Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) participated in the Indonesia–France Joint Working Group (JWG) 2024, held from July 2–5 at Universitas Negeri Surabaya (Unesa), under the theme “Fostering Indonesia–French Higher Education, Research, and Innovation Partnerships for an Advanced and Sustainable Future.”
The annual forum, designed to enhance bilateral cooperation, brought together university delegates from Indonesia and France to discuss joint research, student and faculty exchanges, and collaborative innovation programs. UNNES used the platform to showcase its interdisciplinary projects aimed at sustainability and cultural preservation.
At the event, Assoc. Prof. Lulu April Farida, Head of the UNNES International Affairs Office, engaged in discussions across fields such as natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities, while highlighting the university’s innovative “Conservation Fashion toward Global Reputation” initiative, which merges sustainable practices with creative design.
“International collaboration through forums like the JWG opens new opportunities for our students and academic staff to grow and contribute to the advancement of science and technology,” said UNNES Rector Prof. S. Martono, M.Si.
Networking activities included interactive booth visits and speed-dating sessions, enabling participants to establish partnerships and explore new research initiatives. UNNES has ongoing collaborations with multiple French institutions, including Laboratoire LAIRDIL France, Institut Français Indonesia, INALCO Paris, and Université de Nantes, and is developing a new cooperation program with Université de la Rochelle encompassing student exchanges, internships, and faculty-led joint research.
By participating in JWG 2024, UNNES aims to translate dialogue into concrete actions that enhance academic quality, research innovation, and global partnerships, supporting Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education) and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The initiative underscores the university’s commitment to becoming a globally recognized center for sustainable education and international collaboration.