Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is a public research university in Malaysia.It is among the oldest institutes of higher learning in the Northern region of Peninsular Malaysia. With great honour, USM has maintained its fourth position in the most recent The Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2023 list and is now ranked first in Asia. USM now holds the top global ranking in Sustainable Development Goals 16 (SDG16). 

This demonstrates that the APEX (Accelerated Programme for Excellence) status granted in September 2008 to USM has been achieved through the vision of Transforming Higher Education for a Sustainable Tomorrow and the motto, "Kami Memimpin" (We Lead).

USM has embarked on a range of missions that through their specific objectives and activities, are expected to contribute to the achievement of the overall sustainability vision. One such mission of great significance is the decision to establish a Centre for Global Sustainability Studies (CGSS) to mainstream sustainability into the entire fabric and rubric of the university. This centre is designed to work with all other relevant sections of the university, regional and international sustainability organizations, national and regional governments, the private sector, civil society groups, and NGOs to promote sustainable development, paying particular attention to the disempowered bottom billion.

The South East Asia Sustainability Network (SEASN) is an alliance of higher education institutions and other related sustainability organisations, agencies, CSO, NGO and industries in South East Asia countries committed to promote, engage and integrate sustainability in their teaching, research, community engagement, and institutional arrangements. SEASN provides a platform to support institutions in South East Asia countries in the exchange of ideas, findings, information, and good practices with a focus on Water, Energy, Health, Agriculture, Biodiversity; Climate Change & Disaster Risk Management, Consumption & Production and Population & Poverty (WEHAB+3) and also SDGs. The ICSDG2023 will be held in conjunction with the 4th SEASN Assembly & 10th Board Meeting.

The International Conference on Sustainable Development Goals was introduced in 2016 to help facilitate the implementation of the United Nations' (UN) new 2030 Agenda or the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The first ICSDG2016 was held on 7th and 8th December 2016 at the USM Cultural Hall.

Supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia National Commission for United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and Construction Research Institute of Malaysia (CREAM), the conference focused on five key themes: Prosperity, People, Planet, Peace, and Partnership.

The ICSDG2019 second conference took place on the 30th and 31st July 2019 at the Olive Tree Hotel, Penang, with the theme ‘Achieving SDGs: Rising to the Challenge.’

ICSDG2019 emphasized the three cores of sustainability: Social, Economy, and Environment. This meaningful event was attended by more than 100 delegates from around 14 countries.

The highly anticipated ICSDG2023 is set to take place at the magnificent hotel, Royale Chulan Penang, situated in the UNESCO heritage site of George Town. With a focus on the theme ‘Reinforcing SDGs Implementation for a Sustainable Future: Ensuring Inclusivity for All’, this year's conference will delve into the four pivotal pillars of sustainability: Social, Economy, Environment, and Governance.

ICSDG2023 has garnered significant support from key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia, Simo Excel, Water Watch Penang, Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau, and The Light CITY.

The ICSDG2023 has set its sights on two primary objectives: establishing a robust platform for researchers to exchange information, experiences, initiatives, and best practices pertaining to sustainability within the framework of the SDGs, and fostering stronger collaborative relationships between researchers and organizations to propel the realization of the SDGs.

The Centre for Global Sustainability Studies at ICSDG2023 extends an open invitation to all individuals who are passionate about sustainable development. Let us come together, reinforce the implementation of the SDGs, and collectively build a future that ensures inclusivity for all. By actively participating in ICSDG2023, each person becomes an integral part of the change necessary to shape a sustainable world, leaving no one behind