Peran Strategis Pemuda dalam Mencapai SDGs: Perspektif Arifatul Choiri Fauzi di Universitas Indonesia
On December 5, 2024, Arifatul Choiri Fauzi, the Indonesian Minister for Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, acknowledged the role of Universitas Indonesia (UI) in developing leaders committed to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This announcement occurred during the UI SDGs Summit 2024 at the Balai Purnomo UI in Depok.
Significance of Youth in Achieving SDGs
Fauzi highlighted the significant contributions of youth as a bridge to the achievement of the SDGs amid the pressing challenges faced by Indonesia. He stressed the need for transformative innovation to foster a more equitable and inclusive Indonesia, stating, “The objectives of the SDGs align with our vision for an Advanced Indonesia by 2045. Therefore, we must act together, as change begins with us, starting today.”
UI SDGs Summit 2024 Overview
The UI SDGs Summit 2024 serves as a platform for students, experts, and industry leaders to discuss pressing global issues, including climate change, economic inequality, and the effects of the post-COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Badrul Munir, S.T., M.Eng.Sc., Director of Student Affairs at UI, noted that the summit is vital for engaging various stakeholders in meaningful dialogue about these challenges as part of UI’s commitment to accelerating the attainment of SDG targets.
Themes and Challenges Addressed
In its third year, the summit adopted the theme “Bridging the Implementation Gap: Ensuring No One Left Behind in Achieving the SDGs,” addressing geopolitical and social challenges that hinder the effective implementation of SDGs, particularly in developing nations. Dr. Munir emphasized that the summit allows students to contribute significantly to societal advancement while developing their competencies.
Diverse Range of Speakers
A diverse range of speakers participated in the event, sharing insights into sustainability and youth empowerment in pursuit of the SDGs. Notable participants included Frilo Fitrasali Hutagalung, Manager at Pertamina One Solution; Lucia Karina, Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability Director at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Indonesia; Dr. Andrew Deuchor, an Educational Researcher at the University of Melbourne; and Ahmad Dekatama, In-House Legal Counsel at the Indonesian Fintech Association (AFTECH) and content creator.
Addressing Climate Change and Education
During the summit, Frilo discussed the existing gaps in achieving SDG 13 concerning climate change, specifically noting a projected shortfall of 28% in emission reduction goals for 2030. Lucia advocated for a transition in approach from mitigation to creating sustainable value, promoting a circular and regenerative economy model that balances ecological and economic objectives.
Dr. Andrew emphasized the challenges in communicating the importance of quality education related to climate change. He pointed out the inconsistency in implementing climate education policies, which often depend on individual efforts due to insufficient policy support, advocating for broader educational strategies that cultivate a culture of responsibility.
Collaboration for Youth Empowerment
The importance of collaboration among government, academia, the private sector, and society was underscored as crucial for empowering youth as agents of change capable of addressing global challenges. Pungkas Bahjuri Ali, STP, M.Sc., Ph.D., Head of the National SDGs Secretariat at the Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas, highlighted the necessity of youth involvement in various initiatives, including electronic waste management and educational outreach, as practical examples of scalable efforts.
This report is based on information from Universitas Indonesia.
