The Faculty of Agricultural Technology (FTP) Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held a Guest Lecture and Coffee Chat with Students titled the Empower Youth for Food (EY4F) Campaign on Thursday (9/7) at FTP UGM campus, featured four master’s students from Erasmus University Rotterdam who are part of an International Research Project: Maaike van Rijs, Floor Vriesman, Daan Houweling, and Leon Biesbroeck. Through interactive discussion, the event served as a platform for exchanging ideas on the role of young people in building a more sustainable food system, while also strengthening international academic collaboration.
Carrying the theme Empower Youth for Food, the event encouraged students to examine the various challenges facing the global food system from a broader perspective. The discussion covered the importance of innovation, entrepreneurship, and cross-disciplinary collaboration as ways to develop solutions to various issues in the agriculture and food sector. The presence of students from Erasmus University Rotterdam also gave participants the opportunity to learn about experiences, approaches, and practices developing at the international level.
The coffee chat session took place in a warm and interactive atmosphere. FTP UGM students had the opportunity to engage directly in dialogue on a range of issues, from innovation in the food system and entrepreneurship development opportunities to the importance of young people’s involvement in supporting the transformation towards a sustainable food system. The interaction also served as a space to expand academic networks and build cross-cultural understanding among participants.
Through this event, FTP UGM continues to strengthen it’s commitment to fostering a globally oriented learning environment. Collaboration with international students is expected not only to enrich students’ academic perspectives, but also to open up opportunities for cooperation in education, research, and community service that can create real impact for the development of the agriculture and food sectors.
This activity supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, through learning grounded in international collaboration; SDG 2 Zero Hunger, through strengthening young people’s capacity to support a sustainable food system; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through the development of academic networks and collaboration between FTP UGM and international partner.
Contributor: Bernadetta Shella