Enviro News Asia, Jakarta — Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Jakarta (UPNVJ) reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive sustainable development through the convening of the Jakarta International Conference on Research Innovation and Sustainable Development (JICRISD) 2025 on Monday (2/12). The international conference, held virtually, adopted the theme “Mainstreaming GEDSI Principles in Sustainable Development in the Global South” and served as a strategic forum to promote the integration of Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) principles into research and development policy.
The conference was organized through a collaboration between the UPNVJ Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM) and the Research Synergy Foundation (RSF), with full support from the organizing committee of the Saraswati Gender Studies Center of UPNVJ, chaired by UPNVJ Professor Dr. Erna Hernawati.
The event featured experts from various countries, including Prof. Popy Rufaidah, Head of LPPM UPNVJ Sri Lestari Wahyuningroem, Ph.D., Assoc. Prof. Rachael Diprose from the University of Melbourne, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hendrati Dwi Mulyaningsih, Founder of the Research Synergy Foundation.
In his opening remarks, UPNVJ Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Dr. Henry Binsar, representing the Rector, emphasized that sustainable development must not leave vulnerable groups behind.
“We are committed to developing individuals of strong character through innovative research. JICRISD 2025 strengthens our policy direction in achieving inclusive global progress, consistent with UPNVJ’s identity as a nationalist educational institution,” he said.
Speakers highlighted that countries in the Global South continue to face a growth dilemma: rapid economic and technological advancement often widens social inequality. Without the integration of GEDSI principles, digital divides may worsen, persons with disabilities risk further marginalization, and environmental policies may overlook the perspectives of vulnerable communities.
JICRISD 2025 served as a platform for exchanging ideas among vice rectors, deans, lecturers, researchers, session chairs, and presenters from various countries. Discussions focused on how research and innovation can generate tangible impact for equitable, just, and sustainable development.
As a key partner, the Research Synergy Foundation reiterated its role in strengthening the quality of academic research to ensure concrete contributions to society. This collaboration fosters a partnership ecosystem that transforms ideas into actionable initiatives.
UPNVJ emphasized that accelerating sustainable development requires collective commitment from all stakeholders. Through JICRISD 2025, the university aims to continue contributing to the global voice advocating for inclusive development—from academic spaces to policy implementation.
The conference is expected to produce recommendations that reinforce GEDSI integration in interdisciplinary research and encourage innovations oriented not only toward progress, but also toward social justice. (www.upnvj.ac.id)
