Indonesia joins 6th University Presidents for Peace ConferenceMakassar (ANTARA) - Indonesia, represented by Hasanuddin University (Unhas), took part in the 6th University Presidents for Peace Conference hosted by Hiroshima University (HU) at its Higashi-Senda Campus in Hiroshima, Japan, on August 6, 2026, which focused on peacebuilding and youth development.The forum brought together 53 participants from 17 universities in 11 countries and regions to strengthen the role of higher education institutions in promoting peace and sustainability.Unhas Vice Rector for Partnerships, Internationalization, and Alumni Affairs Prof Suharman Hamzah said in a statement issued in Makassar on Tuesday that the university's participation placed Unhas within a network of universities committed to strengthening the academic contribution to peace and sustainability.He said that one of the main agendas of the conference was the reading of the University Presidents for Peace Declaration by Hiroshima University President Mitsuo Ochi.The declaration contains a shared commitment by participating universities to build peaceful and sustainable societies through education, research, international collaboration, student exchange, and youth talent development.The declaration was unanimously adopted by all conference participants from 17 universities in 11 countries and regions. The conference coincided with the 81st anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.The occasion provided a strong historical context for discussions on the responsibility of universities to preserve historical memory, promote cross-cultural understanding, and nurture a generation capable of responding to differences through dialogue and collaboration.Prof Suharman noted how historical experiences can be translated into learning, research, and education to build a generation that is more open to differences and stronger in its spirit of collaboration.He said Unhas has diverse communities and cultural backgrounds that provide relevant experience for the global dialogue on peace.He noted a broader approach to peace education needs to be reflected in students' education, research, and cooperation with communities and institutions in other countries. "Meeting with universities from various countries also provides opportunities to broaden academic perspectives and develop forms of cooperation suited to each context," Prof Suharman said.Additionally, Hiroshima University President Mitsuo Ochi emphasized the importance of passing on the memory and lessons of the atomic bombing.Universities, says Ochi, have an important role in preparing a generation capable of contributing to peace through education, research, and international exchange. Translator: Bayu PrasetyoEditor: Azis KurmalaCopyright © ANTARA 2026