The National Student Leader on Sustainability Meeting (NSLSM) 2025, organized by UI GreenMetric, was held over three inspiring and meaningful days, bringing together young leaders from universities across Indonesia. The event served as a collaborative platform for student representatives to strengthen their commitment to sustainable development and share innovative solutions for environmental challenges.
The series of activities began with a mangrove planting initiative along the coastal area, symbolizing both ecological restoration and the collective hope for a sustainable future. Through this activity, participants were not only planting trees but also nurturing awareness and responsibility toward preserving Indonesia’s coastal ecosystems. The event highlighted the importance of action-based learning in fostering environmental stewardship among young leaders, emphasizing that sustainability begins with small, tangible steps.
On the second day, participants engaged in a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) featuring speakers from UI GreenMetric, the SDGs Center, PDAM, and several environmental organizations. The session explored key issues such as natural resource management, sustainable energy, and the role of universities in achieving green campus initiatives. The discussion encouraged dynamic exchanges of ideas, resulting in innovative strategies and collaborative frameworks that universities could adapt within their respective institutions. This intellectual dialogue reinforced the importance of education and interdisciplinary collaboration in driving sustainability transitions.
The final day featured Green Group Discussions (GGD), where participants were divided into regional clusters to develop practical solutions addressing local environmental issues. The Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) delegation, representing East Java Region alongside Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS), presented an innovative proposal titled “Community-Based Waste Management Movement Toward a Circular Ecosystem.” This concept focused on educational empowerment and community participation in establishing an inclusive and sustainable waste management system. The initiative combined environmental awareness, circular economy principles, and grassroots engagement to encourage responsible waste behavior within local communities.
Thanks to this forward-thinking innovation, Universitas Airlangga was awarded First Place at NSLSM 2025, marking a proud achievement for the institution. This victory reflects UNAIR’s active contribution to promoting sustainability and its students’ dedication to advancing environmental consciousness. More than just a recognition, the accomplishment stands as a reminder that even small acts—such as planting a single mangrove seedling or rethinking waste management—can create lasting impacts toward a greener and more sustainable future.
Through participation in NSLSM 2025, Universitas Airlangga reaffirmed its position as a leader in sustainable campus initiatives, showcasing that collective action, collaboration, and innovation among students are essential in shaping Indonesia’s environmental legacy. The spirit of the event not only inspired participants but also strengthened the national movement toward sustainability led by the country’s young generation.
