Indonesia Promotes the Role of D-8 Youth in Facing Global Crises

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with Airlangga University (Unair) held a Preliminary Discussion D-8 Youth Dialogue with the theme "Navigating Uncertainty, Building Resilience" in Surabaya, East Java, Wednesday.

This activity is one of the achievements of the Indonesian chairmanship in the D-8 period 2026-2027.

Taking into account the current geopolitical dynamics, the discussion focused on two of the five priority issues of the D-8 Indonesian chairmanship, namely "Energy Resilience in the Midst of Global Uncertainty" and "Food Security in a Time of Crisis."

In his remarks, the Director General of Information and Public Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Mr. Heru H. Subolo, underlined that, despite the delay in the implementation of the D-8 Summit, Indonesia remains committed to strengthening D-8 cooperation through the implementation of activities that discuss common challenges, launching a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Thursday (4/6).

By prioritizing collaborative action between the government, academic community, and experts, he believes that the second track partnership will enrich perspectives, recommendations, and innovative and inclusive solutions.

The discussion was also enriched by a key speech on the significance of Indonesia's chairmanship in D-8. Reviewed by Deputy II of the Ministry of Manpower and Transmigration, Mr. Muhammad K. Koba, in the midst of global fragmentation, great power rivalry, and increasing protectionism, D-8 has a unique character as a cross-regional alliance of the Global South which includes South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. This character makes D-8 potentially a middle-power group that is able to be a counterweight in the midst of global rivalries.

The Panel discussion itself presents speakers from Unair, ITB and the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. One important note from this discussion, energy and food security are born from a sustainable ecosystem, which includes a.l. secure supply, healthy fiscal space, fair transition, and strong social acceptance.

Youth, as one of the pillars of society, has an important role, especially in building a sense of common awareness and pioneering concrete activities that are solution-oriented.

Regarding this cross-stakeholder approach, the Vice Rector of Unair for Research, Innovation, and Community Development, Prof. Muhammad Miftahussurur, called on the campus not only to provide academic insight/analysis but also to be a catalyst for the implementation of activity recommendations and encourage the D-8 missions aimed at solving common challenges.

This activity was attended by around 150 students from various universities in Surabaya, including Unair, UNESA, ITS, UBAYA, Surabaya State Maritime Polytechnic, Ciputra University, Hang Tuah University, UIN Sunan Ampel, and East Java Veteran UPN. Participants come from various disciplines, especially FISIP, FTMM, FKM, Faculty of Law, and Faculty of Cultural Sciences.

The series of D-8 Youth Dialogue activities reflects a collective action that is private and youth-driven. Indonesia's chairmanship is an opportunity to strengthen solidarity and integration for the development of regional stability and the prosperity of the world's people.