TANGERANG, Indonesia, 22–23 June 2026 – SEAMEO BIOTROP participated in the Global Sustainable Development Congress (GSDC) 2026, organized by Times Higher Education (THE) from 22 to 25 June 2026 at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE BSD), Tangerang, Indonesia. During the international event, SEAMEO BIOTROP Director, Prof. Edi Santosa, accompanied by Deputy Director for Programme, Dr. Doni Yusri, took part in a series of activities aimed at strengthening global partnerships in education, research, and sustainable development.

GSDC is a leading international platform that brings together leaders from higher education institutions, governments, industries, international organizations, research institutions, and civil society to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through cross-sector collaboration. The 2026 Congress attracted more than 5,000 participants from over 100 countries and featured more than 500 international speakers, including university leaders, government ministers, policymakers, industry executives, and representatives of global organizations.

On the second day of the Congress, 23 June 2026, Prof. Edi Santosa served as a panel speaker in the session entitled Investing in People and Productivity: Education as a Driver of Economic Development. The discussion highlighted the strategic role of education in enhancing human capital, increasing productivity, and fostering sustainable economic growth.

During the panel, Prof. Santosa emphasized the importance of strengthening human capacity through education, research, and cross-sector collaboration as essential foundations for sustainable development. His participation as both a speaker and delegate provided an opportunity for SEAMEO BIOTROP to share its experiences and best practices in tropical biodiversity management, education, and research.

SEAMEO BIOTROP's participation in GSDC 2026 reflects the Centre's commitment to expanding international partnerships and promoting collaborative research, innovation, and capacity-building initiatives. Through active engagement in global forums, SEAMEO BIOTROP continues to contribute to the advancement of sustainable development and the achievement of the SDGs across Southeast Asia and beyond.