On July 19, 2023, a significant event took place at Mie University in the Mie Prefecture, Japan. Dr. Mega Moeharyono Puteri, representing WUACD (World University Association for Community Development), and Dr. Gadis Meinar Sari, representing LPPM (Institute of Research and Community Service), both representatives of Universitas Airlangga, convened to discuss the collaboration between the two esteemed institutions. The main purpose of this visit is for Mie University and Universitas Airlangga to collaborate on academic exchange and academic activities. Notably, in attendance from Mie University were distinguished figures such as Prof. Hiroki Hori, the Dean of the Graduate School of Medicine; Prof. Satoshi Kaneko, the Director of the Center for International Education and Research; Prof. Tetsuya Kimura from the Graduate School of Bioresources; Prof. Susumu Tanimura from the Nursing Graduate School of Medicine; and Ms. Sofi Oktaviani, an International Student PhD candidate.

Mie University has gained recognition for developing and expanding its Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) initiatives by utilizing its advantages as a comprehensive university. At Mie University, there are four core activities: environmental education, multicultural education, world heritage education, and future heritage education. Through their exceptional and comprehensive world-class community-based education, Mie University pushes the “Forming Global Human Resources with an Environmental Mind” initiative. They contribute to global environmental concerns by utilizing their knowledge, expertise, and local resources.

The meeting between Mie University and Universitas Airlangga marked a pivotal step in establishing a collaborative relationship in fields where both institutions excel. The aspiration to designate Universitas Airlangga as Mie University’s first Indonesian sister school was expressed during the discussion. This meeting laid the groundwork for potential collaborations, including the upcoming WUACD Summer Program. Mie University warmly welcomed the prospect of student exchanges with Universitas Airlangga, with the potential of formalizing this partnership in the future.