Viadrina students discuss the education system of the future in Indonesia

What can inclusive, innovative and sustainable education look like that empowers young people? This question was the focus of the conference organised by UNPAR - a Viadrina partner university within the International Network of Universities (INU). Among the more than 300 students from around 60 countries were Viadrina students Tom Sauer and Awanish Srivastava as well as Niki Kasis from Viadrina's Center for Teaching and Learning, who led a workshop on the complexity of university learning spaces as part of the conference.

In addition to the opportunity to travel to Indonesia and exchange ideas with many international students and lecturers, the topic of the meeting was a decisive factor in Tom Sauer's decision to attend. "We, the youth, are the ones who will have to deal with the multiple crises in the future," he says. It is therefore an urgent task for politicians to scrutinise the current education system and be open to reform in order to enable young people to empower themselves. It often seems as if individuals can hardly contribute anything to such important issues as the reform of the education system. "But in this respect, my perspective has really changed as a result of attending the International Student Conference," says Tom Sauer, who is studying Recht und Politik / Politik und Recht in his third semester at the Viadrina. In addition to the insights provided by lectures and workshops, the perspectives of students from all over the world play a major role for him. "The question of what our education will look like is ultimately in our hands. Personally, I have the feeling that we were really listened to at the ISC," he says, describing his impression.

For example, at the final model session of the Inter-Parliamentary Assembly of Southeast Asian States (AIPA), a resolution by Tom Sauer on inclusive digitalisation was selected as the basis for negotiations. "It's incredibly exciting, fulfilling and motivating when you realise that your own ideas are being taken seriously and discussed at a high level," he says. The simulated meeting, in which he represented the delegation from Singapore and also took on the role of Vice President, was the most impressive experience of the trip for him. Awanish Srivastava, who is studying Digital Entrepreneurship and is a Student Ambassador in the ERUA network, was also impressed by the model meeting. A meeting with the Secretary General of AIPA, Siti Rozaimeriyanty Dato Haji Abdul Rahman, was particularly inspiring. He was grateful for this "transformative experience where I had the privilege of working with brilliant speakers, students and visionary leaders". The discussions, cultural explorations and new friendships formed will be enriching in the long term. "This experience strengthens me in my commitment to a better future through more collaboration," says Awanish Srivastava.

In addition to the professional exchange, the programme of the eventful week also included numerous opportunities to get to know Indonesian culture. Among other things, the students took part in a language course, learned about organic farming - including a planting campaign - observed how fabrics are traditionally dyed and printed and visited a cultural centre including musical performances.

Frauke Adesiyan