Pangandaran, The Graduate School of Universitas Padjadjaran (UNPAD) has launched a community engagement program titled “Competency Assessment for Village Apparatus” as part of its ongoing effort to enhance institutional capacity and strengthen village governance systems.

This initiative provides a comprehensive competency-based assessment to help local government officials better understand their strategic roles in creating inclusive, transparent, and accountable governance. It directly contributes to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by promoting productive and sustainable work capacity and supports SDG 5 (Gender Equality) by mainstreaming gender equity in local leadership.

Furthermore, the program aligns with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) through the promotion of efficient resource management and sustainable village development planning. By employing a data-driven approach and actively engaging village officials in the process, this initiative lays a critical foundation for building resilient, equitable, and socially just rural communities.

Dr. Ira Irawati, M.Si., as the program leader, emphasized that:
“Strengthening village governance is a vital step toward achieving long-term rural sustainability and ensuring no one is left behind in the development process.”