Medan, July 30, 2026 – The 2026 International Trilateral Joint Conference on Education was successfully held on July 25, 2026, at Nivia Hotel Medan, bringing together academics, researchers, educators, students, and educational leaders from Indonesia, India, and the Philippines. Carrying the theme “Realizing the Sustainable Development Goals on Education,” the conference became an inspiring international forum for exchanging ideas, sharing research findings, and strengthening academic collaboration across national borders.
Organized by the Postgraduate Studies of UIN Sumatera Utara Medan, the conference attracted enthusiastic participation from lecturers, graduate students, researchers, and education practitioners. Throughout the day, participants engaged in insightful discussions on contemporary educational issues and explored innovative strategies for achieving quality education as envisioned in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The event commenced with a welcoming address from Prof. Dr. Nurhayati, M.Ag., Rector of UIN Sumatera Utara Medan, who emphasized the importance of international cooperation in improving educational quality and expanding research collaboration. She highlighted that higher education institutions must continue to work together to address global educational challenges and prepare future generations for an increasingly interconnected world.
The conference was further enriched by remarks from Prof. Dr. Tien Rafida, M.Hum., Dean of the Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training (FITK), UIN Sumatera Utara Medan, who encouraged participants to utilize the conference as an opportunity to strengthen academic networks and generate impactful research that contributes to society.
One of the highlights of the conference was the presence of distinguished keynote speakers from three countries. Participants had the opportunity to learn from Professor KJ Varghese of Christ College, Irinjalakuda, India; Professor Florante P. Ibarra of Central Luzon State University, Philippines; Prof. Dr. Chandra Wijaya, M.Pd. of UIN Sumatera Utara Medan; and Prof. Dr. Mardianto, M.Pd. of UIN Sumatera Utara Medan.
The keynote presentations generated lively discussions and offered participants valuable insights into educational leadership, innovation, curriculum development, global educational trends, and strategies for strengthening the quality of teaching and learning in the twenty-first century. Participants actively engaged with the speakers, creating a dynamic and intellectually stimulating atmosphere throughout the conference.
In addition to the keynote sessions, presenters shared research findings in various fields, including Islamic Educational Management, Islamic Education in the Globalization Era, English Language Teaching (ELT), and Entrepreneurship in the Education Sector. These parallel sessions enabled researchers and students to showcase their work, receive constructive feedback, and establish academic connections with scholars from different institutions.
The conference was widely regarded as both academically enriching and enjoyable. Participants appreciated the opportunity to interact with international scholars, exchange ideas with fellow researchers, and gain fresh perspectives on educational development. Many attendees described the event as an engaging learning experience that expanded their understanding of global educational issues while motivating them to pursue higher standards of academic excellence.
Maslathif Dwi Purnomo, M.Hum., Ph.D., Head of the Master’s Program in English Education and the deputy of the organizing committee who coordinated communication with international keynote speakers, expressed his satisfaction with the successful implementation of the conference.
“This conference was more than an academic event; it was a platform for building international friendships, exchanging ideas, and strengthening research collaboration. We were delighted to see scholars from different countries sharing knowledge and inspiring one another. The enthusiasm of the participants demonstrated that educational collaboration remains a powerful force for positive change.”
Dr. Maslathif noted that the conference provided numerous insights for both lecturers and students.
“The sessions were highly informative and offered valuable perspectives on the future of education. Participants gained practical ideas, research inspiration, and international exposure that will contribute to their academic and professional development. We hope the knowledge gained from this conference will continue to influence future teaching, research, and community engagement activities.”
He also emphasized that international conferences are among the flagship academic initiatives supported by the Master’s Program in English Education as part of its commitment to fostering globally competitive graduates and strengthening international academic partnerships.
Meanwhile, Reflina, M.Pd., Secretary of the Master’s Program in English Education, expressed her appreciation for the active participation of students throughout the conference.
“The conference was an excellent learning experience for our students. They were able to interact directly with international scholars, observe high-quality academic presentations, and broaden their perspectives on educational issues. Experiences like this help students develop confidence and prepare them to become future academics and educational leaders.”
She further stated that the conference created an exciting academic atmosphere where participants could learn, network, and collaborate in meaningful ways.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment among participants to continue promoting educational innovation, collaborative research, and international engagement. Beyond the formal presentations, the conference succeeded in creating a vibrant academic environment filled with productive conversations, new partnerships, and shared aspirations for improving education.
As the fourth edition of the International Trilateral Joint Conference on Education, the 2026 conference once again demonstrated the importance of international cooperation in addressing educational challenges and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. Through inspiring presentations, engaging discussions, and meaningful networking opportunities, the conference provided participants with valuable insights and memorable experiences that will continue to influence their academic journeys long after the event concluded.
