Uttara University has signed 22 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with universities across Asia and Africa during the 5th Annual Global Sustainable Development Congress (GSDC) 2026, held from 22 to 25 June at the Indonesia Convention Center in Jakarta.

Organised by Times Higher Education, the congress brought together university leaders, policymakers, researchers and industry experts from around the world to discuss the role of higher education in advancing sustainable development and strengthening international collaboration.

Uttara University was represented by Abid Aziz, member of the Board of Trustees, and Sheikh Yasha Shan, director of the Office of the Institutional Ranking Cell. During the four-day event, the university held a series of meetings and networking sessions that resulted in partnerships with 22 higher education institutions.

Most of the agreements were signed with universities in Indonesia, where Uttara University partnered with 15 institutions. The collaborations cover a broad range of academic fields, including engineering, medicine, law, pharmacy, space research, digital innovation and regional development.

The university also signed partnership agreements with six institutions in the Philippines to strengthen collaboration in agriculture, marine technology and multidisciplinary research. These include the University of the Visayas, the University of Eastern Philippines, Cavite State University, Southern Leyte State University and Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College.

In addition, Uttara University expanded its international network to South Africa through a partnership with Durban University of Technology, creating opportunities for collaboration in technology, innovation and entrepreneurship.

According to the university, the agreements will facilitate student and faculty exchange programmes, joint research projects, co-authored publications, curriculum development, visiting scholar initiatives, dual-degree pathways and the organisation of international conferences, seminars and academic workshops.

University representatives said the partnerships reflect Uttara University’s commitment to expanding global academic engagement and creating new opportunities for students, faculty members and researchers through international collaboration.

The university added that the new partnerships support its long-term vision of strengthening research, innovation and cross-cultural learning while contributing to global knowledge sharing and sustainable development.