Keynote Address at AUN ED-YSC: Exploring Emancipatory Education for a Sustainable Future

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Keynote Address at AUN ED-YSC: Exploring Emancipatory Education for a Sustainable Future - AppliedHE

Universitas Airlangga recently hosted the 20th ASEAN University Network (AUN) and the 9th ASEAN+3 Educational Forum and Young Speakers Contest 2024, with a focus on enhancing educational collaboration among ASEAN member states and partner countries, including Japan, South Korea, and China. The forum served as a platform for students, academics, and young professionals to engage in discussions on significant educational issues and contemporary challenges.

Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony took place on October 23, 2024, at the Majapahit Hall in the ASEEC Tower. Bambang S. Hidayat, Head of the Surabaya Branch of LPS II, delivered a keynote address centered on the theme “Emancipatory Education as a Path Towards an Emancipated Future.”

Keynote Address Highlights

In his address, Hidayat highlighted the essential role of education in freeing individuals from social, economic, and cultural constraints. He noted that “liberating education is about more than merely teaching skills; it’s about developing character, fostering critical thinking, and nurturing innovation.” Hidayat argued that emancipatory education extends beyond conventional academic knowledge, equipping individuals for a world increasingly influenced by technology and automation. He stressed the need for critical thinking and technological literacy in the development of competitive human resources.

Hidayat also pointed out that such educational approaches empower students to identify problems, create solutions, and take meaningful actions, which he described as vital for nurturing exceptional leaders and innovators in communities.

Justice and Equality in Education

On issues of justice and equality, he asserted the importance of equal educational opportunities for enabling students to pursue successful careers. He emphasized that education should empower independent thought and action, rather than merely serving as a means to obtain degrees.

Call for International Collaboration

In summary, Hidayat called for greater international collaboration to create an educational framework responsive to future needs. He remarked, “Collaboration and innovation are vital for creating emancipatory education that frees us from the constraints of injustice and ignorance.”