The School of Vocational Studies at Universitas Padjadjaran strengthened its international presence by participating in the Alliance of Environment Deans 2025 Annual Conference and the Fifth Dean’s Forum of Environment Schools, held from November 7 to 10, 2025, at Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology (XAUAT), China. This prestigious annual gathering brought together leaders, scholars, and researchers from more than twenty institutions worldwide, creating a dynamic environment for exchanging ideas on sustainability, environmental governance, technological innovation, and the future of environmental education. As global challenges related to climate change, waste management, food security, and rapid urbanisation continue to intensify, the conference served as a strategic arena for universities to explore solutions and build long-term academic alliances collectively.
During the event, the School of Vocational Studies at Universitas Padjadjaran formally signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with the Alliance of Environment Deans, marking a significant milestone in the school’s ongoing commitment to international collaboration and applied environmental research. The LOI signifies Unpad’s readiness to engage in cooperative initiatives such as joint academic programs, short courses, student and faculty exchanges, collaborative applied research, and capacity-building activities focused on vocational and industry-based environmental innovation. The signing also positions Unpad as an active member within a growing network of global institutions dedicated to advancing sustainable development through education and research.
Representing the Vocational School, Dwi Novanda Sari, M.Sc., participated as one of the invited speakers, presenting insights on applied vocational education, industry collaboration, and the school’s efforts to integrate sustainability principles into teaching and learning. Her presentation highlighted Unpad’s commitment to developing future-ready graduates equipped with technical skills, environmental awareness, and global competencies. The engagement generated strong interest from participating institutions and provided valuable visibility for Unpad within the international academic community.
Throughout the conference, the Unpad delegation took part in plenary discussions, institutional dialogues, and thematic roundtable sessions. These interactions opened opportunities for collaboration with several notable institutions, including Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology (China), Tongji University (China), Northeast A&F University (China), Kaunas University of Technology (Lithuania), Tribhuvan University (Nepal), the Institute of Technology of Cambodia, and universities from India, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, and Laos. Identified areas of collaboration include environmental engineering, green technology, agro-environmental systems, circular economy initiatives, applied research laboratories, co-teaching models, dual-degree feasibility studies, and community-based sustainability projects.
The School of Vocational Studies’ participation in this international forum not only enhanced its global visibility but also reinforced the school’s strategic role in promoting internationalization at Universitas Padjadjaran. The new partnerships and LOI signings are expected to translate into concrete academic initiatives beginning in 2026, supporting the development of innovative, industry-engaged, and globally connected applied learning ecosystems. This achievement significantly contributes to Unpad’s long-term vision of expanding high-impact global collaborations, enriching the student learning experience, and fostering research that addresses real-world challenges in environmental and sustainable development.
