The Faculty of Economics and Business FEB UGM), in collaboration with Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences, successfully hosted the Student Visit 2025 program. This short visit aimed to introduce cultural diversity, sustainability practices on each campus, as well as sustainable small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and creative industries in the Yogyakarta region, with 22 students from both universities attended the program which took place over two days from October 20 to 21, 2025, in the Special Region of Yogyakarta.
The Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Alumni Affairs of FEB UGM, Gumilang Aryo Sahadewo, S.E., M.A., Ph.D., warmly welcomed the visit. He stated that this initiative is part of the strategic partnership development between FEB UGM and Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences, particularly in research collaborations focusing on sustainability-related topics. “Through this short visit, we hope that students from Osnabrück can interact with FEB UGM students while also learning about Indonesian and Yogyakarta culture,” he said.
The visit began with a presentation on the German higher education system by Prof. Dr. Kai Handel from Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences. He explained that around 98% of universities in Germany are public institutions funded by the government. He also noted that, due to Germany’s aging population and declining youth demographic, many universities are increasingly opening their doors to international students.
Students from Osnabrück University then presented the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on their campus which focused on three main pillars, education, research, and innovation. Some of the initiatives supporting these goals include environmentally friendly parking areas, recycling systems, and the establishment of a campus-wide Sustainability Working Group.
On the other hand, FEB UGM students shared examples of SDG implementation at UGM, such as the activities of the Society of Renewable Energy (SRE UGM) student organization and the policy banning single-use plastic bottles and cups in several faculties.
Through the Student Visit 2025 program, both institutions aim to strengthen academic partnerships and expand knowledge and research exchanges, particularly in support of the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
Reportage: Najwah Ariella Puteri
Editor: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
Sustainable Development Goals
