On 6 May 2026, Universitas Katolik Indonesia Atma Jaya held a sharing session for its upper management, bringing together several speakers to discuss topics related to leadership, values, and sustainability. Among the invited speakers was Nectary CEO, Vidia Paramita, who shared insights on Laudato Si’ and its relevance for higher education institutions.

Published by Pope Francis in 2015, Laudato Si’ is an encyclical that calls on people around the world to care for our “common home.” While often associated with environmental protection, the document offers a broader perspective on sustainability. It emphasizes that environmental, social, economic, and ethical challenges are deeply interconnected, encouraging a more holistic understanding of our relationship with nature, society, and future generations.

One of the central messages of Laudato Si’ is that sustainability is not only about programs, regulations, or environmental initiatives. Before people are willing to care for the environment, they first need to recognize how environmental issues are connected to their own lives, communities, and future. In this sense, sustainability begins with awareness and mindset. Caring for the Earth is not the responsibility of a select group of individuals or organizations—it is a shared responsibility that belongs to all of us.

A unique aspect of Laudato Si’ is its emphasis on spirituality. The document encourages people to reflect on their relationship with nature and to approach the environment with gratitude, humility, and responsibility. When environmental stewardship becomes part of personal values and daily choices, sustainability moves beyond compliance and becomes a genuine commitment.

This perspective highlights the important role of religious leaders in advancing sustainability. By connecting environmental issues with values, ethics, and everyday life, they can help make sustainability more relatable and meaningful to communities. Their influence can play an important role in building awareness and encouraging collective action.

Higher education institutions also have a critical role to play. Universities shape more than knowledge; they are spaces where values are formed, ideas are exchanged, and future leaders develop the awareness needed to address complex challenges. Through dialogue, education, and collaboration, universities can help integrate sustainability into both learning and leadership.

At Nectary Sustainability Solutions, we provide technical expertise to support sustainability initiatives. At the same time, we believe that meaningful change requires more than systems and frameworks. It also depends on awareness at the personal and societal level. Building a more sustainable future requires not only knowledge and action, but also a deeper understanding of why sustainability matters in the first place.

We would like to thank Universitas Katolik Indonesia Atma Jaya for the invitation, openness, and commitment to making sustainability an important pillar of higher education. Conversations such as these are essential in fostering the awareness, collaboration, and shared responsibility needed to create a more sustainable and livable world for future generations.