Semarang, 15 July 2025 — The SDGs Center – Institute for Research and Community Services (LPPM) at Universitas Diponegoro proudly hosted the International Webinar: Undip Sustainability Talks #6, with the theme “Circular Economy Innovation in Higher Education Institutions.” The event, held on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, brought together thought leaders, academics, students, and industry stakeholders in a dynamic discussion about the growing role of circular economy principles in the transformation of campuses and industries across Southeast Asia.
With over 270 registrants from universities, businesses, NGOs, and public institutions across Indonesia and beyond, the webinar served as a platform for exchanging insights, sharing best practices, and fostering collaborative actions toward sustainability.
The event was officially opened by Wijayanto, S.IP., M.Si., Ph.D., Vice-Rector IV for Research, Innovation, Cooperation, and Public Communication, on behalf of Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si., Rector of Universitas Diponegoro.
In the first keynote session, Suzanna Pomeroy from Circular Cities Asia delivered a presentation titled “Youth-Driven Urban Circularity: Building Local Impact Through Storytelling and System Innovation.” She introduced the Circular Campus Programme x UNDIP, a regional initiative designed to empower students as changemakers through circular economy education. The program involves three structured phases: Problem Discovery, Ideating Solutions, and Solutions Development. Since 2021, it has engaged more than 6,000 students, generated over 300 startup ideas, and incubated 15 impactful solutions, including river filtration technologies and cycling campaigns in Southeast Asia.
Next, Roleen Gail Sevillena, also from Circular Cities Asia, presented “Introduction of Circular Economy and Its Relevance in the Southeast Asia Region.” She emphasized that the circular economy offers a regenerative model that reduces resource extraction, retains product value, and restores ecosystems. In the context of Southeast Asia, challenges such as limited infrastructure, fossil fuel dependency, and lack of awareness persist, but they also present opportunities for cross-sectoral collaboration. Her stakeholder mapping illustrated the critical roles of governments, civil society, academia, local communities, and private industries in driving systemic circular transitions.
The third speaker, Prof. Dr. Ir. Purwanto, DEA, a professor at the Faculty of Engineering UNDIP, addressed the theme “Circular Economy Meets Green Industry: Strengthening Business Models Through Environmental and Sustainability Innovation.” He highlighted the urgency of transitioning away from fossil fuel dependency to achieve Net Zero Emission (NZE) and proposed the Green Industry approach. By integrating tools like green chemistry, cleaner production, and life cycle analysis, industries can evolve into resource-efficient, low-carbon, and low-waste systems. Prof. Purwanto also discussed the shift from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0, where human-centric innovation meets ecological responsibility, setting a new standard for sustainable industrial development.
The webinar was expertly moderated by Ir. Ganjar Samudro, S.T., M.T., Ph.D., a lecturer at the Faculty of Engineering UNDIP, who guided the discussions and interactive Q\&A sessions.
To close the event, Dessy Ariyanti, Ph.D., on behalf of Prof. Denny Nugroho Sugianto, Head of the SDGs Center UNDIP, delivered the closing remarks and presented certificates of appreciation to all speakers and the moderator.
This Undip Sustainability Talks #6 reaffirmed SDGs Center Universitas Diponegoro commitment to advancing sustainability through academic collaboration, community engagement, and global partnerships. As the circular economy continues to shape the future of education and industry, initiatives like this play a critical role in accelerating Southeast Asia’s transition toward a more inclusive, innovative, and regenerative future.
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