AIESEC in UGM, in collaboration with the Office of International Affairs (OIA) UGM, successfully hosted Global Village 2026 at the Gelanggang Inovasi dan Kreativitas Mahasiswa (GIK) UGM on Saturday, January 31, 2026. The annual cultural festival brought together students from various countries to celebrate cultural diversity through interactive exhibitions, performances, and dialogue.
Carrying the theme “Beyond Borders, Across the Lost Tide,” this year’s Global Village invited participants to explore cultures that are often separated by distance, history, and geography.
“This year’s theme invites participants to set sail through cultures once separated by oceans,” explained M. Alif Aryaguna, the Organizing Committee President (OCP) of Global Village 2026.
The spirit of cultural exchange was also felt strongly among the committee members. Zabrina Kumara, one of the organizers, shared her excitement about the diversity showcased at the event. “I’m happy to see that there is so much cultural diversity in this world,” she said. “We also get to have cultural exchanges here, as international students get to know our culture. I hope that the spirit of togetherness will remain even after this event.”
Throughout the day, visitors enjoyed various activities designed to promote intercultural understanding, including cultural booths, country parades, and artistic performances. Another highlight was the Collaborative Space, where participants were encouraged to engage in open discussions and exchange perspectives about their cultures.
This year, Global Village featured countries such as Taiwan, Nigeria, Pakistan, Myanmar, and Timor-Leste. One of the participants, Jana from Timor-Leste, proudly showcased her country’s heritage by wearing traditional clothing and bringing local food to her booth.
“We in Timor-Leste have many cultures,” she explained. “This traditional clothing that I’m wearing is called Tais in our language. It is a hand-woven textile, typically made from cotton and natural dyes.”
Visitors were equally enthusiastic about the experience. Danar, one of the attendees, shared his impressions after visiting the Timor-Leste booth. “Global Village today is really fun,” he said. “I also learned that Timor-Leste has unique food—it’s papaya-based, but served as a savory dish.”
Through meaningful interactions and cultural sharing, Global Village 2026 once again demonstrated the importance of diversity, dialogue, and global friendship within the UGM community. The event not only allowed students to showcase their cultural identities but also encouraged mutual respect and understanding—values that continue to strengthen UGM’s international and inclusive campus environment.
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