FAHUTA PUBLIC RELATIONS — Prof. Rahmawaty, S.Hut., M.Si., Ph.D., a professor at the Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), participated in the Short-Term International Academic Program at the Faculty of Forest Sciences and Ecology, Vytautas Magnus University, Lithuania, for one month, from August 17 to September 16, 2026. The program was part of an effort to enhance academic capacity, broaden scholarly perspectives, and build international collaborative networks in forestry and environmental fields. Her participation represents a strategic step toward strengthening the role of the Faculty of Forestry, USU, academic community in responding to developments in science and global sustainable development challenges.

The international academic program provided Prof. Rahmawaty with an opportunity to engage in an international academic environment while gaining new experiences and perspectives on developments in education, research, and natural resource management. Activities conducted at Vytautas Magnus University also provided a platform for exchanging knowledge and ideas with academics from diverse scholarly backgrounds.

Participation in international academic activities is an important part of faculty members’ professional development and plays a significant role in improving the quality of higher education. The experience gained from a global academic environment is expected not only to enhance individual capacity but also to be transformed into knowledge that benefits students, fellow faculty members, and institutional development.

For the Faculty of Forestry, USU, the opportunity also contributes to expanding its academic presence at the international level. Interactions with universities and academics from other countries open opportunities for collaboration in education, research, scientific publications, knowledge exchange, and the development of various innovations in forestry.

Strengthening academic capacity through international programs is also aligned with the Faculty of Forestry, USU’s commitment to continuously improving human resource quality. The academic community is encouraged to actively participate in international academic forums and activities, enabling them to keep pace with developments in their respective fields while bringing valuable perspectives and experiences back to the university environment.

Prof. Rahmawaty’s participation in the program further strengthens the internationalization efforts of the Faculty of Forestry, USU. Networks established through cross-border academic interactions can serve as an important foundation for developing broader and more sustainable collaborations in the future.

From the perspective of sustainable development, this activity is closely aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, through strengthening academic competencies and capacity development. In addition, the development of knowledge and perspectives in forestry and environmental fields contributes to SDG 13: Climate Action and SDG 15: Life on Land, particularly by promoting the development of knowledge that supports sustainable natural resource management.

Furthermore, the establishment of academic networks among individuals and institutions from different countries is also aligned with SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Cross-border collaboration is an important element in bringing together knowledge, experience, and resources to collectively address various development challenges.