On the second day of the World University Association for Community Development (WUACD) community development in Timor Leste, the delegations consisted of experts from Universitas Airlangga and Federation University visited the Department of Animal Science at the Faculty of Agriculture of the Universidade Nacional Timor Lorosa’e (UNTL). An insightful workshop was held and designed to empower students with cutting-edge knowledge in Artificial Intelligence (AI), One Health, agriculture, and veterinary care. This workshop enriched students’ understanding of advanced technologies and sustainable practices and emphasized the vital role of global partnerships in promoting sustainable development, making it a key contributor to SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

The workshop kicked off with a session led by experts from Universitas Airlangga, including Yanuardi Rahardjo, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., Prof. Dr. Herry Agoes Hermadi, drh., M.Si., and Dr. Sudarmaji, S.KM., M.Kes., who delved into Agriculture and Veterinary Care. Their presentations stressed the crucial role of veterinary care in ensuring food security, enhancing animal welfare, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. By focusing on advanced health management in agriculture, the session highlighted how such practices maintain livestock productivity and safeguard public health, directly supporting SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

Following this, Prof. Dr. Aziz Rahman from Federation University delivered a compelling lecture on Artificial Intelligence and One Health. He outlined how AI transforms the agricultural and veterinary sectors by streamlining decision-making, enhancing disease detection, and optimizing resource use. Prof. Rahman demonstrated how AI-driven innovations can integrate human, animal, and environmental health efforts, thus contributing to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). His session illuminated the power of technology in advancing sustainable practices for global health.

The final session, presented by Prof. Dr. Ni’matuzahroh, Dra., and Dr. Moh. Anam Al Arid, drh., MP, from Universitas Airlangga, took a deeper dive into Agriculture and Veterinary Care, focusing on sustainable agricultural techniques and adequate veterinary care. They emphasized the importance of maintaining ecological balance and ensuring proper animal health management to safeguard biodiversity and ensure long-term food security. This session aligned with SDG 15 (Life on Land) and continued to reinforce SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).

These workshops exemplified the importance of global partnerships in addressing complex challenges in agriculture, veterinary care, and health management. By bringing together leading experts from around the world and fostering collaboration among WUACD university members, including Universitas Airlangga, Universidade Nacional Timor Lorosa’e, and Federation University, the event embodied SDG 17, which emphasizes the need for cross-border collaboration to drive sustainable development. These partnerships help strengthen the capacity of institutions in developing nations like Timor Leste, ensuring students have access to cutting-edge knowledge and resources to build a sustainable future.

Besides, these workshops provided an invaluable learning experience for UNTL students, deepening their understanding of how technology, health, and sustainability principles can be effectively integrated into agriculture and veterinary care. This program also benefits UNTL as a university as the collaboration between international experts and local academics underscored UNTL’s commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), empowering the next generation of Timorese agricultural professionals with the knowledge and skills to address future challenges. This event cemented UNTL’s position as a national leader in education and a key player in fostering sustainable solutions for Timor Leste’s development.