UNHAS Hosts the 16th International Academic Consortium for Sustainable Cities Conference
Hasanuddin University (UNHAS) once again hosted the 16th International Academic Consortium for Sustainable Cities (IACSC) Conference. This annual agenda brings together academics from various countries to discuss strategic issues on urbanization, environment, and health as the main pillars of future cities. The conference took place at the UNHAS Hotel and Convention Center on Monday, 4 August 2025, featuring 110 presenters from six member universities of the consortium.
Alongside UNHAS as the sole representative from Indonesia, the consortium includes Yokohama University (Japan), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Thammasat University (Thailand), the University of the Philippines, and Vietnam National University. As the host, UNHAS promoted a spirit of regional collaboration to create solutions for environmental preservation, particularly in Asia, which faces the challenges of rapid urbanization.
The Head of the International Office of UNHAS, Andi Masyitha Irwan, S.Kep., Ns., MAN;, PhD, emphasized that this conference was more than just an academic forum. “This is the second time UNHAS has hosted this conference, after the first in 2019. We hope it will not only be a platform to present research findings but also a way for researchers to make the world a better place—developing sustainable and healthy cities not only in developed countries but also in developing nations and across Asia,” she said.
In addition to research presentations, the conference provided opportunities for young Indonesian researchers to expand their international networks. By bringing together experts from various countries, the discussions were expected to produce strategies applicable at both local and global levels.
This year, the IACSC Conference focused on three main areas: urban, environment, and health. These issues were addressed through presentations, panel discussions, and the formulation of recommendations for the future development of sustainable cities. Keynote speakers included Makassar Mayor Munafri Arifuddin, S.H., UNHAS Secretary Prof. Sumbangan Baja, and a representative from Vietnam National University (VNU) Dr. Le Thanh Hoa. In addition to the keynote speeches, three panelists participated—two from UNHAS Prof. Sukri Palutturi. S.KM.,M.Kes.M.sc.PH.,Ph.D, and Dr. Eng .Ir.Irwan Ridwan Rahim.S.T.,M.T as well as one from the Philippines Dr.Fernando Garcia Jr.
Participants discussed various challenges, from waste management, air pollution, and eco-friendly urban planning to strengthening public health systems in urban areas. Innovations arising from academic research were expected to provide concrete solutions to increasingly complex urban problems.
The IACSC Conference is not only a scientific forum but also a strategic platform for fostering international cooperation. Through this event, UNHAS demonstrated their leadership in driving collaborative efforts toward sustainable development. As part of the conference, the IACSC General Assembly convened with the participation of consortium leaders from member universities. The gathering served as an important platform to strengthen networks, exchange perspectives, and reaffirm the consortium’s shared commitment to advancing sustainable city initiatives.
One of the key agenda items was the consortium’s strategic plan for the next two years. This discussion aimed to ensure sustainable financial support for consortium activities while accommodating the varying capacities of member institutions. The Assembly also reviewed collaborative priorities in education, research, and community engagement to address pressing urban challenges. At the close of the session, Vietnam National University was officially announced as the host of the 17th IACSC, which will take place in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
As the next host, the conference invited the representative of Vietnam National University (VNU) to take the stage and deliver a message, warmly inviting members to participate in the 17th IACSC in Ho Chi Minh City. The event also provided networking sessions, allowing members to showcase their universities and offering participants the opportunity to learn more about each institution. In parallel, participating students from member universities conducted a reflection session on the International Cultural Program (ICP), which was the integration of the Sustainable Urban Development Program (SUDP) and the International Urban Planning Workshop (IUPW) organized by the Department of Urban Planning, Faculty of Engineering (FT), UNHAS. The IUPW and SUDP served as key platforms for student mobility, enabling participants to engage in cross-cultural learning and collaborative projects. The conference concluded with the announcement of the best speakers from nine parallel rooms, followed by the presentation of certificates to all speakers.
