By AGLE 2025 Conference Organization Team
8 November 2025 – The International Geographical Union (IGU) Commission on Agricultural Geography and Land Engineering (AGLE) Annual Conference 2025 was co-organized by the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT, Thailand), the Northeastern University (China) and the University of Adelaide (Australia) and hosted by the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) from 5 to 8 November 2025 at AIT Conference Center. The international conference gathered more than 100 scholars from over 20 countries worldwide to advance knowledge under the theme, “Technological Advancement and Social Innovation for Rural and Agricultural Resilience.“
The conference opened with welcome remarks from Prof. Manukid Parnichkun, AIT Vice President for Academic and Research, who emphasized the timely significance of the event, describing it as a “vital platform for sharing innovative solutions and policy frameworks that support sustainable rural livelihoods,” aligning perfectly with AIT’s mission. Prof. Holly Barcus, Vice-President of IGU, highlighted the collaborative spirit of the diverse scientific network. Prof. Guy Robinson from the University of Adelaide welcomed delegates and acknowledged AIT’s pivotal role as host and highlighted the IGU Commission’s global initiatives.
Assoc. Prof. Thi Phuoc Lai Nguyen, the conference host and Organizing Committee Chair, highlighted the milestone nature of this event, featuring about 80 presentations and posters across land-use change, climate adaptation, rural governance, sustainable livelihoods, smart agriculture, and innovative food systems. She emphasized that the conference is not just an academic gathering but a global dialogue linking science, policy, and practice, noting that resilience is a shared human capacity rooted in learning, innovation, and collective action. “This conference is about fostering collaboration, learning, and real-world impact,” she remarked.
The morning session continued with Prof. Yuheng Li from Northeastern University, China, who introduced IGU-AGLE and stressed the importance of building a strong, global AGLE network to drive the field forward.
Keynotes and Thematic Discussions
The conference featured high-level, inclusive, and evidence-based discussions through presentations and poster sessions. Keynote speakers included internationally renowned experts in agricultural science and rural development. The session was moderated by Prof. Guy Robinson, and Prof. Wai Fung Lam from The University of Hong Kong presented the “Facilitative Leadership for Rural Revitalization: A Social-Ecological Perspective”. Dr Weilung Feng, representing Prof. Yunsui Liu of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, shared insights on “Human-earth System Science and Global Sustainable Development”. Prof. Avishek Datta from AIT spoke about “Regenerative Strategies in Rice-Based Cropping Systems: Enhancing Soil Health, Resource Efficiency, and Agroecosystem Resilience for Sustainable Agricultural Development”.
One of the conference highlights was the Best Abstract Awards ceremony, recognizing outstanding research by young early-career scholars. Supported by IGU-AGLE and AIT, this initiative underscored the conference’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of experts.
Conference sessions continued over two days, featuring nine parallel thematic tracks. Nearly 80 oral and poster presentations covered key topics such as land use and management, innovative food systems, climate change adaptation, rural governance, and the role of education and technology in strengthening rural resilience.
From Theory to Practice: Field Excursions
The conference also organised a two-day field trip, enabling participants to observe practical applications of the discussed themes in rural Thailand. These excursions provided an invaluable opportunity for researchers and practitioners to engage directly with local farming communities, innovative agricultural projects, and land management initiatives, thereby grounding the academic discussions in a real-world context.
The conference also strengthened professional and social connections through a gala dinner on the Chao Phraya River, where participants fostered new collaborations in a relaxed setting.
The success of the AGLE 2025 conference highlights AIT’s continued leadership and commitment to fostering global collaboration on pressing sustainability challenges. The event drew participants from across Asia, Europe, and Africa, successfully fostering cooperation and strengthening collaborative efforts. It positioned technological advancement and social innovation as essential, interconnected pillars for tackling rural challenges and promoting sustainable development. Selected papers from the conference will be invited for submission to special issues of the Journal of Rural Studies and Research in Globalization.
Edited by: Office of Communications and Public Affairs
