SDGs NEWS - In its ongoing commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) beyond campus boundaries, Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) actively implements community outreach programmes that promote inclusive education, economic empowerment, and environmental resilience. These initiatives demonstrate UNAIR’s dedication to translating academic knowledge into practical, sustainable benefits for society, both locally and internationally.
Empowering Communities Through International Collaboration
Through the World University Association for Community Development (WUACD), Universitas Airlangga expanded its global engagement by leading the International Community Development Programme in Timor Leste, in collaboration with Universidade Nacional Timor Lorosa’e and Federation University, Australia.
The programme focused on enhancing economic literacy and community self-reliance, involving 100 participants, including students and local residents. A series of workshops and practical training sessions covered diverse themes such as clean water treatment using membrane technology, livestock health to support food security, and energy efficiency for sustainable livelihoods.
By empowering communities with both technical and entrepreneurial knowledge, this initiative supports SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). It also exemplifies UNAIR’s mission to foster collaboration between academia and local societies to achieve equitable development in Southeast Asia.
Promoting Water Security and Environmental Sustainability in Rural Communities
At the national level, the Alumni Association of Internal Medicine (IKA IPD UNAIR) collaborated with the Tulungagung Regency Government to implement the AMERTA Programme (Freedom Action for Water and Plants for Nature) in Tenggarejo Village, East Java.
Responding to the region’s recurring drought and water scarcity, the initiative focused on constructing a deep borehole well to provide sustainable access to clean water for approximately 140 households. Beyond immediate relief, AMERTA promotes long-term community resilience, water conservation, and environmental stewardship, aligning with SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
This partnership reflects UNAIR’s holistic approach to community empowerment integrating health, environment, and social welfare to build stronger, more sustainable rural communities.