ITS Campus, ITS News — Demonstrating its presence on the global stage, the Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS) officially hosted the 26th Meeting of the Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS) Coordinating Council. The international partner meeting, which will be followed by the COMSATS-ITS Conference, will last for three days, starting Monday (June 8).
Through the COMSATS organization, this activity is an effort to encourage the design of science and technology-based solutions. This supports sustainable socio-economic development, particularly in strengthening cooperation between developing countries and the Global South.
This prestigious meeting brought together delegates from 27 member countries, discussing the theme of Emerging Technologies for Sustainable Development. As the only Indonesian university participating, ITS’s hosting privileges represent a strategic opportunity for Indonesia to position itself in international science diplomacy.
In his opening remarks, ITS Rector Prof. Dr. (HC) Ir. Bambang Pramujati, ST, MScEng, PhD., emphasized that the role of the official Center of Excellence in the COMSATS network can open up opportunities for ITS to play a role in cross-border research and technology development collaboration. “With the integration of cutting-edge technology, we (ITS) are interested in strengthening the potential for research collaboration, sharing ideas as real solutions for our community (Global South),” said Bambang.
The ITS Professor of Mechanical Engineering is optimistic about the research ecosystem that has been established, believing ITS can play an active role in cross-border technological collaboration that is applicable, impactful, and sustainable. COMSATS Executive Director Dr. Mohammad Nafees Zakaria agrees. He believes investment in research and development is key to progress for developing countries.
Nafees highlighted how artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, nanotechnology, and quantum computing have developed massively. He wants member states to develop technologies together, share them, and contribute solutions to local challenges. “This way, COMSATS countries can advance rapidly and collectively without leaving anyone behind,” stressed the man who also serves as Ambassador to Pakistan.
Ye Su, the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in Surabaya, also provided support. He stated that his office is committed to facilitating talent exchange and mutually beneficial research collaboration. “As government representatives, we are ready to encourage synergy from the regional to university levels to strengthen the science and technology ecosystem among COMSATS member countries,” he said.
The first Coordinating Council session held in Indonesia, this year’s meeting will evaluate the organization’s activity report for 2024–2026. It will also present research achievements from 25 Centers of Excellence, establish new leadership, and establish the organization’s strategic agenda. The forum will also finalize crucial initiatives such as the development of an ISO-compliant Nano Tech Lab, an electric vehicle program, and strengthening funding mechanisms through the Endowment Fund.
The COMSATS–ITS Conference, the final international conference in the series, will be held on Wednesday, June 10. Fauzan Adziman, ST, MEng, PhD, Director General of Research and Development (Dirjen Risbang) of the Indonesian Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek), will also attend this event on Tuesday, June 9.
The session reflected the diversity of the COMSATS network, including the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) at the University of Karachi, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU), the Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology (TIB), and the Alliance of National and International Science Organizations for the Belt and Road Regions (ANSO) as observers.
In addition, representatives from other southern countries were also present, including the Higher Institute for Applied Sciences and Technology (HIAST) in Damascus and the Industrial Technology Institute (ITI) in Colombo. The United States and South Africa were represented by Jamaica, represented by the International Centre for Environmental and Nuclear Sciences (ICENS) at the University of the West Indies. Nigeria was represented by the National Mathematical Centre (NMC) in Abuja.
Through this synergy, ITS hopes to encourage downstream innovation while strengthening the global research collaboration ecosystem relevant to societal needs. This initiative aligns with the conference’s overarching theme of leveraging cutting-edge technology as a sustainable solution to the challenges of digital transformation and global energy security.
This activity is expected to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), starting from point 4 on Quality Education and point 9 on Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. Furthermore, each innovation is expected to address the challenges of SDGs point 10 on Reducing Inequality, as well as point 16 on Peace, Justice, and Resilient Institutions. SDG efforts are also realized through point 17 on Partnerships to Achieve the Goals. (ITS Public Relations)
Reporter: Syifa Rahmadina
Translator: Devinka Mutianeira