GEORGETOWN, 5 December 2023 - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) via the Centre for Global Sustainability Studies (CGSS) in collaboration with the South East Asia Sustainability Network (SEASN) today held the 3rd International Conference on Sustainable Development Goals 2023 (ICSDG 2023).

Under the theme "Reinforcing SDGs Implementation for a Sustainable Future: Ensuring Inclusivity for All," the two-day conference focused on the pillars of Social, Economy, Environment, and Governance.

The event took place at the Royale Chulan Hotel Penang, providing a dynamic space for researchers, industry players, and experts to share insights, experiences, initiatives, and best practices relating to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This conference was graced by the presence of academics, experts, and leading researchers hailing from renowned international and local universities, alongside active industry players in sustainability-related fields who serve as keynote, plenary, and invited speakers.

Attending and officiating the ceremony was the USM CGSS Director and Secretary General of SEASN, Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Wira Mohd Shafiei representing the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic and International, Professor Dato’ Gs. Dr. Narimah Samat.

Also present to witness the officiating ceremony was the Penang Housing and Environment Exco, Yang Berhormat Dato’ Seri Sundarajoo Somu, who also delivered the keynote address at the same event.

In his officiating speech, Mohd Wira emphasised the commitment by USM to implement a comprehensive sustainability transition strategy, integrating social, economic, and environmental facets into teaching, research, and the institutional framework.

“ICSDG 2023 functions as a robust platform to address sustainability challenges within the SDG framework, emphasising the principle of inclusivity and the need for institutions to serve as models in inspiring others.

“With this in mind, I hope for the resounding success of this conference in achieving its objectives, and I look forward to the presentation of new and ground-breaking innovations that will further our journey toward sustainable living,” said Mohd Wira.

Meanwhile, CGSS senior lecturer and South East Asia Sustainability Network (SEASN) Coordinator, Associate Professor Dr. Ng Theam Foo in his welcoming speech said that, this conference hopes to serve as a dynamic platform, facilitating the exchange of insights, initiatives, and best practices that could be aligned with the SDGs among researchers.

“ICSDG2023 is not just a gathering but it is a nexus of ideas, collaboration, and shared commitment. Together, let us leverage on this unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the pursuit of a sustainable and inclusive future,” he said.

Text: Nur Farrah Ezlin Mohd Suhaimi/Photo: Mohd Fairus Md Isa