CSU among PH delegates to 2026 THE Global Sustainable Development Congress in Jakarta
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The Caraga State University (CSU) proudly joins the Philippine delegation at the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) Global Sustainable Development Congress (GSDC) 2026, held at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE BSD) from June 22-25, 2026. The global gathering brings together higher education institutions (HEIs), policymakers, industry leaders, and sustainability advocates from around the world to discuss innovative solutions and collaborative actions toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Dr. Jeffrey T. Dellosa, Vice President for Research, Development, Innovation, and Extension and Chairperson of the CSU Sustainability Committee, and Dr. Junrie Matias, CSU’s SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) Champion, stood as representatives of the university for this weeklong event. Both are also pioneers of the THE Impact Ranking application in 2025. They are part of the 150 participants from various Higher Education Institutions across the Philippines. Dr. Ricmar P. Aquino, Commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education, led the delegation and showed the country’s growing commitment to sustainability and global development.
One of the major highlights of this year’s congress is the official announcement of the 2026 Times Higher Education Impact Ratings—formerly known as the Impact Rankings—which assess the contributions of HEIs worldwide to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The assessment serves as a globally recognized benchmark of how universities translate their teaching, research, outreach, and stewardship efforts into measurable societal impact.
For Caraga State University, the 2026 assessment marks an important milestone as it is the second time that the university has voluntarily subjected itself to this international evaluation process. CSU’s continued participation reflects its commitment to measuring, improving, and demonstrating its contribution to sustainable development through evidence-based programs and initiatives aligned with the SDGs.
In the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, CSU achieved a significant milestone by emerging as the Top 1 Philippine Higher Education Institution in SDG 1 (No Poverty), ranked 44th globally, and placing among the Top 3 institutions in the Philippines overall based on ranking bands (601-800). The university was also recognized globally for its contributions to poverty alleviation, quality education, health and well-being, gender equality, and partnerships for the goals. These achievements underscored CSU’s growing reputation as a university that effectively translates its research, innovation, extension, and governance initiatives into tangible societal impact.
The congress serves as an important platform for universities to showcase best practices, share impactful initiatives, and establish strategic partnerships that contribute to sustainable development. Through participation in plenary sessions, workshops, networking activities, and institutional meetings, CSU seeks to strengthen collaborations with international universities, research institutions, industry partners, and development organizations in support of its sustainability agenda.
CSU’s presence at the congress builds upon its growing recognition in global sustainability assessments and its ongoing efforts to align academic, research, innovation, and extension programs with the SDGs. As one of the participating Philippine higher education institutions, CSU aims to learn from global best practices while sharing its own experiences in advancing sustainability initiatives that create meaningful impacts in communities across the Caraga Region and beyond.
The participation of Dr. Dellosa and Dr. Matias also underscores the university’s strategic focus on fostering partnerships and promoting evidence-based solutions to address pressing global challenges, including poverty reduction, quality education, climate action, sustainable communities, and inclusive innovation. Through SDG 17, CSU continues to strengthen local and international collaborations that advance knowledge creation, technology transfer, and sustainable community development.
As the congress unfolds, CSU looks forward to forging new international partnerships, exploring collaborative research opportunities, and gaining valuable insights that will further strengthen its vision of becoming a globally recognized research, development, innovation, and extension institution committed to sustainable and resilient development.
Through its participation in the 2026 THE Global Sustainable Development Congress, CSU reaffirms its commitment to advancing the SDGs and contributing to a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future for all.
Photo via VPRDIE Jeffrey T. Dellosa
