On 2 December, the Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies (GSGES) held the ‘Kyoto University International Symposium 2025 on Education and Research in Global Environmental Studies in Asia’ at IPB University in Bogor, Indonesia in a hybrid format with on-site and Zoom participation.
With the theme “Improving Sustainable Food Systems and Livelihoods”, the event aimed to foster discussion on methodologies and perspectives for sustainable food systems and livelihoods in Asia, and to promote the international development of education and research between Kyoto University and its partner universities.
The main program consisted of keynote speeches, a poster session with oral presentations, a panel discussion, and an international research project session. A total of 353 participants — researchers, students, and private-sector representatives — attended from 91 organizations across 27 countries in Asia, Europe, Africa, and the United States.
The symposium commenced with remarks from GSGES Dean Chihiro Tanaka, and IPB University Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, and Agromaritime Development Ernan Rustiadi. Keynote speeches were then given by GSGES Vice Dean Izuru Saizen, IPB University Vice Rector Ernan Rustiadi, and Kyoto University ASEAN Center Director Eiji Nawata. These were followed by a poster session featuring 62 research presentations.
Afterwards, early-career researchers and students presented posters related to three topics: (1) Environmental Sciences and Ecosystems, (2) Technologies and Innovations for Sustainability, and (3) Socio-Economics, Policy, Education and Livelihoods. The presenters later took part in Q&A sessions, which fostered vibrant and diverse discussions.
The afternoon began with a panel discussion, which brought together representatives from Kyoto University, IPB University, Bandung Institute of Technology, the Royal University of Agriculture, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, the University of Danang – University of Science and Technology, Hue University of Agriculture and Forestry, and Hue University of Sciences. A session highlighting international research projects was then held with an overview and presentations on the eight projects launched this fiscal year.
The final segment featured a Best Poster Award ceremony, followed by closing remarks from Professor Yasuyuki Kono, Kyoto University’s vice-president for international strategy, and Professor Iskandar Z Siregar, IPB University’s vice rector for global connectivity, cooperation, and alumni.
The program concluded with a welcome message and an invitation to the next symposium, delivered by Vice Dean Nguyen Thi Anh Tuyet of Hanoi University of Science and Technology, which will serve as the host institution.
The symposium effectively served as a platform for strengthening interdisciplinary and international networks, improving educational curricula, and advancing international collaborative research. It also provided a valuable opportunity for early-career researchers to gain new perspectives through research presentations and networking, laying the groundwork for cooperation toward a sustainable future.
GSGES Dean Tanaka welcoming the participants
IPB Vice Rector Ernan Rustiadi welcoming the participants
GSGES Vice Dean Saizen delivering his keynote speech
Award ceremony for best posters
Kyoto University Vice President Kono delivering his closing remarks
On-site participants at IPB
AloJapan.com