On Friday, January 30, 2026, Universitas YARSI organized an international public lecture themed “Girls in STEM” at its Jakarta campus to discuss inclusivity and gender equality in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. The event was led by the Rector of Universitas YARSI, Prof. Fasli Jalal, who delivered the welcoming speech, while Deputy Rector II Ahmad Rusdan H. Utomo served as moderator. The public lecture featured internationally renowned speakers, including Prof. Morten Meldal (Chemistry Nobel Laureate), Dr. Phaedria St. Hilaire (pharmaceutical executive and Ambassador of Plan International’s Global Girls Foundation), a keynote speech from Brian Yuliarto (Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia), and an opening speech by Dini Widiastuti (Executive Director of Plan Indonesia). Through organizing this public event, Universitas YARSI demonstrated its role as a pioneer in advocating for inclusive STEM education, providing a platform for global dialogue on inclusive innovation, equal opportunities, and women’s empowerment in science and technology.
The international public lecture “Girls in STEM” organized by Universitas YARSI aligns with the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across several key points: Goal 4: Quality Education by providing a high-quality learning platform featuring experts and Nobel laureates to share knowledge and experiences with students and the general public, while promoting inclusive access to STEM education for all without discrimination; Goal 5: Gender Equality with a primary focus on empowering women and girls in STEM fields, addressing systemic barriers that hinder women’s participation in science and technology, and creating awareness about the importance of women’s representation in innovation and scientific research; Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth by opening career opportunities in STEM fields for women that can increase economic participation and create a more diverse and inclusive skilled workforce; Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities by removing barriers to access education and careers in STEM for underrepresented groups, particularly women and girls, thus creating more equitable opportunities in science and technology fields; and Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals through strategic collaboration among Universitas YARSI, Plan Indonesia, Plan International’s Global Girls Foundation, the Indonesian Ministry of Higher Education, and global leaders in science and pharmaceutical industry to create an inclusive, sustainable STEM ecosystem that empowers future generations without gender limitations.
