AUN-HPN Joint Symposium “Pathways to Sustainable Universities: Best Practices from AUN-HPN and HURS” at Global Health Congress 2023

25 November 2023

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The ASEAN University Network – Health Promotion Network (AUN-HPN), in collaboration with Center for Global Health, Osaka University, successfully organized the AUN-HPN Joint Symposium titled "Pathways to Sustainable Universities: Best Practices from AUN-HPN and HURS." This event took place on November 25, at the Sanjo Conference Hall, University of Tokyo – Hongo Campus, as an integral component of the Global Health Congress 2023 held from November 24 to 26, 2023.
The 120-minute AUN-HPN Joint Symposium showcased the transformative impact of collaborative efforts among ASEAN+3 countries in advancing effective health promotion policies. The panel discussion explored HURS, its significance in promoting health and sustainability in universities, and shared best practices. The symposium aimed to empower ASEAN universities for healthier, more resilient futures through knowledge exchange, fostering collective action and shaping a holistic vision for health promotion in higher education across ASEAN. The symposium was chaired by Dr. Daisaku Nakatani, M.D., Vice Director for Center for Global Health, Osaka University and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thunwadee Suksaroj, Deputy Executive Director of AUN-HPN and Acting for Deputy Director for Administration, ASEAN Institute of Health Development, Mahidol University and consisted of three sessions with the following keynote speakers and guest speakers:
• Session 1: Presentation on the “Role of AUN-HPN in promoting effective health promotion policies and practices in collaboration among ASEAN countries” by Dr. Wiwat Rojanapithayakorn, M.D., Advisor to the AUN-HPN Steering Committee as a keynote speaker
• Session 2: “Presentation on Healthy University” by Prof. Ken Nakata, M.D., Director for Center for Global Health, Osaka University as a keynote speaker
• Session 3: HURS Panel Discussion – “Building a Healthier Future: Exploring best practices on Healthy University Rating System (HURS) in ASEAN Universities” by Prof. Dr. Chartchalerm Isarankura-Na-Ayudhya, Dean of Faculty of Graduate Studies, Mahidol University and Chair of the Committee on HURS Development as a keynote speaker along with other six guest speakers from universities with exemplary 4 and 5-star ratings in HURS version 2022 sharing best practices on health promotion:
o Prof. Yayi Suryo Prabandari (Chair of Health Promoting University, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia)
o Prof. Dr. Roslee Rajikan (Pro Vice Chancellor for Strategy and Corporate Development, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia)
o Dr. Wethaka Klinwichit (Associated Dean at Faculty of Medicine, Burapha University, Thailand)
o Dr. Santhiti Dahlan, M.D. (Director of Chulalongkorn University Health Service Center, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand)
o Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chawin Chantharasenawong (Vice President for Internationalization, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Thailand)
o Dr. Sri Widati (Head of Airlangga Health Promotion Center, Universitas Airlangga, Indonesia)
Accredited as one of the "Commemorative Events for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation" by the ASEAN Secretariat and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, this symposium brought together experts, academics, and stakeholders to share insights and best practices.
The success of the AUN-HPN Joint Symposium was made possible through the collaborative efforts of AUN-HPN, Osaka University, ASEAN University Network Secretariat, Thai Health Promotion Foundation and Japanese academics who participated as guest speakers and observers. About AUN-HPN:
The ASEAN University Network – Health Promotion Network (AUN-HPN) is dedicated to advancing health promotion activities among member universities, fostering collaboration, and sharing best practices to create healthier and more sustainable university environments. About Osaka University: Osaka University, a member university of AUN-HPN, is committed to academic excellence and global collaboration. The Center for Global Health at Osaka University actively contributes to international partnerships and initiatives for the advancement of global health.