IPB University Hosts RUSET 2024: Driving Innovation and Collaboration for Sustainable Rural Development
The 5th International Conference on Rural Socio-economic Transformation (RUSET) 2024 was held by the Department of Communication and Community Development Science at the Faculty of Human Ecology of IPB University. This event, which has taken place annually since its inception in 2019, focused this year on the theme of “Toward Sustainable Agri-food Systems, Robust Agriculture 4.0, and Inclusive Community Development.”
Conference Participation
The conference attracted over 200 participants from various sectors, aiming to connect professionals in rural development to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and explore innovative approaches to enhance community welfare.
Opening Address
During the opening address, IPB University Rector Prof. Arif Satria highlighted the importance of addressing transformations in rural areas, which can result in marginalization and a decline in living standards. He emphasized that international conferences serve as an important platform for promoting collaboration aimed at creating a sustainable future for rural communities.
Event Format and Sessions
The event was conducted in a hybrid format at Hotel Salak The Heritage and online via Zoom, consisting of plenary and parallel sessions. Keynote speakers presented their latest research findings during the plenary sessions, with notable contributions from Prof. Syed Farid Alatas of the National University of Singapore, Dr. Anna Snider of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and Dr. G. Manickam Govindaraju from Taylor’s University. Additional presentations on the second day were made by Dr. Korakit Choomgrant of Kasetsart University and Dr. Siti Amanah from IPB University.
Parallel Sessions
The parallel sessions offered participants an opportunity to present their research relevant to the conference theme, categorized into three focus areas: Agrarian and Ecology, Communication and Extension, and Community Development.
Outcomes and Reflections
Overall, the conference promoted information sharing and constructive discussions aimed at fostering collaboration within the field of rural development. Dr. Anna Fatchiya, Chairperson of the SKPM Department at IPB University, noted that the insights gained would assist in identifying opportunities and challenges in rural development. She also emphasized the importance of building connections and partnerships among participants, speakers, and stakeholders involved in the discussions.
(Source: IPB University)
