Inaugural ceremony of 8th UIU-ICSD 2026 held at UIU
United International University (UIU), Bangladesh, has launched the 8th UIU-International Conference on Sustainable Development (UIU-ICSD) to promote policy-driven research and collaboration on global sustainability challenges.
The inaugural ceremony took place on 11 April 2026 at the UIU campus in United City, Madani Avenue, Dhaka. The annual event is organised by the Institute of Development Studies and Sustainability (IDSS).
Neeltje Kielen, Delegated Representative for Water Affairs at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, attended as the chief guest. Dr Khairul Islam, Regional Director of WaterAid South Asia, and Shreya Chakraborty, Country Focal Point of the International Water Management Institute, served as guests of honour. Prof Dr Mashfiqus Salehin of BUET delivered the inaugural address. UIU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Md Abul Kashem Mia presided, while Prof Dr Hamidul Huq, Director of IDSS and convener of the conference, delivered the welcome address.
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The conference aims to foster a research-driven knowledge-sharing platform that informs policy decisions and advances sustainable development at national, regional, and international levels. This year, the event attracted approximately 550 research paper submissions across eight themes, selecting 365 for presentation from countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, India, Nepal, the Philippines, and Bangladesh. The event emphasised the need for collective action to address global climate change and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She noted that the conference plays a pivotal role in advancing the SDGs and strengthening regional and international cooperation.
According to organisers, the session generated key recommendations for attaining the SDGs. Drawing a diverse audience, the event welcomed faculty, officials, students, national and international researchers, and representatives from universities, research organisations, NGOs, and other distinguished guests.
