Mataram, University of Mataram – University of Mataram (Unram) hosted the 19th Islands of the World Conference, which took place from June 25 to 29, 2024. This event carries the theme “Islands and Resilience: Global Opportunities” with sub-themes covering climate change, island governance, blue economy, island culture, island networks and digital ecosystems, and island and small state development.

 

The conference was attended by 131 presenters and a total of 270 participants from 28 countries, who will discuss various important issues regarding island resilience. The event was opened with remarks from several important figures, including the Rector of Unram, Prof. Ir. Bambang Hari Kusumo, M.Agr.St., Ph.D., who expressed his honor to host this prestigious conference.

 

“As rector of this university, I am honored. The University of Mataram is proud to host this prestigious gathering of intellectuals, practitioners and policy makers from around the world on issues of island resilience,” said Prof. Bambang.

 

“Our university tries to be a home for global change-makers. Therefore, we support international programs like this,” he added.

 

Prof. Dr. Yonvitner, S.Pi., M.Si Head of IPB’s Center for Coastal and Marine Resources Studies, also gave a speech. “All presentations will address issues on climate change, environmental governance, blue economy, island culture, digital networks and ecosystems, island nation development,” he said.

 

He also added that after the conference, participants will visit several tourist destinations in Lombok, such as Seger Mandalika Beach, Gili Asahan, and Gili Matra Island Marine Tourism Park.

 

Rector of IPB University, Prof. Dr. Arif Satria, S.P., M.Si. emphasized the importance of this event. “As the largest archipelago in the world, we believe that Indonesia is very appropriate to host this meeting,” he said.

 

“In an important forum like today, IPB hopes to strengthen collaboration with existing partners and continue working with future partners to collaboratively create significant impact in addressing global issues.”

 

The conference also marked the launch of the AIS University Network and Archipelgic Sciences, an important initiative to strengthen networking and academic collaboration between islands around the world.

 

The event is expected to be an effective platform for participants to share experiences, ideas and innovations in order to enhance the resilience and sustainability of islands amidst increasingly complex global challenges.