The SDG No.13 Pitching Video Competition hosted virtually by UiTM MARA Malaysia on May 15, 2025, serves as a platform for students to act as agents of change by advocating for sustainability issues, particularly climate change. Participants were required to produce a three-minute video presenting their ideas on climate change in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No.13. The videos addressed the core issues, proposed solutions, and their potential environmental impacts. In this competition, two teams from the Accounting Study Program, Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), were awarded with two distinguished rewards.

from left to right: Zhenix Priskadisa Suryani, Rizki Restu Fauzi, Eric Dwi Muhammad, and Thomas Tirta Yudistira

The first team consisting of Rizki Restu Fauzi, Eric Dwi Muhammad, Thomas Tirta Yudistira, and Zhenix Priskadisa Suryani won third place. While, the second team—comprising Abdillah Adib Had Farhan, Alma Az-zahra, and Aisyah Risqi Wardani—was awarded Most Promising Video.

Throughout the competition, both teams conducted simple research by collecting relevant data to support the ideas conveyed in their videos. Following the research, they then drafted scripts and sourced visual materials such as raw footage, infographics, and additional visuals. All editing, including the recording of voiceovers, was carried out to produce compelling and engaging videos.

Thomas and his team presented a video titled “Save Our Earth or Save Our Life.” “Through this title, we wanted to emphasize that, what we needed to protect is not just the planet or our living space, but our very own lives. The consequences of climate change that we are contributing to, directly affect our own survival,” Thomas explained to the FEB UNS media team. Further, he mentioned that he video also demonstrated practical examples of sustainable student behaviors, such as using public transportation and reducing plastic usage—practices that have become increasingly rare among younger generations. The team conveyed a strong message: protecting the Earth is a shared responsibility, and it is important to avoid actions that pollute and degrade the purity of our living environment, which may already be critically damaged.

from left to right: lma Az-zahra, Aisyah Risqi Wardani, and Abdillah Adib Had Farhan

Meanwhile, Abdillah and his team presented the theme “Implementing SDG 13 through Food Waste Management on Campus,” which earned them the Most Promising Video award. “This idea came from our concern over the significant amount of food waste on campus, which, if not properly managed, could contribute to increased greenhouse gas emissions. We proposed a solution involving collaboration with campus canteens to offer more flexible and needs-based food portions, supported by digital systems, to reduce waste,” Abdillah explained.

The team also suggested that the university increase awareness campaigns among students and the broader campus academic community regarding the importance of reducing food waste. They further proposed that leftover food could be repurposed into compost. Through their video, the team aimed to show that meaningful contributions to climate action do not require large-scale initiatives. As centers of education, universities can serve as role models for sustainable living by taking small but impactful steps.