South Tangerang. As the world grapples with increasingly complex challenges ranging from climate change and technological disruption to social inequality and the need for more inclusive education systems, higher education institutions are playing an increasingly important role in generating knowledge, innovation, and solutions that benefit society.

Against this backdrop, Universitas Terbuka (UT), Indonesia’s pioneer in open and distance learning, participated in the Global Sustainable Development Congress (GSDC) 2026, held at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE) BSD in South Tangerang.

Organized by Times Higher Education (THE), GSDC 2026 brought together university leaders, researchers, policymakers, industry representatives, civil society organizations, and global stakeholders to strengthen collaboration in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The congress positioned Indonesia at the center of international discussions on the future of sustainable development and the role of higher education in addressing the challenges of the 21st century.

UT’s participation reflects the university’s commitment to strengthening Indonesia’s contribution to the global higher education landscape. As a public university that delivers open and distance higher education, UT has long been mandated to expand access to quality education regardless of geographical location, age, occupation, or socioeconomic background.

For more than four decades, UT has leveraged technology and innovative learning approaches to provide flexible and lifelong learning opportunities to millions of Indonesians. This educational model supports the development of human capital while advancing inclusive and equitable education, in line with SDG 4 on quality education.

Dr. Kurnia Endah Riana, Secretary of Universitas Terbuka, said the congress offered an important opportunity to broaden international partnerships and strengthen collaboration in sustainable higher education.

“Through this forum, Universitas Terbuka has the opportunity to engage with universities and institutions from around the world. We are here to strengthen collaboration, share best practices, and introduce the innovations UT has developed in delivering flexible and high-quality higher education,” she said.

“We hope that our participation will further strengthen the contribution of Indonesian higher education in supporting sustainable development at the global level.”

UT’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond providing inclusive educational services. The university has implemented various initiatives that integrate SDG principles into its higher education ecosystem.

Among them is its collaboration with the UI GreenMetric Network, which brings together universities to exchange best practices and innovations in sustainable campus development. Through this initiative, UT contributes to strengthening academic networks and fostering collaboration among higher education institutions to address sustainability challenges.

The university has also translated its sustainability commitment into tangible action through the “Breathe Green, Plant the Future” movement, which engages students, faculty members, partners, and local communities in environmental conservation efforts. The initiative reflects UT’s belief that sustainability is not merely an academic concept but a shared responsibility that requires collective action and active public participation.

The importance of higher education in shaping a sustainable future was also highlighted during the Host Country Welcome session. Dominic Jermey, Ambassador to Indonesia and Timor-Leste from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, stressed that the future of sustainable development would depend heavily on collaboration in creating inclusive and environmentally responsible growth.

He noted that universities play a critical role in equipping younger generations with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to address global challenges and seize opportunities arising from the transition toward a green economy.

This perspective aligns closely with UT’s vision of education as an instrument of social transformation. Through its open and distance learning system, the university continues to develop graduates who are adaptable to change, capable of utilizing technological advancements, and prepared to contribute to sustainable development.

The call for measurable impact was also echoed by Phil Baty, Chief Global Affairs Officer at Times Higher Education, during the congress opening session. He emphasized that universities should not merely observe global challenges but actively become part of the solution.

According to Baty, commitments to the SDGs must be translated into concrete action, strong partnerships, and initiatives that generate tangible benefits for society.

For UT, this message reinforces the idea that the success of sustainable development depends not only on commitments and declarations but also on the ability of higher education institutions to transform knowledge into meaningful action and real-world impact.

As a member of the global academic community, UT believes that universities carry both a moral and intellectual responsibility to help solve the pressing challenges facing societies today.

Participation in GSDC 2026 marks an important milestone for UT as it seeks to expand academic dialogue, strengthen international partnerships, and explore new collaborative opportunities that support higher education transformation and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Through educational innovation, research development, cross-sector collaboration, and sustainability programs, UT continues to contribute to national development while serving the broader global community.

In line with the spirit of GSDC 2026, UT believes that a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable future can only be achieved through collaboration, innovation, and education that empowers future generations.

With this commitment, Universitas Terbuka will continue to strengthen its role not only as an institution that expands access to higher education, but also as an active contributor to global solutions for sustainable development.