UMKT Strengthens Global Partnerships through Participation in the THE Global Sustainable Development Congress (GSDC) 2026
Author: Rabiatul Adawiyah
Universitas Muhammadiyah Kalimantan Timur (UMKT) participated in the Times Higher Education (THE) Global Sustainable Development Congress (GSDC) 2026, held from 22–25 June 2026 at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE) BSD, Tangerang, Indonesia.
The THE Global Sustainable Development Congress (GSDC) is an international forum organized by Times Higher Education (THE) that brings together universities, governments, industries, international organizations, and other stakeholders from around the world to discuss practical solutions to global sustainable development challenges. The congress provides a platform for participants to exchange best practices, expand collaborative networks, and establish partnerships that contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
During the event, UMKT was represented by Sayekti Harits Suryawan, S.Kom., M.Kom., and Abd. Hallim, S.ST., M.Kom., who participated in a series of activities, including keynote sessions, panel discussions, exhibitions, and networking events with delegates from universities and institutions across the globe.
One of the key highlights of UMKT's participation was engaging in networking sessions through discussions and business card exchanges with representatives from various universities and international partners. These interactions served as an initial step toward exploring future collaborations in education, research, community engagement, academic exchange, and the development of international programs, aligning with UMKT's vision of becoming a globally competitive university.
Beyond expanding its international network, UMKT's participation in THE GSDC 2026 also provided valuable insights into strategies for implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within higher education institutions, strengthening institutional governance, fostering educational innovation, and enhancing global visibility through internationally recognized rankings such as the THE Impact Rankings and the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings.
UMKT's participation in this international forum reflects the university's strong commitment to continuously enhancing the quality of its Tri Dharma of Higher Education—education, research, and community service—through global collaboration, sustainable innovation, and strategic partnerships. The knowledge, experience, and international connections gained during the congress are expected to be translated into impactful initiatives across the university, contributing to the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while further strengthening UMKT's reputation on the global stage.