SLSU Strengthens Global Engagement at THE Global Sustainable Development Congress 2026

Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) continues to expand its global presence and commitment to sustainable development through active participation in high-impact international platforms.

Demonstrating this commitment, Dr. Constantino G. Medilo Jr., Vice President for Academic Affairs, represented SLSU at the Times Higher Education (THE) Global Sustainable Development Congress 2026, held from June 21 to 26, 2026, at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE) in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The congress is a premier international gathering of leaders from higher education institutions, government agencies, industry, and civil society, all working collaboratively to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It serves as a dynamic platform for dialogue, innovation, knowledge exchange, and the formation of strategic global partnerships.

This year’s program addressed key global challenges through various thematic tracks, including Education, Gender, and Inequality, which emphasized equitable access to education, gender inclusion, and expanded opportunities for underserved communities. The discussions reinforced the critical role of universities in shaping inclusive, resilient, and sustainable societies.

During the congress, Dr. Medilo actively participated in plenary sessions, forums, and networking engagements, exchanging best practices with international academic leaders and exploring innovative strategies to strengthen higher education’s role in sustainable development.

A significant outcome of SLSU’s participation was the initiation of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with four international higher education institutions, further expanding the University’s global academic network. These partner institutions include, Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar (Indonesia); Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta (Indonesia); Universitas Brawijaya (Indonesia); and Uttara University (Bangladesh)

These partnerships are expected to open opportunities for collaborative research, academic exchange, and capacity-building initiatives aligned with SLSU’s Strategic Internationalization Plan.

Dr. Medilo’s participation underscores SLSU’s strong commitment to internationalization, global engagement, and its mission to contribute meaningfully to the achievement of the SDGs through quality education, research, and innovation.

Through initiatives such as this, SLSU continues to empower its academic community, strengthen global linkages, and position itself as a proactive contributor to sustainable development in the international arena.