Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), in collaboration with the University of Eswatini (UNESWA), organized the WUACD (World University Association for Community Development) International Community Development 2026 program in Eswatini from June 7–14, 2026. The program served as a platform for international collaboration in education, research, and community engagement under the theme “Nurturing Wellness: Herbal Collaboration of Universitas Airlangga with Tirta Ayu Spa in Collaboration with University of Eswatini.”
The program commenced with the departure of the Universitas Airlangga delegation from Juanda International Airport to Eswatini, followed by an official welcoming session with representatives of the University of Eswatini. During the opening ceremony, a commemorative gift was presented by Universitas Airlangga to the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, UNESWA, symbolizing the strengthening of institutional cooperation. The first day concluded with a group photo involving all participants.
Throughout the program, participants attended a series of academic sessions featuring speakers from both Universitas Airlangga and the University of Eswatini. The presentations included an introduction to the WUACD program, scholarship opportunities at Universitas Airlangga, and scientific lectures delivered by Prof. Dr. Y. Sri Wulan Manuhara, M.Si., Prof. Dr. Ni Nyoman Tri Puspaningsih, M.Si., Prof. Dr. Nanik Siti Aminah, M.Si., Ir. Lenywati, Dipl. CIDESCO, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chitchamai. The program also featured an interactive discussion and question-and-answer session with local farmers to better understand community needs and promote collaborative approaches to community development.
One of the main highlights of the program was the greenhouse inauguration ceremony, attended by the Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, Cooperation, and Community Development (RICD) of Universitas Airlangga, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Eswatini, the Minister of Agriculture of Eswatini, and the Prime Minister of Eswatini. During the ceremony, Universitas Airlangga presented a commemorative gift to the Prime Minister of Eswatini as a symbol of appreciation and a commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in education and community development.
The international collaboration was further reinforced through the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between Universitas Airlangga and the University of Eswatini, as well as between the University of Eswatini and Tirta Ayu Spa. Following the signing ceremony, the delegation visited the greenhouse to introduce the cultivation of herbal plants such as ginger and turmeric. During the visit, Prof. Dr. Y. Sri Wulan Manuhara, M.Si. demonstrated ginger cultivation techniques to the Prime Minister of Eswatini and other government officials. Participants also took part in a hands-on training session on turmeric planting using a drip irrigation system as part of sustainable agricultural technology implementation.
In addition to academic sessions and field activities, the delegation had the opportunity to experience the local culture of Eswatini through traditional music, dance, and cultural performances. Toward the conclusion of the program, the Universitas Airlangga delegation met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Eswatini and the Minister of Education of Eswatini. The meetings concluded with the presentation of commemorative gifts and group photo sessions, symbolizing the strong partnership established between the two institutions and countries.
Through the WUACD International Community Development 2026 program, Universitas Airlangga and the University of Eswatini reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening international partnerships in education, research, and community engagement. The collaboration is expected to serve as a foundation for sustainable future initiatives and generate meaningful benefits for both institutions and the communities they serve.
