The Department of Resource and Environmental Economics (REE), Faculty of Economics and Management (FEM), IPB University, officially launched the 10th ESL IPB International Summer Course 2026 on 27 July 2026 at the FEM Auditorium, IPB University. Carrying the theme “Food Security and Biodiversity Conservation in Times of Geopolitical Crisis,” the programme brings together students, academics, and practitioners from various countries to exchange knowledge and discuss global challenges related to food security, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development amid today’s evolving geopolitical landscape. Prior to the opening ceremony, participants attended a series of online lectures held from 26 June to 17 July 2026, featuring distinguished experts from leading institutions, including the University of Oxford (United Kingdom), Western Sydney University (Australia), Korea University (South Korea), Utrecht University (the Netherlands), Vytautas Magnus University (Lithuania), Universiti Putra Malaysia, Thaksin University (Thailand), the University of Technology Sydney (Australia), and IPB University.

The Opening Ceremony commenced with an excursion for international participants to the IPB Dramaga Campus, followed by a vibrant Cultural Day celebration. The programme featured a Cultural Fashion Show, the singing of Indonesia Raya and the IPB Hymn, a report from the Summer Course Coordinator, welcoming remarks from the Head of the Department of Resource and Environmental Economics, the Director of the International Education Office, the Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Management, and the Rector of IPB University, who officially declared the programme open. The ceremony was further enlivened by captivating performances of the Kazakhstan Sword Dance and the Jaipong Dance, highlighting the richness of cultural diversity. The academic session featured two keynote speakers: Prof. Dr. Hermann Waibel from Leibniz University Hannover, Germany, who presented “Asian Agriculture in a Climate Change-driven and Risky World,” and A/Prof. Dr. Zulfan Tadjoeddin from Western Sydney University, Australia, who delivered a keynote entitled “Does Indonesia Fit the Narrative of Green Sacrifice Zone?”

Through the 10th ESL IPB International Summer Course 2026, the Department of Resource and Environmental Economics reaffirms its commitment to advancing the internationalization of higher education by fostering academic collaboration, cross-cultural learning, and global partnerships. The programme is expected to broaden participants’ perspectives on contemporary issues surrounding food security and biodiversity conservation while encouraging innovative ideas and collaborative solutions for a more sustainable future. The event concluded with the Batch 10 Flashmob, the Flag Parade, the introduction of international participants, the announcement of the Best Traditional Outfit Award, and a group photo session, symbolizing the spirit of friendship, cultural appreciation, and international collaboration fostered throughout the Summer Course.