MSU-Maguindanao and Universitas Ahmad Dahlan Champion Gender-Responsive Education and Peacebuilding

Yogyakarta, Indonesia — June 20, 2025 – Capping off its strategic learning exchange in Indonesia, Mindanao State University-Maguindanao (MSU-Maguindanao) entered into a formal partnership with Universitas Ahmad Dahlan (UAD), the third academic institution to sign an MOU with MSU during the three-day engagement supported by the UNDP Philippines and the UK Government. This final partnership reflects not only the expansion of MSU’s Women, Peace and Security (WPS) advocacy but also a deepening commitment to inclusive, values-based academic collaboration in Southeast Asia.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by MSU-Maguindanao Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development and DWPS faculty Dr. Arceli B. Naraga and UAD Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Ir. Sunardi, Ph.D. The signing was witnessed by representatives from the British Embassy Manila, OPAPRU, UNDP Philippines, and the Bangsamoro Government, underscoring the multi-sectoral support behind this academic diplomacy.

UAD, a leading Muhammadiyah university in Indonesia, demonstrated remarkable openness and institutional sincerity in advancing gender equality through its academic programs and policies. In his message, Prof. Sunardi articulated UAD’s deep commitment to promoting women’s equality across its governance structures, teaching systems, and research agenda — all rooted in the Islamic principle of rahmatul lil ‘alamin (mercy to all creation).

“We welcome this partnership with MSU-Maguindanao,” he said. “It aligns with our shared vision of fostering inclusive leadership and mainstreaming gender in all aspects of education.”

He further noted UAD’s commitment to female faculty representation, support for gender-focused research, and integration of gender-sensitive approaches into institutional planning. For MSU-Maguindanao, this partnership reinforces its efforts to mainstream the WPS framework through education, one that not only empowers women leaders but also challenges patriarchal norms through grounded, contextual learning.

Following the signing ceremony, the two universities participated in a dynamic learning session focused on gender research, policy advocacy, and the WPS agenda. Faculty and students from MSU-Maguindanao, UAD, and Aisyiyah institutions exchanged perspectives on the challenges and strategies for gender mainstreaming in higher education. The session also addressed how universities can leverage modern tools, such as digital platforms and community-based research, to advance gender empowerment. Discussions on male allies and leadership norms further enriched the exchange, reinforcing the idea that WPS is not solely a women’s agenda, but a collective moral imperative. The MSU delegation also visited the Muhammadiyah Museum, gaining deeper insight into the historical and religious foundations of UAD’s institutional values and educational vision.

This partnership with Universitas Ahmad Dahlan goes beyond ceremonial exchange — it is a genuine alignment of values and commitments. What stood out most was UAD’s sincere intention to mainstream gender within its entire academic system, not as a requirement, but as a shared responsibility rooted in faith and justice. For MSU-Maguindanao, this signals a powerful affirmation: that institutions of higher learning can be moral anchors in society, shaping not only knowledge but character, leadership, and peace. Together, these universities are forging a path where education becomes a tool for transformation — of systems, of communities, and of futures.

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