USU Public Relations – The Graduate School (Sps) of Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) held the 4th International Conference on Natural Resources and Sustainable Development (ICNRSD), bringing together practitioners, researchers, and academics to exchange ideas on sustainable natural resource management. The conference took place at Hotel Grandhika on Thursday (05/02/2026).

The international conference functioned as an open platform for discussion on contemporary ecosystem issues, addressing global challenges such as climate change and environmental degradation. Designed as an interdisciplinary forum, the conference aimed to provide comprehensive approaches to solving environmental problems.

The Vice Rector III of USU, Poppy Anjelisa Zaitun Hasibuan, stated that this dialogue plays a crucial role in building awareness of the importance of managing ecosystems wisely, in line with the role of universities as centers for knowledge development and as providers of solutions to social and environmental challenges.

Furthermore, the Director of the Graduate School of USU, T. Sabrina, explained that the issues raised at this conference focused on natural disasters occurring in North Sumatra as a result of ecosystem degradation. These conditions have caused significant impacts on both the environment and society.

Prof. Sabrina added that the phenomenon of ecosystem damage should serve as a space for academic reflection. Universities have a strategic role in examining the causes, impacts, and solutions to environmental problems that occur.

This conference also represents the Graduate School of USU’s commitment to implementing collaborative research partnerships with various practitioners.

“Through the research conducted, we hope to provide tangible contributions to environmental restoration and community welfare,” she stated.

On the same occasion, the Chair of the Organizing Committee, Isnen Fitri, emphasized that ICNRSD is an important initiative in responding to environmental degradation issues in a sustainable manner, supported by the participation of competent practitioners in their respective fields.