UNDIP, Semarang (20/5) – Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) is further strengthening its role in supporting the global sustainability agenda by holding the 2026 SDGs Center Summer Course entitled “Community-Based Waste Upcycling for New Resources” which will take place on May 5th–20th, 2026. This international program, which is being held for the first time by the UNDIP SDGs Center, is a space for cross-country collaboration in discussing sustainable waste management, circular economy, and community-based waste processing innovations.
The event received high enthusiasm from international participants. A total of 74 participants from 27 countries participated, consist of 13 from Indonesia and 61 international participants. From that number, only 20 attended in person in Semarang, while the others participated online from various countries.
Through this program, participants received comprehensive training on integrated waste management systems, the concept of a circular economy, and the global political and economic dynamics that influence waste management in various countries. In addition to online academic sessions, participants attending in-person in Semarang City also explored various community-based waste management practices and modern waste processing technologies developing in Indonesia.
One of the main agenda items of this activity was a visit to the UNDIP Integrated Waste Processing Facility (TPST). There, participants observed firsthand the application of pyrolysis technology, which converts waste into valuable products, as well as a maggot cultivation system used to accelerate organic waste processing. This activity provided practical experience on how research-based innovation can be applied to support sustainable environmental management.
Participants also conducted a site visit to Kemudo Village, Klaten Regency, to learn about community-based waste management practices already in place at the village level. During the visit, they observed how community collaboration can build an effective waste management system while simultaneously providing economic and social benefits to residents.
As part of the program evaluation, all participants presented their final projects, consisting of innovative ideas and solutions related to community-based waste management, in a final pitch session. It is hoped that the resulting ideas can inspire and be implemented in their respective countries as solutions to the increasingly complex global waste problem.
The Head of the UNDIP SDGs Center, Prof. Bulan Prabawani, said that this program is a concrete form of UNDIP’s commitment to supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through education, research, and community service.
“This program is expected to become a strategic platform to strengthen international collaboration and encourage the development of sustainable innovation in the future,” he said.
Through this international Summer Course, UNDIP not only serves as a hub for global knowledge exchange but also introduces participants from various countries to innovative waste management practices emerging in Indonesia. This activity also reinforces UNDIP’s commitment to building an international academic network and delivering innovations that have a real impact on society and the environment, in line with the spirit of “Noble and Valuable UNDIP.” (Public Communications/SDGs Team)