Charting Environmental Excellence: Reflections on WUACD's Strategic Summit 2023

Delivering a message to individuals with elevated expertise in the relevant sector stands as one of the most challenging yet pivotal elements of a blueprint project. In November, WUACD convened the WUACD SUMMIT 2023, serving as a forum for deliberating the achievements of the current year and delineating strategies for the forthcoming period. The summit extended invitations to participants from WUACD member institutions worldwide, facilitating substantive connections between Universitas Airlangga and other esteemed universities globally. Throughout this agenda, WUACD underscored the paramount themes of connectivity and environmental stewardship, both integral to the project's overarching objectives. In the year 2023, WUACD orchestrated a series of events, encompassing extensive dialogues, presentations by distinguished representatives, and community development endeavors, all fundamental components of its overarching mission. In acknowledgment of the urgent environmental predicaments confronting member nations such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Libya, and Pakistan, WUACD accorded precedence to exigent response measures. Acknowledging the seminal role of climate change, WUACD promptly initiated proactive measures, commencing with a visit to Kertosari Village in Banyuwangi, lauded for its government-endorsed Climate Village Program. The village actively advocated for the cultivation of medicinal plants (TOGA) in every household and implemented comprehensive waste management protocols to enhance environmental custodianship. Furthermore, the community diligently preserved water springs, drawing upon entrenched traditional beliefs to fortify conservation endeavors. Against the backdrop of escalating environmental exigencies, WUACD galvanized its membership to champion environmental conservation, leveraging indigenous Indonesian cultural norms. By fostering engagement among women's groups through substantive dialogues, cultural performances, and regular exercises centered on environmental preservation, WUACD empowered women to assume leadership roles in sustainability initiatives. Professor Dr. CA Kalpana from the Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women offered specialized guidance to women in Kertosari, emphasizing the criticality of nutrition optimization and the mitigation of food waste to safeguard health. Through various presentations and educational endeavors, Professor Dr. CA Kalpana endeavored to instill healthier household practices and underscored the intrinsic nexus between physical well-being and environmental stewardship. In conclusion, WUACD discerned the imperative of environmental mindfulness and sustainable practices in nurturing resilient communities. Enhancing Community Life Quality Through WUACD's Community Development Initiatives In its endeavor to integrate long-term prospects into society, WUACD recognizes the core principle of empowering people through sustainable programs. The primary focus is on developing individuals, leveraging the advantages of enhancing their quality, irrespective of their initial circumstances. Through community development, WUACD aims to inherently improve the quality of individuals. Since 2022, WUACD has conducted Community Development programs for all its members, leaving a trademark in community development in Timor Leste in 2022 and in Johor, Malaysia in 2023. Continuing its efforts, WUACD acknowledges the importance of broadening its scope and perspective. With innovative ideas, in 2024, WUACD will host Community Development programs as a collaboration with eight different universities, including Prince of Songkla University, Universidade Nacional Timor Lorosa’e, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Universiti Terengganu Malaysia, Kasetsart University, Chulalongkorn University, University Brunei Darussalam, and Universiti Kuala Lumpur. The Community Development program of 2024 will have various focuses tailored to specific urgencies of each local community residing in the near partner university location. Additionally, with the overarching goal of expanding university outreach through social approaches, WUACD has established partnerships with local stakeholders to increase societal engagement. The community events scheduled for April-May 2024 aim to foster inclusivity among all member universities of WUACD. Each university will address different topics such as Biodiversity, Ecology and Bioresources Issues, Public Health Issues, Economic Issues, Tourism, Organic Farming, Herbal Products, and others. These topics are chosen based on their relevance to the developmental needs of each society near the university and their conditions and needs. Furthermore, WUACD seeks to facilitate collaboration among universities by connecting program outputs and inviting experts from various fields to participate. In summary, this program will integrate all the roles of developing quality, starting with the program addressing community and university and also with the role of expert who will support the idea implementation. International Conference on The Implementation of Artificial Intelligence in Digital Health to Support Sustainable Developments World University Association for Community Development (WUACD) Universitas Airlangga, in collaboration with the World Association of Sustainable Development (WASD), will organize an International Conference on The Implementation of Artificial Intelligence in Digital Health to Support Sustainable Developments that will be held at Ayodya Resort Hotel, Nusa Dua, Bali, on 27-29 Mei 2024. With the commitment toward sustainable development goals, this conference fosters thoughtful discussions and exchanges insight regarding the role of artificial intelligence in digital health. The conference will feature comprehensive parallel sessions focusing on crucial topics such as the integration of AI in addressing global health challenges and its implications for environmental conservation, food security, and sustainable economic practices including the green, blue, and circular economies. Furthermore, participants will have the invaluable opportunity to delve into the implementation of telemedicine in empowering digital health transformation. The conference will start on 27 May 2024 with an inspiring Opening Ceremony followed by enlightening conference sessions and interactive discussions. On 28 May 2024, the event will continue to captivate attendees with a full day of conference sessions, further enriching discussions and a cultural program. On the last day, 29 May 2024, the conference will focus on actionable community development initiatives, empowering participants to implement the insights gained into real-world impact. The focus of this conference will be on how to foster meaningful collaborations and partnerships that will drive forward innovative solutions for sustainable digital health. We invite all scholars, researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders who are interested in the topics of artificial intelligence, digital health, and sustainable development to join us in this important event. We are thrilled to extend a cordial invitation to the upcoming International Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Digital Health for Sustainable Development. This esteemed event promises to be a pivotal gathering for professionals and enthusiasts alike, convening to explore the intersection of AI and healthcare in the pursuit of sustainable development goals. This conference offers a dynamic platform for robust discussions, innovative insights, and collaborative initiatives. Regardless of your expertise level, your unique perspectives are invaluable in shaping the future landscape of digital health and sustainable development. For any inquiries or registration assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the WUACD secretariat at secretariat@wuacd.unair.ac.id. We eagerly anticipate your invaluable contribution to this transformative event. Together, let us chart the course toward a healthier, more sustainable future through the power of AI in digital health.