Brawijaya University Hosts Global SDGs Conference to Drive Sustainable Change

RRI.CO.ID, Malang – Brawijaya University (UB) in Malang, East Java, reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by hosting the International Conference on Sustainable Development Goals (ICSDGs) 2026 at the Faculty of Computer Science Auditorium on Thursday, June 11, 2026.

The event brought together academics, researchers, policymakers, practitioners, students, and high school participants from 15 countries to exchange ideas and strengthen collaboration to address global sustainability challenges.

UB’s Deputy Rector for Academic Affairs, Imam Santoso, emphasized the university’s role in driving change. “UB ensures that our programs in academics, research and innovation, community development, and other initiatives align with efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals,” he said, as quoted on the university’s official website on Friday, June 12, 2026.

“UB remains committed to integrating SDG principles into academic and institutional activities, while encouraging multidisciplinary collaboration with various partners to address global challenges,” he added.

Conference Chair Fitri Hariana Oktaviani explained the theme of this year’s conference, “Sustainable Development in Times of Uncertainty: Resilience, Innovation, and Well‑being.”

“This conference provides a shared space for academics, researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and students to build collaboration and generate ideas that can contribute to sustainable development,” she noted.

“ICSDGs 2026 attracted 285 presenters and 26 young researchers from 15 countries, including Azerbaijan, Brunei Darussalam, China, England, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand, and Turkey,” Fitri said, highlighting the broad participation.

She also pointed to the international partnerships that strengthened the conference.

“This year’s ICSDGs is supported by co‑host institutions such as the Academy of Applied Technical Studies Šumadija from Serbia, ISUFST from the Philippines, MILA University from Malaysia, SRM University AP from India, and Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM). The Scientific Committee involves academics from Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, the Philippines, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Serbia, and Vietnam,” Fitri explained.

Head of UB’s SDGs Center, Novia Lusiana, outlined UB’s sustainability initiatives. “UB continues to strengthen SDG implementation through strategic programs involving all university units. One step is the development of an SDGs dashboard to systematically monitor and evaluate progress,” she said.

“Sustainability is not just a target to be achieved, but a mindset that must guide every decision we make,” Novia added. She also highlighted UB’s Green Campus program and the Kampung Lingkar Kampus (Campus Surrounding Villages) initiative, designed to engage communities in supporting the achievement of the SDGs.

The conference also welcomed participation from secondary school students.

Frezhida Valya Pualiyan, a student from Taruna Nusantara High School Malang, shared her experience. “This event was very beneficial and gave me new knowledge about SDGs and the importance of global collaboration. What impressed me most was that the conference involved around 15 countries. Each speaker provided different perspectives based on their experiences and conditions, giving me many new insights,” she said.

“The presence of speakers and participants from countries such as Malaysia and Turkey enriched the discussions and opened new viewpoints on sustainable development. I hope this conference continues to grow and inspires more people to contribute to sustainability. I also hope to apply the ideas and knowledge I gained here in the future,” Frezhida concluded.

By bridging academia, policy, and community engagement, ICSDGs 2026 reinforced UB’s role as a catalyst for sustainable transformation and global cooperation.

This milestone connects to broader themes, including the SDGs in higher education, international sustainability conferences, and community-based sustainability initiatives. ***