Unlocking Potential Live On Stage: Empowering Young Researchers in Indonesia with UNESCO

The Unlocking Potential Live On-Stage podcast returns with another inspiring episode, brought to you by Tanoto Foundation. This series serves as a platform to share valuable insights on maternal and child health, education, scholarships, and parenting. In this episode, Inge Kusuma, Country Head of Tanoto Foundation Indonesia, engages in an enlightening conversation with Maki Katsuno-Hayashikawa, Director and Regional Representative of UNESCO Jakarta.

This podcast episode is part of the Knowledge Summit of the UNESCO Youth as Researchers and Tanoto Student Research Awards (YAR-TSRA), witnessed by over 200 young participants from the Knowledge Summit.

The discussion explores how UNESCO has played an instrumental role in empowering young researchers, not only in Indonesia but across the globe. Recognizing youth as highly talented, intelligent, creative, and innovative individuals, UNESCO highlights the remarkable work they are accomplishing worldwide.

According to UNESCO, young people are pivotal change agents in areas such as climate action and human rights. Their passion drives UNESCO’s global programs and activities, prioritizing youth engagement and support to enhance creativity, innovation, and capacity-building. These initiatives aim to empower young leaders, not only as the leaders of tomorrow but as the leaders of today.

The episode also showcases the strong leadership demonstrated by Indonesian youth through the UNESCO Youth as Researchers and Tanoto Student Research Awards (YAR-TSRA). These initiatives equip young researchers to propose impactful policy recommendations, further enhancing their contributions to global development. UNESCO takes pride in guiding and collaborating with these young changemakers, a commitment it has upheld for over 20 years.

A key highlight of this episode is the synergy between UNESCO Youth as Researchers and Tanoto Student Research Awards. By combining their resources and expertise, UNESCO and Tanoto Foundation have expanded the impact of their programs, extending their reach from the local to the global level. This collaboration leverages technology and local networks to create a truly inclusive platform for impactful research.

Maki also emphasizes the importance of partnerships with higher education institutions in Indonesia. UNESCO aims to foster inclusivity and encourage institutions to step beyond the confines of academic silos. Through youth-led research initiatives, new perspectives are introduced—ones that may challenge traditional academic thought and inspire innovation.

Partnerships, such as the one with Tanoto Foundation, add significant value by providing resources and mentorship opportunities. The YAR-TSRA program is especially impactful in offering structured mentorship, enabling young researchers to gain critical feedback from diverse stakeholders, develop ethical research practices, and produce work with meaningful, real-world applications.

Mentorship nurtures academic growth, critical thinking, and ethical research practices—all essential elements for impactful research. This support is invaluable for young researchers in the early stages of their careers, providing them with the guidance needed to excel in their work.

Curious to dive deeper into this rich conversation? Listen to the full episode of the Tanoto Foundation Bincang Inspiratif podcast here: