On May 28, 2026, our Founder and Chairperson, Dr. Anna Christi Suwardi, represented DEEP EnGender at the 15th International Conference on Public Organization (ICONPO 2026), held at Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) in Budapest, Hungary. The conference brought together scholars, researchers, and practitioners from diverse backgrounds to exchange perspectives on technology, green energy, and environmental sustainability.
During the conference, Dr. Suwardi presented her paper titled “Environmental Sustainability for Whom?” Drawing from Indonesia’s ecological realities, the presentation challenged technocratic approaches to environmental governance and emphasized that ecological restoration is not only about ecosystems, but also about repairing relationships between people, land, knowledge, and governance.
The presentation explored Indigenous stewardship and community-based knowledge as important foundations for addressing Indonesia’s structural ecological challenges. It highlighted how sustainability is deeply connected to questions of justice, recognition, care, and the lived experiences of communities who continue to protect and sustain their environments.
The conference brought together more than 70 international presenters from diverse disciplinary backgrounds, creating opportunities for meaningful exchange on environmental governance, sustainability, and social transformation. Through discussions with fellow participants, Dr. Suwardi reflected on the importance of placing local knowledge and community voices at the center of environmental solutions.
We are proud to share that Dr. Anna Christi Suwardi was awarded Best Presenter at ICONPO 2026, recognizing the significance and impact of her presentation among an international audience.
Participation in ICONPO 2026 strengthens DEEP EnGender’s commitment to advancing research and dialogue on ecological justice, Indigenous perspectives, and community-based knowledge systems. We believe that meaningful environmental futures can only be built when sustainability is approached not merely as a technical challenge, but as a collective responsibility grounded in justice, relationships, and care.
