Semarang (07/05) – In an effort to realize its vision as a university with dignity and benefits, Universitas Diponegoro (Undip) continues to strengthen international collaboration. This aligns with Undip’s goal to not only achieve global recognition but also to make a tangible contribution to the surrounding community. Strengthening international collaboration is one of the strategic steps taken by Undip to achieve this vision.

On Friday, July 5, 2024, Universitas Diponegoro (Undip) and the European Union Embassy signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the Senate Meeting Room of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) at Undip Tembalang Campus. The event was attended by Prof. Dr. Roberto Tottoli, Rector of Universita Degli Studi Napoli l’Orientale (UNIOR) from Naples, Italy. Undip’s Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, and Cooperation, Wijayanto, S.IP., M.Si., Ph.D., who represented the Rector of Undip, along with the Dean of FISIP Undip, Dr. Drs. Teguh Yuwono, M.Pol.Admin., warmly welcomed Prof. Tottoli’s arrival.

In his remarks, Wijayanto stated that FISIP Undip was currently ranked 500+ in the world according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024: Social Sciences & Management. Wijayanto also emphasized the importance of improving this ranking through various international collaborations. Besides its achievements on the international stage, Undip also aims to be a university that benefits the surrounding community. This aligns with the Rector of Undip’s vision to alleviate poverty in Java, in line with his tagline “Undip Bermartabat dan Bermanfaat” (Undip Dignified and Useful).

He added that Undip was very keen on engaging in international collaboration, especially in the sectors of education, research, and community service. It is hoped that the signing of this MoU will open up greater opportunities for various mutually beneficial strategic collaborations.

Following the MoU signing, Prof. Roberto Tottoli also delivered a studium generale on “Islam and the Middle-East Studies in Europe: Historical and Contemporary Overview.” The stadium generale also featured Dr. Sos. Muhammad Adnan, MA., as a discussant. In his presentation, Prof. Tottoli reviewed the history of Islamic studies in Europe since the 12th century, including in Italy. He conveyed that currently, Islamic and Middle Eastern studies have developed rapidly with a research focus on contemporary social issues.

The signing of the MoU and the stadium generale demonstrate FISIP Undip’s commitment to continuously enhancing international collaboration in order to achieve Undip’s vision and mission as a university that not only excels globally but also provides tangible benefits to the surrounding community.