The Faculty of Languages and Arts, Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES), organized the 2nd International Conference on Excellence in Language, Literature, and the Arts (ICoELLA) 2025, held virtually on Saturday (September 27, 2025). Carrying the theme “Excellence in Language, Literature, and the Arts Towards Education and Sustainable Development,” the conference highlighted the contributions of language, literature, arts, and education in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In his opening remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Languages and Arts (FBS) UNNES, Prof. Dr. Tommi Yuniawan, M.Hum., emphasized the strategic role of universities as key actors in addressing global challenges through the production and dissemination of knowledge rooted in local needs while maintaining a global perspective.
“Commitment to the SDGs is not merely a matter of formal compliance, but rather a genuine integration into the institution’s strategic plan, spanning curriculum, research, and community service. FBS UNNES positions itself as a model of a sustainable campus culture, in line with UNNES’s conservation vision,” stated Prof. Tommi in his remarks, delivered by Vice Dean II, Dr. Muhamad Burhanudin.
Prof. Tommi presented five directions of contribution from FBS UNNES, including (1) the integration of the SDGs into the OBE 2025 curriculum which emphasizes impactful campuses, digital-humanitarian literacy, entrepreneurship, and character education; (2) inter/multidisciplinary research on socio-cultural-environmental themes with funding support from the FBS DIPA, UNNES DIPA, DPPM, and international institutions; (3) community service based on empowerment and culture, including the preservation of local traditions, sustainable arts, and the strengthening of community literacy; (4) internationalization and global networking through student exchanges, international classes, joint publications, and guest lecturers; (5) green campus and sustainable culture through the digitalization of academic services and arts-cultural practices that carry socio-ecological values.
The Dean also highlighted the strengthening of cross-national collaboration. “FBS UNNES is developing partnerships at the local, national, and international levels, including cooperation with universities in Australia since 2023, DODIS, and various NGOs, to expand the impact of research, publications, and learning,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Chair of the ICoELLA 2025 Committee, Dr. Eko Sugiarto, emphasized the role of the humanities in nurturing empathy and cross-cultural understanding. “Language, literature, arts, and education are not only media of expression, but also strategic instruments of education for sustainability, encouraging critical thinking, cultural awareness, and ethical sensitivity in facing global challenges,” he said.
ICoELLA 2025 presented invited speakers: Prof. Hitoshi Nakata (Osaka University, Japan), Dr. Marzelan bin Salleh (University of Malaya, Malaysia), Prof. Dr. Yusro Edy Nugroho, M.Hum. (UNNES, Indonesia), and Prof. Dr. Ignatius Bambang Sugiharto (Parahyangan University, Indonesia). In addition to plenary sessions, the conference organized parallel sessions covering topics: (a) Language Education for the SDGs; (b) Literature & Arts as Social–Environmental Advocacy; (c) Integration of Arts in Holistic Education; (d) Preservation of Languages & Oral Traditions; (e) Digital Literacy & Creative Expression; (f) Interdisciplinary Approaches in the Teaching of Language, Literature, and Arts.
ICoELLA 2025 was organized by FBS UNNES as an international academic platform focusing on the role of language, literature, arts, and education in promoting sustainable human development. (DHZ)
Translated by Dafele Arozal/Student Staff FBS UNNES
