Global Experts Unite at Universitas Padjadjaran to Promote Sustainable Food Systems

Jatinangor Universitas Padjadjaran successfully held its first International Seminar on Sustainable Food Systems (ISASFS) on October 8, 2025, in a hybrid format at Bale Rucita Unpad Jatinangor, bringing together global experts, researchers, and practitioners to discuss pressing challenges in agriculture, food security, and climate resilience.

Organized by the Department of Socio-Economics and Agribusiness, Faculty of Agriculture, this seminar carried the theme “Connecting the World Towards Sustainable Food Systems.” Keynote speakers and expert panelists from Tanzania, Malaysia, the Netherlands, and the Philippines joined virtually to share insights on agroecology, digital innovation, trade policies, and sustainable rice production systems.

“This seminar serves as a platform for cross-country collaboration and knowledge exchange,” said Dr. Sri Fatimah, Chair of the Organizing Committee. “We aim to connect local wisdom with global expertise to build an inclusive, productive, and environmentally friendly food system.”

The Expert Panel, led by Dr. Fatimah, highlighted four main areas: Community-based resilience and climate adaptation (Dr. Rashid, Tanzania), Digital platforms in agriculture and entrepreneurship (Dr. Fazleen, UiTM Malaysia), Economic instruments for sustainability (Dr. Rico Ihle, Wageningen University), Low-emission rice production and farmer assistance (Dr. Ravindra C. Joshi, Philippines)

The seminar also featured parallel sessions with more than 80 paper presentations from Indonesian and international academics, covering topics such as gender equality, regenerative agriculture, and policy innovation. The event was attended by approximately 150 participants, both online and onsite.

The Vice Dean for Learning, Student Affairs, and Research of the Faculty of Agriculture officially opened the event and emphasized the importance of the academic role in shaping a sustainable future. “Universitas Padjadjaran is proud to host this dialogue and contribute to regional and global solutions,” he said. He also expressed his gratitude to all parties who supported the smooth running of the event from beginning to end.