12 May 2026
Raisha Andini
LAHORE, Pakistan – Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) strengthened its strategic role in the international academic network by participating in the international conference titled “Lifestyle Challenges and Strategies for Health, Gender and Climate Sustainability.” The conference was organized by the Institute of Social and Cultural Studies (ISCS) in collaboration with Universitas Airlangga and the World University Association for Community Development (WUACD).
The conference served as an important platform for academics, policymakers, researchers, practitioners, and international delegates to discuss contemporary global challenges related to health, gender equality, climate change, and sustainable development.
The event opened with a recitation of the Holy Qur’an, followed by the national anthems of Pakistan and Indonesia. Director of ISCS, Farhan Navid Yousaf, emphasized the importance of collective and evidence-based approaches in addressing increasingly complex global challenges.
Meanwhile, Vice Chancellor and Patron-in-Chief of the conference, Muhammad Ali, highlighted that climate change, health vulnerabilities, and gender inequality require cross-disciplinary responses and global coordination. He also appreciated the collaboration among universities, which he said could create more meaningful opportunities for international academic cooperation.
USU actively participated in the conference through the presence of several academics, including Ritha F. Dalimunthe and Meutia Nauly. Their involvement reflected USU’s commitment to expanding academic contributions to sustainable development issues at both national and global levels.
During the high-level panel session led by Uzma Kardar, speakers discussed sustainable lifestyles, environmental governance, climate justice, and gender-responsive public policies. The panel featured Ritha F. Dalimunthe, Muhammad Muttaqien, Abdul Qadir, Muhammad Aziz Rahman, Syed Kausar Abbas, and Salman Abid.
In her remarks, Ritha F. Dalimunthe stressed that universities have a major responsibility in creating sustainable solutions that benefit society.
“Health, gender, and climate change issues cannot be viewed as separate problems. They are interconnected and require cross-country, cross-disciplinary collaboration, as well as the active involvement of higher education institutions. Universitas Sumatera Utara remains committed to strengthening international academic networks, producing relevant research, and promoting knowledge-based policies for inclusive and sustainable development,” she stated.
The conference also featured several parallel academic sessions chaired by scholars from Indonesia and Pakistan, including Sudarso, Muhammad Saud, Meutia Nauly, Reisya Ichwani, and Ahmed Usman. Researchers from Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia presented scientific papers on climate resilience, environmental justice, sustainable entrepreneurship, local knowledge systems, technological innovation, and public health challenges in the Global South.
The closing session, moderated by Rahla Rahat, featured remarks from Ahmed Usman and Muhammad Muttaqien. Kanwal Pervaiz Ch also attended the closing ceremony and interacted directly with students and delegates.
The conference concluded with an award presentation and academic networking session. Through this forum, USU reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening international cooperation, developing collaborative research, and contributing impactful academic solutions for the global community.
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