Mataram, May 15, 2025 — The University of Mataram (UNRAM) proudly served as one of the official university partners in the 2nd International Conference on Global Citizenship Education (GCED), themed “Bridging Bridges Across Cultures,” held from May 15–16, 2025. The event was co-organized by four leading institutions across Southeast Asia: Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) and Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) from the Philippines, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) from Malaysia, and University of Mataram (UNRAM) from Indonesia.

The international conference opened with welcoming remarks from top university leaders, including:

  • Dr. Silverio Ramon DC. Salunson, President of Tarlac Agricultural University
  • Dr. Ma. Carla A. Ochotorena, President of Western Mindanao State University
  • Prof. Ir. Bambang Hari Kusumo, M.Agr.St., Ph.D., Rector of the University of Mataram
  • Professor Ir. Ts. Dr. Mohd Zamri bin Ibrahim, Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu
  • Dr. Claire Anne A. Olivares, Dean, TAU College of Education

During his opening speech, Prof. Bambang Hari Kusumo expressed his appreciation for the collaboration and emphasized the importance of sustaining joint academic events involving multiple countries. “We hope that this kind of academic engagement involving three nations—Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines—continues to grow, fostering mutual understanding and strengthening global citizenship,” he remarked.
Highlighting UNRAM’s active participation, Dr. Dewi Satria Elmana, Vice-Head of the Office of International Affairs at UNRAM, contributed as one of the plenary speakers on Day 1. She delivered a session titled “Global Citizenship Education: Building Bridges Across Cultures,” aligning with the conference’s mission of promoting inclusive and culturally-aware global education.

The two-day event featured the following key sessions:
📅 Day 1 – May 15, 2025

  • Plenary 1: Global Citizenship Education: Building Bridges Across Cultures
    🗣 Dr. Dewi Satria Elmana – University of Mataram
  • Plenary 2: The Role of Technology in Advancing Global Citizenship Education
    🗣 Dr. Isma Roslia Ismail – Universiti Malaysia Terengganu
  • Plenary 3: Policy and Partnerships for Advancing Global Citizenship Education
    🗣 Dr. Benny Soliman – Tarlac Agricultural University

📅 Day 2 – May 16, 2025

  • Plenary 4: Localizing Global Citizenship: Acting Glocally
    🗣 Dr. Ludivina Borja Dekit – Western Mindanao State University
  • Parallel Paper Presentations under four themes:
    1. Global Citizenship and Cultural Competency
    2. Curriculum Innovation
    3. Technology and Global Learning
    4. Equity and Access

The conference concluded with a closing program and the awarding of certificates to presenters and participants. With moderators and hosts from all partner universities, the event demonstrated a powerful collaboration that bridges cultures, disciplines, and borders.
The University of Mataram remains committed to fostering global dialogue, collaboration, and international exposure for its academic community. Events like GCED further solidify UNRAM’s position as a regional and global academic partner in promoting education for sustainable and inclusive global citizenship.