives and NGO partners welcomed the academic perspective presented by FIB Unpad, recognizing that evidence-based research and academic collaboration are essential to designing effective policies and interventions.

The event reflects FIB Unpad’s ongoing mission to link education, research, and community service with global sustainability frameworks. By actively engaging in cross-sectoral dialogues and international collaborations, the faculty seeks to position itself not only as a contributor to local community welfare but also as an important stakeholder in elevating Universitas Padjadjaran’s global sustainability profile.

Red. Hilman Fauzia Khoeruman