DEPOK, Indonesia – In a significant stride toward global environmental leadership, Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) — in partnership with the Ministry of Environment — will host the International Day for Biodiversity 2026 celebration on Friday, 22 May 2026. The event, held at the UIII Campus Lecture Hall (6th floor), marks a key milestone on the road to the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

Under the theme “Indonesia’s Progress Towards Global Biodiversity Commitment,” the gathering will bring together high-ranking officials, government representatives, environmental experts, academics, and business leaders to assess the nation’s achievements and reaffirm its commitment to biodiversity conservation and sustainability.

Reaffirming UIII’s role as a sustainability campus, the Rector of UIII will deliver remarks highlighting the university’s dedication to integrating environmental action into academic life and institutional culture. “UIII is committed to becoming a living lab for sustainability — where research, policy, and community engagement converge to protect our natural heritage,” the Rector said in a statement.

The day is divided into two main sessions. The first session (07:30–11:40 WIB) focuses on an exposition of Indonesia’s biodiversity conservation achievements. Activities include a tree planting ceremony, an opening ceremony with the national anthem and prayer, and a symbolic declaration of commitment to biodiversity conservation. Remarks will be delivered by the Rector of UIII and the Minister of Environment or Head of the Environmental Control Agency. A press conference and media session will follow, along with a guided visit to an environmental exhibition.

The second session (13:20–17:50 WIB) is structured as an “Indonesia Nature Positive Workshop,” featuring four thematic discussions:

1. Local government commitments – Governors and policymakers discuss regional environmental sustainability initiatives and the strengthening of local environmental policies.
2. Business sector contributions – Representatives from companies and sustainability organizations explore the role of business in climate action, sustainable investment, and environmental responsibility.
3. Community roles and grassroots initiatives – Speakers from indigenous communities, NGOs, youth groups, and the Coordinator of the Working Group for Indonesia ICCA (WGII) highlight the vital role of local and indigenous groups in conservation.
4. Multi‑stakeholder collaboration – A closing discussion aimed at strengthening cooperation among government, communities, academia, and the private sector for biodiversity conservation in Indonesia.

The workshop will officially conclude with closing remarks by the Special Advisor to the Minister of Environment on Biodiversity and Socio‑Cultural Sustainability.

Adding to the event’s significance, Sonny Mumbunan, PhD,

the Head of UIII’s Master of Public Policy (MPP) in Climate Change study program, serves as a member of the Task Force for the Indonesia Biodiversity Credit Implementation Framework, established by the Minister of Environment. This role underscores UIII’s direct engagement in shaping national biodiversity policy and innovative financing mechanisms.

UIII extends a warm invitation to all its students — especially those interested in sustainability, climate action, environmental policy, biodiversity conservation, and community engagement — to participate in this important event. Organizers note that attendance offers a unique opportunity to witness high‑level policy discussions and Indonesia’s concrete progress toward global biodiversity goals ahead of CBD COP17.