Involvement of universities is very important to manage knowledge and skills in a particular region, ensuring the knowledge and skills to stay within the region and can be developed continuously.

Located in Samarinda, East Kalimantan Province, Mulawarman University is one of the universities that GGGI is involving to promote the joint programs, research and activities to increase capacity and develop green economy options in East Kalimantan. A Memorandum of Understanding between GGGI and the university was signed in early January 2021, and the strategic partnership was officially revealed to the public on October 13, 2021, in an event titled “The Launch of Mulawarman University-GGGI Partnership”.

On this occasion, the Vice Rector for Academic Division of Mulawarman University, Prof. Dr. Ir. Mustofa Agung Sardjono, presented the strategic role of academics in achieving the regional development goals of East Kalimantan. Representing the Provincial Government of East Kalimantan, the Head of Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda), Prof. Dr. Ir. H.M. Aswin, MM., presented the support and commitment of East Kalimantan Provincial Government and the importance of academic support in accelerating the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate change agenda in East Kalimantan.

The Ministry of National Development Planning/National Development Planning Agency, represented by the Director of Energy, Mineral, and Mining Resources (SDEMP), Dr. Ir. Yahya Rachmana Hidayat, M.Sc., presented the role of provincial governments, development partners and academic support in accelerating the achievement of SDGs. The event was attended by representatives from the Ministry of National Development Planning, provincial institutions/agencies, universities, and government partners.

The partnership is expected to directly benefit the local governments in addressing the challenges of achieving SDGs, NDC targets and, in particular, Low Carbon Development. The activities planned between GGGI and Mulawarman University are within the framework of support for the Green Growth Program Phase 3 of the Sustainable Landscape Project in East Kalimantan Province.