EU Delegation to ASEAN Shares Youth Collaboration Insights at BIFEST 2026
Jakarta, 7 May 2026 – This year, BINUS Festival (BIFEST) 2026 presents series of international seminars under the theme “From Vision to Impact: Youth Collaboration for Inclusive and Resilient Futures.” Offering a broader outlook, Mr. Antoine Ripoll, Minister Counsellor for Parliamentary Affairs at the European Union Delegation to ASEAN, joined us to discuss the European Union’s approach to youth collaboration.
(Photo Credit: Mufti Al Warits/Photo Editor: Andi D. Ahnafandra)
Held at BINUS @Kemanggisan – Anggrek Campus on 5 May, the session brought together students both onsite and online from campuses across Greater Jakarta, Bandung, Semarang, Malang, and Medan to engage with a European Union representative, exchange perspectives on global challenges, and explore how young people can help shape a more inclusive and resilient future.
(Photo Credit: Mufti Al Warits/Photo Editor: Andi D. Ahnafandra)
“Change often begins with a young people who see a problem and decide to act. Youth are not only the leaders of tomorrow; they are already our partners today,” said Mr. Ripoll.
Through this message, he encouraged students to see youth collaboration as something that can be built through everyday actions. From campus waste issues and digital skill gaps to mental health pressure, social inclusion, and voices that are often unheard, he highlighted how young people can respond to challenges that exist within their own surroundings.
(Photo Credit: Mufti Al Warits/Photo Editor: Andi D. Ahnafandra)
With this understanding, Mr. Ripoll introduced the European Union’s approach to youth collaboration through three pillars: engage, empower, and connect. He shared that these pillars are designed to create space for young people to be heard, supported, and connected as they contribute to a more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient future.
The discussion became more interactive as students raised questions about youth engagement, regional collaboration, and real examples of cooperation between Europe and Southeast Asia. In response, Mr. Ripoll highlighted several key areas where the European Union and Indonesia continue to work together, including sustainability and climate change, digital transformation and artificial intelligence, as well as security and cybersecurity.
(Photo Credit: Mufti Al Warits/Photo Editor: Andi D. Ahnafandra)
He also encouraged the students to see their skills in business, technology, design, communication, and social innovation as tools that can be used not only for their future careers, but also for the public good.
“The world does not only need more talented graduates. It needs talented graduates who are willing to collaborate, lead, and serve,” he reminded the students.
(Photo Credit: Mufti Al Warits/Photo Editor: Andi D. Ahnafandra)
Through this BIFEST 2026 International Seminar, BINUS University has continued its effort to bring global perspectives closer to students and encourage them to see themselves as part of a wider global community.
“The energy and agency of youth play an important role in turning ideas into action and co-creating solutions to today’s challenges. Through this continuous effort, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening collaboration that drives real impact while fostering young people’s capacity to contribute as active and responsible agents of change,” said Dr. Rini Setiowati, Vice-Rector for Collaboration and Global Engagement, when opening the session.
(Photo Credit: Mufti Al Warits/Photo Editor: Andi D. Ahnafandra)
Looking ahead, this spirit of collaboration and youth empowerment also opens wider prospects for Indonesia and Europe to deepen collaboration in education and youth development. At BINUS University, this is reflected through its wide network of European partners and active academic collaborations, ranging from double degree programs, student and staff mobility, and research collaboration to community development initiatives.
With this strong foundation, we look forward to creating more opportunities for students through this BINUS Festival International Seminar to exchange ideas, build cross-cultural understanding, and take part in addressing shared global challenges.
Author:
Mita Adhisti
Editor:
Aninda Rahmasari
