Semarang – Josue Willian Alwyn, a student of the Environmental Science Study Program, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES), expanded his international experience through an internship at the National Directorate of Climate Change of Timor-Leste in January 2025, followed by his participation in the ASEAN Youth Economic Forum (AYEF) 2025 held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in February 2025. These activities reflect FMIPA UNNES’s commitment to strengthening international collaboration, enhancing students’ global competencies, and supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
During his internship at the National Directorate of Climate Change of Timor-Leste, Josue was responsible for entering physical data for the Integrated Vulnerability Assessment (IVA) and preparing a draft IVA report on community vulnerability to climate change and disaster risks. The data formed an essential component of the national database used to assess community vulnerability and support evidence-based climate change adaptation planning and policymaking in Timor-Leste.
Through this initiative, FMIPA UNNES actively participates in international collaboration to collect and manage data that support the achievement of the SDGs, particularly data related to community vulnerability to climate change, disaster risk, and regional resilience. The student’s involvement in developing the Integrated Vulnerability Assessment (IVA) demonstrates the faculty’s tangible contribution to generating scientific data that serve as a foundation for climate change adaptation policies at the international level.
Following the completion of his internship, Josue participated in the ASEAN Youth Economic Forum (AYEF) 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The prestigious forum, jointly organized by the ASEAN–Mekong Economic Cooperation Institute (AMEICC) and the ASEAN Youth Organization (AYO), was held under the theme “Climate Change and Building a Climate-Resilient Economy.” The forum brought together young leaders from across ASEAN to exchange ideas, experiences, and innovative solutions for building resilient and sustainable economies in response to the challenges posed by climate change.
Through his internship in Timor-Leste and participation in AYEF 2025, FMIPA UNNES has further strengthened international collaboration and learning by reviewing comparative approaches and adopting international best practices in addressing climate change and sustainable development. The exchange of knowledge with the Government of Timor-Leste and youth representatives from ASEAN countries provided valuable insights into climate change adaptation strategies, vulnerability assessment methodologies, and climate-resilient economic development, which can be applied to enhance education, research, and community engagement activities at UNNES.
This initiative contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action) through strengthening capacity in climate change adaptation and community vulnerability assessment, SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through international collaboration with the National Directorate of Climate Change of Timor-Leste and ASEAN youth networks, SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by promoting community resilience to disaster risks, and SDG 4 (Quality Education) by enriching students’ global learning experiences and competencies in environmental sustainability.
