Jakarta, 20 November– BINUS Festival International Seminar 2025 returns this semester across campuses in the Greater Jakarta area, Bandung, Semarang, Malang, and the newly Medan campus. Carrying the theme “Youth Leadership for Ethical Innovation and Global Sustainability,” the seminar series emphasize the importance of youth leadership in driving ethical innovation and accelerating sustainable global development. 

At BINUS University, we are committed to preparing future-ready graduates by cultivating their creativity, adaptability, digital capabilities, and global awareness. Through BINUS Festival we bring this commitment to life by providing our academic community, especially our students, with opportunities to learn directly from international experts, industry professionals, and leaders from various fields, broadening their perspectives and enriching their global learning experience. 

(Photo Credit: Mufti Warits)

“It’s an honor for us to welcome His Excellency Luis Guillermo Arellano Jibaja, Ambassador of Ecuador to Indonesia, and His Excellency Niokos Payiotou, Ambassador of Cyprus to Indonesia, to our BINUS Festival International Seminar sessions at Anggrek Campus. Your presence reflects our shared commitment to deepen bilateral relations between our nations, particularly in areas of education, cultural exchange, and youth empowerment,” stated Prof. Juneman Abraham, our Vice-Rector for Research and Technology Transfer. 

Engaging with global leaders such as the Ambassadors of Ecuador and Cyprus gives students the opportunity to learn from their diplomatic experience and the national strengths they represent, including advancements in innovation and ICT (Information and Communication Technology). These insights show how young people can play an active role in developing responsible and future-oriented solutions to address global challenges in today’s digital age. 

(Photo Credit: Mufti Warits)

“It is important for us to carefully assess our key priorities, especially when it comes to youth development, and ensure that both private and public sectors work together in addressing these needs. For young people, do not lose sight of our cultural heritage, because it is this identity that will ground your values, shape your leadership, and inspire you to drive innovation across different sectors,” expressed His Excellency Guillermo after sharing Ecuadorian culture and tradition to our students. 

As the dialogue shifted to broader global contexts, the afternoon session featured insights from His Excellency Niokos, who discussed Cyprus’s advanced innovation and ICT capabilities and its strategic position connecting Europe, the Middle East, and Africa areas that may be new to many within our academic community. 

(Photo Credit: Mufti Warits)

“The Embassy of Cyprus in Indonesia is actively building collaborations with a range of partners to strengthen the relationship between our two countries. A key foundation of these efforts is youth development, as we believe young people play a vital role in shaping future cooperation. Higher education institutions like BINUS University are essential in this process, particularly through student and faculty engagement in technology, research, and innovation. These collaborations have the potential to create real impact for communities in both countries,” added His Excellency Niokos. 

(Photo Credit: Mufti Warits)

It is encouraging to witness such strong support for youth development, reinforcing the idea that young people are central to shaping future innovation and international partnerships.  

(Photo Editor: Mufti Warits)

As a final note, the seminar series also features experts from Agate International, Mattel Indonesia, Asia University, Cytokine Elsevier, the Australian Embassy, and the British Council Indonesia, offering insights on today’s challenges and future opportunities to strengthen youth leadership in innovation. Through these engagements, we deepen our internationalization-at-home efforts and broaden global perspectives for our academic community. 

 (Words by Mita Adhisti/Editor: Hamzah Ramadhan)