The study of climate and environmental sustainability has become one of the main focuses of UGM’s interdisciplinary education development program. Multiple full-degree programs in the field of climate and environment at UGM have been instituted at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels. These programs aim to develop and empower human resources, including academics and professionals, in understanding the changing paradigm of sustainable development and preparing them for actions in technology implementation, management, and community outreach.

Bachelor’s Program in Environmental Infrastructure Engineering

Indonesia continues to face pressing environmental challenges, including recurring floods, river pollution, global warming, and severe waste management issues. Notably, Indonesia is the second-largest contributor of plastic waste to the ocean, after China. These conditions highlight the urgent need for improved waste management systems and stronger environmental infrastructure support in the country. However, the availability of graduates specializing in environmental infrastructure remains limited despite the growing demand in this field. As future development in Indonesia will increasingly require robust environmental infrastructure, the need for skilled human resources in this area will continue to rise. Recognizing this urgency, the Bachelor’s Program in Environmental Infrastructure Engineering at UGM was established to ensure that infrastructure development is guided by a holistic and comprehensive environmental perspective, grounded in the principles of sustainable development.

Master’s Program in Disaster Management

The Master’s Program in Disaster Management (MMB) at Universitas Gadjah Mada was established in 2011 in response to the increasing frequency and impact of disasters in Indonesia. These disasters not only cause loss of life and property but also reverse years of development progress. The program, pioneered by the Center for Disaster Studies (PSBA) and the Graduate School, aims to produce skilled professionals with comprehensive knowledge and practical expertise in disaster management. Supported by experienced faculty and excellent facilities, MMB focuses on building leadership, rapid decision-making skills, and strategic planning capabilities. The program holds the highest accreditation status for institutions of higher education, Unggul.

Master’s Program in Environmental Management

The Master’s Program in Environmental Management at Universitas Gadjah Mada responds to the growing urgency of natural resource scarcity and complex environmental issues that impact policy and environmental protection efforts in Indonesia. The program aims to develop professional graduates with a strong ethos in environmental management, equipped with strategic skills in eco-efficiency and sustainable planning. These competencies are essential for supporting government, the private sector, and community efforts in balancing economic, ecological, and social needs. Supported by experienced faculty and excellent learning facilities, the program prepares future leaders to contribute to sustainable environmental development at both the national and global level.

The Graduate School is also home to another master’s degree program, the Master’s Program in Environmental Science, which was established to support sustainable development by promoting environmental ethics that consider the impact of development on the environment. In line with Agenda 21, the program emphasizes the integration of social, economic, and cultural aspects in managing natural resources and biodiversity. Using a geographical ecology approach, the program combines physical, biological, and socio-cultural perspectives to address complex environmental challenges. Graduates are equipped with interdisciplinary knowledge and practical skills to contribute to sustainable resource management and environmental protection efforts at both national and international levels.

Doctoral Program in Environmental Science

In addition to the master’s program, the Environmental Science Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada is also offered at the doctoral level (the Doctoral Program in Environmental Science). This program provides advanced interdisciplinary education and research opportunities for professionals and academics who aim to contribute to scientific development and policy formulation in environmental management and sustainability.

Programs in other SDGs-Related Fields

UGM also possess programs in other SDGs-related fields, including:

ASEAN Master in Sustainability Management

The ASEAN Master in Sustainability Management (MBA) at the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Gadjah Mada, is a collaborative program designed to address complex sustainability and environmental challenges through an interdisciplinary management perspective. Developed in partnership with the ASEAN University Network (AUN) and the University of Agder, Norway, this 18-month, full-time MBA program equips future leaders in government and business with strategic knowledge in finance, marketing, business ethics, and environmental sciences. Students benefit from case-based learning, guest lectures from industry and government experts, internships, and research opportunities, all supported by a strong international alumni network and Norwegian government funding.

Master’s Program in Technology for Sustainable Development

Rapid population growth, industrialization, and climate change have intensified environmental challenges, requiring systematic and comprehensive solutions to protect environmental quality and improve human well-being. The ability to master and apply green and appropriate technologies — from planning to implementation and evaluation — is essential for developing solutions that work in harmony with nature. To meet this need and prepare future leaders capable of influencing policies and advancing sustainable development both nationally and locally, UGM offers the Master’s Program in Technology for Sustainable Development. 

Master’s Program of Extension and Development Communication

The Master’s Program of Extension and Development Communication at Universitas Gadjah Mada is designed to educate academics and professionals to understand sustainable development paradigms, globalization, liberation, and community development decentralization through an integrated approach. Successful community development across various sectors requires effective communication and education to ensure that people benefit from progress. This program equips students with the ability to optimize communication services, empower communities, and implement development processes that improve quality of life. With two study focuses — Development Extension and Development Communication — the program prepares graduates to master community empowerment strategies and communication techniques for sustainable development.

SDGs Elective Courses Offered in UGM

SDGs elective courses are widely available in most faculties to promote SDGs-related competencies  among undergraduate students. These courses equip students with future skills to contribute solutions to national and the global problems concerning the environment: 

The Master’s Program in Coastal and Watershed Planning and Management (MPPDAS) in the Faculty of Geography offers elective courses such as: Global Warming and Climate Change, Climate Change Impact Analysis in Watershed, Marine and Coastal Area – Risk and Adaptation, dan Resilience for Food Security in Climate Change Context in Faculty of Geography.

The Faculty of Forestry offers a course in Sustainable Social Forestry.

The Faculty of Social and Political Sciences offers a course in Sociology Energy. Their Master’s Degree in International Relations also offers an elective course on Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG).

UGM reaffirms its commitment to addressing environmental sustainability by integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into its courses and academic programs. Through the continuous development of courses focused on sustainability — covering themes such as poverty reduction, health, education, renewable energy, climate action, and ecosystem preservation — UGM ensures that future leaders are equipped with the knowledge and skills to contribute to a more sustainable and equitable world.

Courses and new student orientation activities which incorporate SDGs are regulated in Rector’s Regulation No. 5 Year 2024:

In addition, UGM also offers other courses that, although not directly related to climate science and/or environmental sustainability, are still in line with the spirit of sustainability and the SDGs, as follows : Sustainability courses at UGM