USK and GGAF Launched Ground-breaking Eco Campus Sustainability Action Nexus (ESCAN) on World Youth Day

In a historic move towards sustainability in higher education, Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK), in collaboration with Green Growth Asia Foundation (GGAF), proudly announced the launch of the Eco Campus Sustainability Action Nexus (ESCAN), on 12 August 2024. The ground-breaking initiative was unveiled at USK, in Banda Aceh, coinciding with World Youth Day 2024, and was poised to become a transformative force in global education for sustainable development.

ESCAN represents the first network of its kind, uniting Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Teacher Education Institutes (TEIs) worldwide under a common mission: to embed sustainability into every aspect of academic life. The program is designed to empower students, educators, and institutions to lead the fight against climate change and environmental degradation through a holistic and action-oriented approach to sustainability.

ESCAN is built on four foundational pillars, each contributing to a sustainable future. The first pillar, “Greening Education for a Sustainable Future,” focuses on integrating sustainability into curricula and research. This equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address environmental challenges effectively. The second pillar, “Green Talent for a Sustainable Future,” emphasizes nurturing the next generation of green professionals, entrepreneurs, and innovators, preparing them for careers in a sustainable economy. The third pillar, “Green Living for a Sustainable Future,” promotes eco-friendly practices and personal well-being within campus communities, encouraging sustainable lifestyles. Finally, the fourth pillar, “Partnerships for a Sustainable Future,” highlights the importance of collaboration with governments, international organizations, and the private sector. These partnerships bring real-world experience into the educational journey, ensuring that students are well-prepared to contribute to a sustainable future.

By the end of 2025, ESCAN aims to have at least 100 HEIs and TEIs join the network, creating a robust community dedicated to advancing sustainability on a global scale.

The launch of ESCAN aligns perfectly with Universitas Syiah Kuala’s 63rd anniversary and its long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship. Over the years, the university has implemented numerous green initiatives, including banning single-use plastics, promoting reusable tumblers, and establishing waste management systems. These efforts reflect USK’s goal to become a model Green Campus and instill high environmental awareness in its students.

“ESCAN is not just an initiative, it is a movement that will integrate sustainability into the very fabric of our institutions,” said Prof. Dr. Ir. Marwan, Rector of USK.

“At USK, we have already taken significant steps towards sustainability, and by joining the ESCAN community, we are further committing ourselves to protecting our planet for future generations.”

Rector also emphasized the critical role that ESCAN will play in transforming education. “ESCAN is not merely an initiative; it is a movement that will integrate sustainability into the very fabric of our institutions. For our students, lecturers, and the broader community, ESCAN represents a unique opportunity to lead by example and drive positive change in the world.”

Datuk Ir. Ts. Dr. Mahadi Mohamad, Executive Director of Green Growth Asia Foundation, highlighted the vision and potential impact of ESCAN. “ESCAN is a visionary initiative—the first of its kind—and we are proud to co-found it with Syiah Kuala University. By fostering a culture of sustainability, innovation, and collaboration, ESCAN will prepare our students for the green jobs, entrepreneurship, and leadership roles of the future. Our goal is to build a network of institutions that will drive the sustainability agenda forward, ensuring that our graduates are not only ready to meet the demands of the future but also to shape it.”

Dr. Balamurugan Ratha Krishnan, Chief Executive of Green Growth Asia Foundation, also shared his insights on the significance of ESCAN. “ESCAN is about more than just education; it’s about creating a new paradigm for how we approach sustainability. This initiative will not only empower students but also strengthen the capacity of educators and institutions to lead in the sustainability arena. By bringing together the expertise of academia, industry, and government, ESCAN will create a dynamic platform for innovation, collaboration, and real-world impact.”

Adding to the enthusiasm, Dr. Muzailin Affan, M.Sc, the Chairman of the Office of International Affairs and Secretariat of ESCAN at USK, remarked, “ESCAN is a beacon of hope for a sustainable future. It is our collective response to the urgent call for climate action, and it reflects our unwavering commitment to empowering the youth to become the change-makers of tomorrow. By launching ESCAN on World Youth Day, we are sending a powerful message: the future is in the hands of our youth, and with the right tools, guidance, and opportunities, they will lead us towards a sustainable and equitable world.”

Mr. Irfan Adhitya Permadi, Coordinator for APEC and Subregional Cooperation, and Representative of National Secretariat IMT-GT Indonesia added, “ESCAN is a timely and crucial initiative that aligns perfectly with our regional goals for sustainable development. It is through education and collaborative action that we can truly drive change. ESCAN offers a platform for our institutions to work together, share knowledge, and develop solutions that will benefit not only our region but the world at large.”

Dr. Ir. Haruki Agustina, M.Sc, Chairman of the IMT-GT Working Group on Environment, also spoke on the significance of ESCAN, “The launch of ESCAN represents a pivotal moment in our collective journey toward sustainability. By engaging students, educators, and institutions in this network, we are fostering a culture of environmental stewardship that is essential for the future of our cities and communities. ESCAN will serve as a model for how education can be harnessed to address the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.”

The launch ceremony was graced by a distinguished line-up of guests, including, Prof. Dr. Taufiq Saidi, M.Eng, IPU, Vice Rector for Planning, Collaboration, and Business, USK, Hon. Datuk Dr. Shahrin bin Sahib, FASC., PTech, Hon. MIIEM, Chairman, IMT-GT UNINET, Mr. Irfan Adhitya Permadi, Coordinator for APEC and Subregional Cooperation, Representative of National Secretariat IMT-GT Indonesia, Dr. Ir. Haruki Agustina, M.Sc, Chairman, IMT-GT Working Group on Environment, Sjahrir Harahap, Chairman, IMT-GT Joint Business Council Indonesia, and Prof. Dr. Agung Dhamar Syakti, DEA, Rector, Universitas Maritim Raja Ali Haji.

Representatives from the following institutions also attended, Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Sunway University, Nottingham University, Thaksin University, Private Education of Thailand, Universitas Jambi, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Universitas Malikulsaleh, Head of Provincial Education Department, Head of Provincial Environment and Forestry Department, and Deans and Vice Deans of Universitas Syiah Kuala.

ESCAN will actively engage with national and local governments, international organizations, and the private sector to enhance the educational experience for students and provide them with practical skills and insights. The initiative will also focus on the professional development of lecturers and senior management, ensuring that educators are equipped to lead their institutions in the journey toward sustainability.

In addition, Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK), located in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, is a leading institution of higher learning with a strong commitment to educational excellence and community engagement. The university is dedicated to fostering innovation and sustainability in education. Meanwhile, Green Growth Asia Foundation (GGAF) is a leading sustainability organization that promotes green growth and sustainable development across Asia. GGAF is committed to empowering communities, businesses, and governments to achieve sustainable development goals through education, innovation, and collaboration.

Following the launching ceremony, the event continued with a pledge signing that united ESCAN, higher education institutions, and schools in a shared commitment. This was followed by a comprehensive presentation introducing ESCAN to universities and schools, a symbolic Time Capsule and Tree Planting Ceremony, and concluded with closing remarks.