Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) remains steadfast in its commitment to enhancing the quality of international education and research as part of its vision to become a World-Class University. In line with this commitment, UNNES participated in the Joint Working Group (JWG) Indonesia-France 2024, held from Tuesday to Friday (July 2-5) at Universitas Negeri Surabaya (Unesa), East Java.
The Joint Working Group (JWG) Indonesia-France is an annual event aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries in the fields of higher education and research. Under the theme “Fostering Indonesia-French Higher Education, Research, and Innovation Partnerships for an Advanced and Sustainable Future,” the event seeks to foster closer collaboration between universities in both nations. This includes student and staff exchanges, joint research programs, and the development of teaching methodologies.
Assistant Professor Lulu April Farida, Head of the International Affairs Office at UNNES, participated as a delegate from UNNES and actively engaged in discussions on various topics, including information technology, natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. UNNES also showcased several of its flagship products with high development potential at a booth themed “Conservation Fashion towards Global Reputation.”
In addition to formal discussions and high-level meetings, the event featured other activities designed to expand participants’ professional networks through informal sessions such as booth visits and speed dating. These activities provided extensive opportunities for exhibitors to establish networking and partnerships, forming strategic collaborations that support further cooperation and development in the field of education.
Prof. S. Martono, M.Si, Rector of UNNES, stated that UNNES’s participation in the JWG is a step towards solidifying its position as a globally competitive higher education institution.
“We believe that international collaboration through the JWG opens opportunities for students and academic staff to develop themselves and make tangible contributions to the advancement of science and technology,” said Prof. Martono.
Currently, UNNES has established various collaborations with partners from France, including the French Literature Program with Laborate LAIRDIL France, and the French Language Education Program with Institut Français Indonesia, Inalco Paris, and Université de Nantes. In addition to these institutions, UNNES is also expanding its partnerships with Université de La Rochelle in areas such as student exchange, internships, faculty exchange, research project collaboration, international conferences, and summer courses.
UNNES’s participation in the Indonesia-France JWG is expected to yield a number of concrete initiatives that can be implemented in the near future. This collaboration is anticipated not only to enhance the quality of education and research at UNNES but also to contribute to strengthening the long-term bilateral relations between Indonesia and France.
