Medan, September 2, 2026 – The Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FK USU), reaffirmed its commitment to international education and collaboration through the International USU SPIRIT Summer Course 2026. Now in its fourth edition, the program brings together academics, practitioners, and students from various countries to discuss health and sustainability issues.
Carrying the theme “Climate-Smart Action for Building Resilient Youth Communities through Sustainable Nutrition and Health Strategies,” the program highlights the impacts of climate change on food systems, nutrition, physical activity, mental health, disease prevention, and the well-being of younger generations.
In her remarks, Chair of the International USU SPIRIT Summer Course 2026 Committee, Prof. Dr. dr. Dina Keumala Sari, M.Gizi, Sp.GK, Subsp.PK, welcomed all participants, speakers, university partners, and guests in attendance. Prof. Dina emphasized that climate change is no longer merely an environmental issue but also has significant impacts on public health.
Prof. Dina also highlighted the importance of cross-country and interdisciplinary collaboration in developing solutions that are relevant to communities. This year, USU SPIRIT features speakers from Spain, Romania, Chile, Costa Rica, Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia, and Indonesia, with 44 online participants and 54 in-person participants.
Meanwhile, the Dean of FK USU, Prof. Dr. dr. Muara Panusunan Lubis, M.Ked(OG), Sp. O.G, Subsp.K.Fm., expressed his appreciation for the organization of the international program. The Dean emphasized that future health challenges require a younger generation with academic competence, adaptability, and the ability to build cross-cultural and interdisciplinary collaboration.
The program includes learning sessions and discussions on climate change, nutrition, health, sports, artificial intelligence (AI), sustainable agriculture, mental health, obesity, non-communicable diseases, and community resilience. Participants will also take part in academic visits, community activities, international community service, and visits to disaster-related sites.
The program also forms part of FK USU’s efforts to strengthen its contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being through strengthening knowledge and sustainable health strategies; SDG 4: Quality Education through international learning and knowledge exchange; SDG 13: Climate Action through increasing awareness and capacity to address the impacts of climate change; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through strengthening international networks and collaboration.
With the spirit of “learning, collaboration, and meaningful action,” the International USU SPIRIT Summer Course 2026 is expected to serve as a strategic platform for bringing together diverse perspectives and generating ideas and concrete actions to build healthier, more adaptive, and more resilient young people and communities in facing future challenges.