Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) reaffirmed its commitment to international academic collaboration and knowledge exchange through its active participation in the CHSS 2026 Conference held at Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), Pakistan, from 23 to 27 September 2026. The conference brought together scholars, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners from across Asia and beyond to discuss contemporary challenges and opportunities facing societies in the region.
UGM was represented by Prof. Dr. Wening Udasmoro, Dr. Aprillia Firmonasari, and Dr. Merry Andriani from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, who participated in a range of academic and networking activities throughout the conference. Their involvement contributed to scholarly discussions on issues affecting Asia and the Global South while strengthening partnerships between UGM and international institutions. Prof. Dr. Wening Udasmoro also serves as the Hub Leader for UGM in the academic cooperative project among Association for Asian Studies (AAS), Cultivating the Humanities and Social Sciences and Supporting Underrepresented Scholars of Asia (CHSS), and Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM).
The conference featured an extensive program consisting of pre-conference workshops, panel presentations, roundtable discussions, exhibitions, cultural activities, and networking forums. Participants explored a wide range of topics, including migration, education, governance, gender studies, climate resilience, public health, cultural heritage, and regional cooperation. Through these sessions, attendees exchanged perspectives and research findings while identifying opportunities for future collaborative initiatives.
In addition to academic presentations, the conference emphasized intercultural engagement through exhibitions and cultural showcases that highlighted the diversity and dynamism of Asian societies. These activities provided participants with valuable opportunities to connect across disciplines and national boundaries. UGM’s participation in the conference reflects the university’s ongoing efforts to promote internationally engaged scholarship and foster meaningful partnerships that address global and regional challenges. The event also served as a platform for expanding academic networks and exploring collaborative research opportunities with institutions across Asia and beyond.
Building on the momentum generated in Lahore, Universitas Gadjah Mada will host a similar international workshop in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, from 19 to 23 October 2026. The workshop is designed as an inclusive academic forum that welcomes participants from diverse disciplinary, institutional, cultural, and geographical backgrounds. In line with UGM’s commitment to social equality and inclusivity, the program will provide a platform for scholars, researchers, practitioners, and community representatives to engage in dialogue, share perspectives, and exchange knowledge on issues of societal relevance. Through this initiative, UGM seeks to foster an academic environment that values diversity, promotes equitable participation, and encourages cross-cultural and interdisciplinary engagement.
Through its participation in CHSS 2026 and its forthcoming role as host, UGM continues to demonstrate its commitment to advancing impactful research, fostering international dialogue, and contributing to the development of inclusive and sustainable solutions to contemporary global challenges. For Universitas Gadjah Mada, these engagements represent not only opportunities for scholarly exchange but also strategic efforts to strengthen the university’s position as a leading institution in facilitating regional and global academic collaboration.
