By Imanuel Geovasky
Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) successfully co-hosted the inaugural Globethics Doctoral School (GDS) 2024 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, from September 24th to October 5th, 2024. It was an intensive program in which UGM welcomed outstanding doctoral candidates from different continents and disciplines to collaborate and intellectually debate on the topic of “Inclusive Peace and Responsible Governance.”
GDS 2024 offered a unique blend of academic rigor and cultural immersion. Renowned scholars such as Dicky Sofjan (Core Doctoral Faculty at the Indonesia Consortium for Religious Studies (ICRS), UGM, Indonesia and the Vice President of Globethics)), Greta Balliu (Associate Professor at the School of Management in Fribourg, Switzerland), Simone Sinn (Professor of Religious Studies and Intercultural Theology at the Protestant Theological Faculty of the University of Münster, Germany), José Antonio David (Professor at the Business School of the Catholic University of Córdoba; the Center for Social Innovation of the University of San Andrés, and Globethics), and Amélé Ekué (Professor of ethics with a specialization in intercultural ethics, migration, religion, violence and peace, and the Academic Dean of Globethics) delivered stimulating lectures and workshops that delved critically into various aspects of inclusive peace and responsible governance.
The sessions addressed several topics, ranging from “Thinking Pluralisms” and “Sustainable Development and Human Rights” to “Democracy, State, and Civic Responsibility,” and provided a solid foundation for participants to contribute to global discussions on ethical leadership and social justice. These academic sessions, led by experts in their fields, fostered a deep understanding of complex issues and inspired innovative research.
It included several plenary sessions by renowned scholars who set the scene for key concepts and theories around inclusive peace and responsible governance. These sessions were worth listening to as they stimulated insightful discussions and challenged participants to think critically about their research questions. The participants were divided into study groups under the leadership of experienced faculty who led them in an in-depth exploration of these topics. These small groups allowed for deeper discussion, peer feedback, and embryonic collaborative research projects. Working with a small group of peers gave participants insightful ideas and new lines of vision for their research.
Besides plenary sessions and study groups, participants took part in workshops aimed at improving their research competence. The workshops covered research design, data analysis, ethical dimensions in research, and scientific writing. Active participation of all the trainees was encouraged through practical exercises involving experts who provided individual guidance. Besides the program in itself, GDS 2024 was also a remarkable cultural exposure. Participants embarked on exciting excursions to places of interest such as the Borobudur Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its globally famous Buddhist architectural carving. The sight of this ancient monument already provides one with a tangible connection to Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage.
The other highlight was the opportunity to watch a fascinating Ramayana Ballet Show. This is a classic Javanese dance drama that converts the Hindu epic of Ramayana into a graceful, colorfully costumed, evocative rendition that completely steals the hearts of the audience. Such shows are glimpses into the deeply ingrained cultural traditions of Yogyakarta and Indonesia. Other interesting cultural experiences were provided by a visit to the Ullen Sentalu Museum, which has an impressive collection of Javanese art, including batik textiles, traditional musical instruments, and historical artifacts. Participants were able to learn more about the artistic heritage of this region and further appreciate the significant craftsmanship and symbolism concealed in Javanese art.
In addition to these cultural excursions, the program also included a field study with the local Code community in Yogyakarta. This was an opportunity that allowed participants to get involved in peacebuilding initiated by this community on the ground. Interacting with local activists and social entrepreneurs offered participants a good opportunity to observe and understand some of the challenges and opportunities present when advancing peace and social justice at the grassroots level. Perhaps the most important characteristic of GDS 2024 was that its participants and professors from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds had equal opportunities to present their views and opinions. Scholars from Switzerland, Argentina, Germany, Rwanda, Colombia, India, Myanmar, and Indonesia, among others, came together to present pressing global issues and find innovative solutions.
Edouard Ntakirutimana, a participant from Rwanda who enrolled Ph.D. program at the University of Bamberg, Germany, mentioned “My participation in GDS was a precious opportunity for learning through reflection, especially on building peace and academic paper writing. I learned a lot through the experiences shared by the participants and from the expertise of the facilitators, but also the Javanese cultural setting. It was my first stay in Asia, but I appreciated the hospitality of Yogyakarta citizens. Now, I feel that I missed the nice, kind, and supportive people of Yogyakarta and the traditional food of Javanese.”
Through interactive discussions, workshops, and cultural exchanges, the participants would grow their international network through new perspectives, the development of intercultural competence, and encouragement in the spirit of cooperation on joint research projects and initiatives concerning current challenges. Meanwhile, Globethics Vice President and Head of the Committee in UGM for the GDS, said, “The GDS intends to provide a training ground for future ethical leaders in various fields.” The GDS 2024 at UGM was transformative for all participants. Heavy academic sessions, combined with cultural immersions and community engagement, fostered a holistic learning atmosphere extending beyond traditional classroom walls. Participants left the program with a greater insight into their research topics, a broadened network of international colleagues, and lasting memories of Yogyakarta’s cultural treasures.
This is the first step in this cooperation between UGM and Globethics in developing GDS 2024 to create a global dialogue on ethical leadership and social responsibility. UGM is committed to developing and supporting academic programs that will have a significant impact and can prove to be helpful to the nation and society by developing its knowledge and understanding of these ethical issues.
