By Rafiq Vayani
KARACHI: Students and academics from Indonesia and Pakistan came together at Iqra University, Karachi, for the Indonesia–Pakistan Academic Youth Forum 2026, promoting dialogue, mutual understanding, and stronger engagement between the younger generations of the two countries.
Organised by the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Karachi, in collaboration with Iqra University and Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY), the Forum was held at Iqra University’s Main Campus under the theme “Celebrating Independence, Building the Future: The Role of Indonesian and Pakistani Youth in Bridging Friendship and Global Cooperation.”
The Forum provided a dynamic platform for students and academics to exchange perspectives on issues shaping the future of young people in both countries, including youth leadership, education, innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship. Discussions also explored shared challenges and how young people can contribute meaningfully to the development and prosperity of their respective nations.
Complementing the discussions, the programme featured institutional presentations by UMY and Iqra University, cultural performances, interactive activities, and group sessions. These activities created opportunities for Indonesian and Pakistani students to interact directly, exchange experiences, and deepen their understanding of each other’s societies and cultures.
Highlighting the strategic role of the younger generation, Dr. M. Zaki Rashidi, Director of Iqra University Main Campus, underscored the importance of cross-border youth collaboration in building a more prosperous and interconnected future for both countries.
Representing the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Karachi, Ms. Dian Ratri Astuti, Consul for Information and Socio-Cultural Affairs, highlighted the growing importance of academic and youth diplomacy in responding to increasingly borderless global challenges—from rapid technological transformation and artificial intelligence to climate change and economic uncertainty.
She emphasized that no country can address these complex challenges in isolation. Dialogue, innovation, and meaningful cross-border collaboration among young people are therefore essential to building a more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous shared future.
Held shortly after Pakistan’s Independence Day on 14 August and Indonesia’s Independence Day on 17 August, the Forum also offered a timely opportunity for young people from both countries to reflect on the meaning of independence in today’s world. Beyond celebrating national achievements, participants were encouraged to view independence as a responsibility to contribute to society, embrace innovation, and build partnerships across borders.
The Forum reaffirmed the important role of younger generations in carrying forward the longstanding friendship between Indonesia and Pakistan. It also opened new avenues for institutional cooperation between UMY and Iqra University, including student and faculty exchanges, joint seminars, collaborative research, guest lectures, and cultural programmes.
Through bringing together students, academics, and institutions from Indonesia and Pakistan, the Indonesia–Pakistan Academic Youth Forum 2026 demonstrated how academic and youth diplomacy can translate longstanding bilateral friendship into practical cooperation and stronger people-to-people connections.
The Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Karachi remains committed to facilitating initiatives that empower young people, strengthen educational partnerships, and deepen mutual understanding between Indonesia and Pakistan.