Semarang (19/03) – Universitas Diponegoro received a significant visit from the Delegation of the European Union for Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam in an event titled “Sharing Session: European Union, a brief introduction,” aimed at initiating collaboration between institutions. The visit, held today on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, marks a crucial moment in exploring potential partnerships between Universitas Diponegoro and the European Union.

The event, held in the Senate Meeting Room of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) of Universitas Diponegoro (Undip), was warmly welcomed by the Dean of FISIP Undip, Dr Drs. Teguh Yuwono, M.Pol.Admin. Also present at the event were the Head of the International Office of Undip, Anggun Puspitarini Siswanto, S.T., Ph.D., as well as various relevant parties from FISIP Undip, including Heads of Department and Study Program, as well as Study Program Secretaries within FISIP Undip. Representatives of lecturers and students from the undergraduate program of International Relations of FISIP Undip also attended.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Teguh Yuwono highlighted Universitas Diponegoro’s efforts in enhancing international relations, connections, and the internationalization process. He welcomed the visit from the European Delegation and expressed hope that it would create more opportunities and enhance knowledge about Europe for the academic community of Undip.

One of the key points conveyed during this event came from Mr. Stéphane Mechati, the Delegation of the European Union for Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam. He provided an in-depth overview of the mission and philosophy of the European Union, highlighting the integration process, foreign policies, and challenges faced by the European Union in maintaining consistency and unity in policies as well as the high standards and values upheld.

The event also facilitated interactive discussions between lecturers, students, and representatives of the European Union Delegation, allowing participants to ask questions and engage further on policies, values, and challenges faced by the European Union.

The activity concluded with further exploration of collaboration between the Department of International Relations, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Diponegoro (Undip), and the delegation from the European Union (EU), marking a potential initial step towards closer cooperation in the future. Several discussion points include joint research collaboration, lecturing exchange, as well as curriculum and course development related to global issues such as human rights, diplomacy, and international law.

This visit also sparked interest from both parties to organize various activities such as Summer Courses, Hybrid Discussions, and laboratory initiatives focusing on trans-colonialized science, diplomacy, and other global issues.

The visit of the European Union Delegation for Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam provides significant momentum for Universitas Diponegoro in developing international connections and enhancing understanding of the European Union within the academic environment. It is hoped that the collaboration initiated on this occasion will bring sustainable benefits to both parties.

Contributor: Inayah