Universitas Terbuka (UT) was appointed to host the ASEAN Higher Education Conference (AHEC) 2023 Communique Webinar Series #7. UT successfully held the AHEC 2023 Communique Webinar Series #7 online via Zoom and YouTube UT TV on July 19, 2023, from 15.00 – 17.00 Jakarta time. What was very spectacular was the number of participants who registered, exceeding 8,236 people from 32 countries, domestic and abroad. This figure exceeds the number of registrants in the previous series, which several State Universities held before this.

Climate Change Mitigation is the theme of the AHEC 2023 Communique Webinar Series #7. This webinar event was held collaboratively between the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology through the Council of Rectors of Indonesian State Universities (CRISU), Padjadjaran University (UNPAD), and UT.

This webinar discusses best practices that can assist higher education in the ASEAN region in increasing the resilience and sustainability of integrating digital transformation into academic and administrative systems. The speakers of the AHEC 2023 Communique Webinar Series #7 are experts from academia, government, and industry who are highly competent and experienced in their fields.

The first speaker is Prof. Dr. Agung Dhamar Syakti, S.Pi., DEA, as Rector of Raja Ali Haji Maritime University – Indonesia with the title: “Government role in mitigating rising sea level: Insight from the higher education community.” Prof. Agung conveyed, “Campus must regularly speak to government officials around the world to understand climate change mitigation.”

The second speaker is the His Excellency Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda Bin Haji Abdul Rasyid – Minister of Development, Brunei Darussalam, with the title “Government’s role in addressing disaster hazards caused by rising sea level.” In his presentation, Minister Juanda explained, “Collaboration among stakeholders is essential to prepare for the inevitable impact of sea level.”

The third speaker is Prof. Pongruk Sribanditmongkol, M.D., Ph.D. – President of Chiang Mai University, Thailand, with the title, “Higher education perspective for addressing the rise of sea level (Enhancing Quality Assurance).” Prof. Pongruk suggested, “Each educational institution has its unique responsibilities. We must not only teach students about the reality of climate change but make them role models for our societies in combating climate change.”

The fourth speaker is Dr. Mie Mie Khin – Rector of University of Computer Studies, Yangon, Myanmar, titled “Sustainable approaches for managing natural disaster-based GIS (In Supporting Mobility).” In the presentation session, Dr. Khin explained the importance of suitable reforestation to prevent landslides and natural disasters.

The fifth speaker is Dr. Bandung Sahari – Executive Vice President for Sustainability of PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk – Indonesia, with the title “Private sector roles in supporting the government in tackling hazards caused by natural disasters.” As the final speaker, Dr. Bandung explained, “Three majors concern in association with the climate adaptation/risk: peatland management, fire prevention, and water management.”

One more thing that is different from the previous series, AHEC 2023 Communique Webinar Series # 7 presents Agata Tantri Atmaja M.P. as the MC who are None Jakarta 2010, and Chrissy Fransisca Olivyana Rugi, M.Sc. who is Miss Indonesia-Banten 2022 which adds to the liveliness of the activity.

Discussing the theme of Climate Change Mitigation is important for overcoming the negative impacts of climate change, protecting human health and safety, promoting economic stability, and fostering international cooperation. By discussing and implementing climate change mitigation measures, we can work towards a more sustainable future for ourselves and future generations. The event was closed with the announcement of 3 (three) winners by filling out the activity feedback form.