INTERNATIONAL GUEST LECTURE, NAVIGATING THE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION ECOSYSTEM IN THE UN SYSTEM

BANDUNG, UNIKOM – The Master of Information Systems Study Program at the UNIKOM Faculty of Postgraduate Studies held an International Guest Lecture featuring speakers: Ir. Saiful Ridwan, M.Sc. and Prof. Zainal A. Hasibuan, MLS, Ph.D. The lecture was held under the theme “Navigating The Digital Transformation Ecosystem in The UN System” on Saturday, April 19, 2025. The event took place in a Hybrid format, both physically in Room L.014 of the UNIKOM Smart Building and virtually via Zoom.

Also in attendance were the Dean of the UNIKOM Faculty of Postgraduate Studies, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rahma Wahdiniwaty, Dra., M.Si., and the Head of the Master of Information Systems Study Program, Sri Supatmi, M.T., D.Sc. The participants in the International Guest Lecture included students from the Master of Information Systems Study Program at the UNIKOM Faculty of Postgraduate Studies, other students within the UNIKOM Faculty of Postgraduate Studies environment, and members of the public.

Ir. Saiful Ridwan, M.Sc. is a professional expert with over 35 years of experience spanning academia, the private sector, and international organizations. He spent the last 24 years with the United Nations, progressing from a programmer and analyst role to senior management. The former Chief Enterprise Solution (CIO) at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), he now offers consulting and capacity-building services. He specializes in innovative digital strategies that enhance efficiency, resilience, and impact, contributing to a more impactful and sustainable future.

Below is the career track record of Ir. Saiful Ridwan, M.Sc.:

The International Guest Lecture began with remarks by Sri Supatmi, M.T., D.Sc., followed by remarks and the official opening of the event by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rahma Wahdiniwaty, Dra. M.Si.

Entering the core session, the material was delivered by Ir. Saiful Ridwan, M.Sc., who informatively explored UNEP’s digital transformation journey and the broader systems within the United Nations, highlighting how digital technology is leveraged to enhance operations, decision-making, and the delivery of global services. He also provided insights into supporting technologies, real-world case studies, and the broader context of digital transformation in global governance.

Furthermore, he offered a point of view on the differences between companies and the United Nations: how companies pursue efficiency and profit, while the United Nations operates under a mandate of public service, equity, and multiculturalism, often within complex and resource-constrained environments. He also explained how international organizations like the United Nations drive innovation while balancing accountability, inclusivity, and sustainable development goals.

The material session concluded with a question-and-answer segment, followed by the presentation of a plaque by the Dean of the Faculty of Postgraduate Studies and the Head of the Master of Information Systems Study Program at the UNIKOM Faculty of Postgraduate Studies, and a joint photo session for documentation.

By holding this International Guest Lecture, it is hoped that the material and the speakers’ experience in the Corporate and United Nations environments will provide participants, particularly students from the UNIKOM Faculty of Postgraduate Studies, with new insights regarding Digital Transformation. These new insights are expected to inspire participants to implement, improvise, or innovate in relation to digital transformation for the case studies they are currently studying.

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