UAD and MSU Philippines Organize Learning Session and MoU Signing for Cross-National Collaboration

Yogyakarta, June 20, 2025 – Universitas Ahmad Dahlan (UAD) continues to demonstrate its commitment to building global networks. This time, through the Office of Partnerships and International Affairs (KKUI), UAD hosted an official visit from Mindanao State University (MSU) Maguindanao, Philippines, under the theme “Women, Peace, and Security (WPS).”

Far beyond a ceremonial formality, the warm meeting held in the West Glass Room, 10th Floor of UAD Main Building, Campus IV, marked a pivotal moment for both institutions as they signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) – a first step toward international collaboration in education, research, and student capacity development.

In his opening remarks, UAD’s Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Prof. Ir. Sunardi, S.T., M.T., Ph.D., emphasized the importance of international synergy that prioritizes humanitarian values. “We greatly welcome this partnership. We hope UAD and MSU will continue to collaborate in impactful programs that advance education and promote women’s participation in peacebuilding,” he stated.

This sentiment was echoed by Dr. Arceli B. Naraga, MSU’s Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development, who highlighted the strategic nature of the partnership in strengthening international networks and enhancing women’s contributions to peace and sustainable development. “We hope this collaboration will not end with the signing of the MoU, but will evolve into concrete actions with wide-reaching impact, especially in advancing education and gender issues in Southeast Asia,” she expressed.

The visiting delegation, comprising 27 representatives from MSU, included university leaders as well as representatives from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) for the Philippines, the British Embassy, and the Bangsamoro Women Academy. Beyond the MoU signing, the event also featured an engaging learning session centered on the Women, Peace, and Security theme.

This session featured prominent gender scholars and practitioners from Universitas Ahmad Dahlan, including, Rosyidah, S.E., M.Kes., Ph.D. (Dean of the Faculty of Public Health), Ariati Dina Puspitasari, S.Si., M.Pd. (Chair of Central Leadership of Nasyiatul ‘Aisyiyah), Dr. Tri Wahyuni Sukesi, S.Si., M.P.H. (Chair of UAD’s Gender-Based Violence Prevention Task Force), Khusnul Hidayah, S.E., S.Ag., M.Si. (Head of UAD’s Center for Gender Studies).

The open and empathetic discussion offered fresh perspectives on how women can become central agents in conflict resolution and sustainable development.

Looking ahead, UAD and MSU have agreed to develop a range of concrete initiatives, including: interdisciplinary collaborative research, faculty and student exchange programs, and strengthened academic capacity through international immersion programs rooted in the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) framework.

More than a formal institutional agenda, this meeting between UAD and MSU serves as a reminder that a university is not merely a place of learning—it is a space for ideas, action, and transformation. Through the overarching theme of Women, Peace, and Security, this collaboration stands as a shared commitment to shaping a more inclusive, peaceful, and gender-just future for Southeast Asia.