UNDIP, Semarang (8/8) – Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP), through the Faculty of Animal and Agricultural Sciences (FPP), successfully hosted the International Seminar on Agriculture (ISA) 2026 at the Grand Candi Hotel in Semarang. Carrying the theme “Strengthening Sustainable Agri-Food Systems through Science, Technology, and Policy Integration,” the seminar brought together leading scholars, researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and students from various countries to discuss innovative solutions for sustainable agricultural development and global food security. The event reflects UNDIP’s continuous commitment to strengthening international academic collaboration and promoting impactful research that addresses contemporary agricultural challenges.
The seminar featured distinguished keynote speakers from renowned universities across Asia, namely Prof. Emeritus Datuk Dr. Mad Nasir Shamsudin (Universiti Putra Malaysia), Dr. Cherdpong Kheerajit (Kasetsart University, Thailand), Dr. Raquel M. Balanay (Caraga State University, Philippines), and Dr. Siwi Gayatri (Universitas Diponegoro, Indonesia). Each speaker shared valuable perspectives on sustainable agriculture, agricultural policy, digital transformation, circular economy, and science-based strategies to improve the resilience and competitiveness of modern agri-food systems.
In his opening remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Animal and Agricultural Sciences at Universitas Diponegoro emphasized the importance of international collaboration in addressing global agricultural challenges. He noted that the International Seminar on Agriculture (ISA) serves as a strategic platform for researchers, academics, and practitioners from different countries to exchange knowledge, establish collaborative networks, and develop innovative solutions for sustainable agricultural development. The Dean further highlighted that ISA 2026 reflects Universitas Diponegoro’s commitment to expanding global partnerships, enhancing research excellence, and advancing sustainable agri-food systems by integrating science, technology, and policy.
Throughout the seminar, participants actively engaged in keynote lectures, scientific paper presentations, and interactive discussions covering a wide range of topics, including agribusiness, agricultural economics, food security, agricultural extension, rural development, sustainability, climate resilience, and technological innovation. The lively exchange of ideas demonstrated the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing increasingly complex agricultural challenges.
In addition to providing a platform for scientific dissemination, ISA 2026 created valuable networking opportunities for researchers to establish international collaborations, initiate joint research projects, and explore future academic partnerships. Such collaborations are expected to contribute to internationally recognized publications, student and faculty exchanges, and collaborative research addressing regional and global agricultural issues.
The participation of international speakers and delegates further strengthened UNDIP’s global engagement strategy by fostering academic diplomacy and expanding institutional partnerships with universities abroad. Through these collaborations, UNDIP continues to enhance its contribution to advancing science and technology while supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to food security, sustainable agriculture, and international partnerships.
The successful organization of ISA 2026 marks another important milestone in UNDIP’s continuous efforts to become a leading research university with strong international recognition. By bringing together experts from diverse backgrounds and countries, the seminar reaffirmed the vital role of science, innovation, and cross-border collaboration in building sustainable, resilient, and inclusive agri-food systems for the future. (Public Communication/UNDIP/FPP)
