YOGYAKARTA, Indonesia – Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) proudly hosted the Southeast Asian University Consortium for Graduate Education in Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC) 9th Graduate Forum, themed "Sustaining Our Future: Circular Economy in Animal Production, Agriculture, and Forestry" on 17-18 July 2024. This significant event, held in collaboration with the Faculty of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Forestry, and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, brought together a diverse and multidisciplinary group of experts and scholars, reflecting the essence of the circular economy and its relevance across various sectors.
The forum, attended by 36 oral presenters and 70 participants from different countries, showcased the growing importance of a circular economy. Participants, including graduate students from renowned universities across Southeast Asia and beyond, engaged in discussions centered on innovative practices, supply chain management, watershed conservation, climate change mitigation, and technological advancements in food security.
Graduate students in attendance during the forum come from member universities of the UC such as the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), Central Luzon State University (CLSU), Central Mindanao University (CMU), and Visayas State University (VSU) all from the Philippines; Kasetsart University (KU) and Maejo University (MJU) in Thailand; National Taiwan University (NTU) in Taiwan; Tokyo University of Agriculture (Tokyo NODAI) in Japan; Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) in Malaysia; Institut Pertanian Bogor (IPB University), Universitas Brawijaya (UB), and Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) all from Indonesia. SEARCA, who serves as Secretariat to the UC, assisted UGM in the planning of the activity.
The forum featured four key sub-themes. The sub-theme on Innovation and Practices in Circular Economy explored new methods and approaches to promote sustainability in agriculture, animal production, and forestry. The best presenters under this theme were Lee You-Yi (NTU), Lilethee M. Nueve (CLSU), and Sandro Jonalyn Magadia (VSU). Supply Chain Management for Circular Economy addressed the challenges and opportunities in creating efficient and sustainable supply chains. Impact of Circular Economy on Watershed Conservation and Climate Change Mitigation discussed the role of circular economy practices in conserving natural resources and combating climate change. Technological Advancements and Digitalization in Food Security and Climate Change highlighted the importance of technology in ensuring food security and mitigating the effects of climate change. The best presenter under this theme was Cahyo Wibisono (UGM).
The 9th UC Graduate Forum emphasized the crucial role of collaboration and innovation in addressing global challenges, particularly in sustainable agriculture, forestry, and animal production. UGM is honored to have facilitated this important dialogue and looks forward to continued partnerships and knowledge-sharing among the academic community.
Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) is one of Indonesia's leading institutions of higher education, committed to academic excellence and social responsibility. UGM is dedicated to fostering innovation and collaboration across disciplines to address the world's most pressing challenges, including those related to sustainable agriculture, forestry, and animal production.
For more information, please contact Dr. Yogi Sidik Prasojo (yogi.sidik.p@mail.ugm.ac.id).
