Untar participated as a collaborator in The First International Conference on Sustainability, Environment and Technology (IC-SET 2024) on Friday (23/8/2024). The conference was held in a hybrid format, both online via Zoom Meeting and onsite at the Faculty of Humanities of Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE), Budapest.
The conference addressed current issues related to technology, the environment, development, and sustainable education in an era of transformation. The multidisciplinary perspectives presented by speakers from various countries enriched the discussions and contributed to an engaging academic forum.
Representing Untar, Head of the Public Relations Office Dr. Dra. Paula Tjatoerwidya Anggarina, M.M. served as one of the keynote speakers, presenting a topic titled “The Role of Indonesian Private Universities in Achieving Inclusive and Sustainable Education Through Public Relations.”
In her presentation, Paula explained that several factors influence the reputation of private universities in ensuring institutional sustainability. She emphasized that private universities can empower their Public Relations functions to build reputation through effective information and communication management for both internal and external stakeholders.
“Private universities must build their reputation for sustainability by focusing on factors that strengthen reputation through strategic information and communication management,” she stated.
Among the factors influencing the reputation of private universities are accreditation achievements and the creation of inclusive campuses. According to Paula, both aspects are essential considerations for higher education institutions.
She explained that accreditation serves as a form of accountability to the public and functions as an instrument for evaluating the quality and feasibility of higher education institutions. In addition, universities must foster disability-friendly environments and promote equality across their academic communities.
“Accreditation is crucial for ensuring the sustainability of private universities so that they can continue producing high-quality human resources who embrace diversity and tolerance,”
Beyond accreditation, the development of inclusive campuses must also receive serious attention. Universities should create accessible environments for all students, including those with special needs, by providing adequate facilities such as designated parking spaces, elevators equipped with voice guidance systems, ramps, and other accessibility features. Academic support is equally important, requiring inclusive curricula and educators equipped with specialized skills.
To realize an inclusive campus environment, both commitment and financial capacity are necessary. These efforts are essential to achieving equitable access to education at both national and international levels.
In addition to keynote speakers from Indonesia, the conference also featured international keynote speakers who presented topics aligned with their respective areas of expertise.
Dr. Csaba Boldicz, Head of the Center for International Economy and International Relations at Mathias Corvinus Collegium, delivered a presentation titled “Technology Competition in the World: Challenges and Future Directions.” Rector of LIA University Dr. Siti Yulidhar Harunasari, M.Pd., discussed “Integrating Technology for Sustainable Education,” while Chairperson of PPI Hungary 2024/2025 Haekal Al Asyari, S.H., LL.M., presented “Empowering Change: The Critical Role of Students in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.”
The conference was moderated by Rizvika Rahmita S., Ph.D. (Cand), Ambassador of The Association of Hungarian PhD and DLA Students (DOSZ) Indonesia and member of the Doctoral School of Education at the University of Szeged, together with Asrul Ibrahim Nur, Ph.D. (Cand) from the Géza Marton Doctoral School of Legal Studies. The event was attended by participants from various countries around the world. (LA/PA/KJ)
Keywords: Higher Education Tridharma (Research), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)