WCGSS 2025 Affirms the Future of Maritime Communities through Science, Prosperity, and Sustainability
The Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) of Hasanuddin University (UNHAS) successfully held the World Conference on Governance and Social Sciences (WCGSS) 2025 on 11–12 November 2025, marking the second edition of this international academic forum following its inaugural event in 2023. Carrying the theme “The Future of Maritime Society: Science, Prosperity, and Sustainability,” the conference served as a significant platform for academics, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners from various countries to discuss strategic issues concerning the development of resilient, inclusive, and sustainable maritime societies.
WCGSS 2025 took place across two main venues. The first day was centered at the Arsjad Rasjid Theater Hall, where the opening ceremony and plenary sessions were held. The second day continued at the FISIP UNHAS Building, which hosted multiple parallel sessions and thematic discussions. The conference was organized by FISIP UNHAS in collaboration with two co-host partner institutions: the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, and the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Mulawarman, strengthening cross-national networks in social sciences and maritime studies.
The conference was officially opened by Prof. Dr. Ir. Sumbangan Baja, M.Phil., Ph.D, Secretary of UNHAS, who emphasized the importance of social research in addressing global challenges such as climate change, poverty, technological disruption, and governance crises. “Forums like WCGSS are essential in formulating science-based solutions for adaptive and resilient maritime communities,” he stated. Prof. Dr. Phil. Sukri Tamma, M.Si, Dean of FISIP UNHAS, highlighted that the maritime theme aligns with UNHAS’ identity as an archipelagic university and is crucial for developing new perspectives on coastal community dynamics. Muhammad Chaeroel Ansar, S.IP., M.Sc, Chair of WCGSS 2025, expressed his appreciation to all participants and researchers. This year, the conference received 112 papers from a total of 332 authors representing national and international institutions, further reinforcing WCGSS’ position as a global academic forum. The opening ceremony was also attended by Prof. Dr. Suparman, M.Si, Vice Dean of FISIP UNHAS, who underscored the faculty’s commitment to advancing academic diplomacy and international research collaboration.
The first day’s sessions at Arsjad Rasjid Theater Hall were enriched by the presence of five international keynote speakers: Dr. Phil. Timo Duile (University of Bonn), Prof. Asmadi Idris (Universiti Malaysia Sabah), Prof. Raminder Kaur (University of Manchester), Prof. Dr. E.M. Moyer (University of Amsterdam), and Dr. Karen Paiva Henrique (University of Amsterdam). They presented multidisciplinary perspectives on issues ranging from maritime democracy and cultural identity, coastal public health, marine resource governance, to climate change adaptation strategies. Their contributions offered valuable insights for shaping the future direction of maritime research.
On the second day at the FISIP UNHAS Building, researchers presented their latest studies in various parallel sessions, covering topics such as coastal development, social innovation, digital transformation in maritime regions, local political dynamics, and climate change mitigation and adaptation. Intensive discussions among participants generated relevant recommendations to strengthen policy and research related to maritime communities.
With strong enthusiasm, broad participation, and expanding international collaboration, WCGSS 2025 successfully reinforced its role as a strategic forum for formulating ideas and solutions for the future of global maritime societies. The conference is expected to lay a foundation for advancing deeper research and promoting inclusive and sustainable policy development in addressing maritime challenges in the years to come.