Introduction
The world is currently at a critical juncture, confronted with a multitude of interconnected and complex global challenges. The escalating climate crisis threatens ecosystems and livelihoods, persistent economic inequality deepens social fractures, and rapid technological disruption, while offering solutions, also presents profound ethical and societal dilemmas. In response, the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) offers a universal and ambitious roadmap toward a more equitable and sustainable future. However, achieving these goals is not merely a technical or financial problem; it is a deeply human one. The success of the SDGs hinges on a fundamental understanding of the social, cultural, political, and behavioral dimensions that shape our world.
In this context, the social sciences have moved from a peripheral to a central role. As the United Nations noted in its 2023 Global Sustainable Development Report, “Science including the social sciences and humanities is critical for understanding the complex tradeoffs and for developing viable pathways…. the transformations needed for the SDGs require a deep understanding of context, behaviours, and social relations.” This highlights a global consensus: the path to 2030 demands that we harness the transformative potential of social inquiry. They are indispensable for navigating the complexities of policy-making and implementation. As Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, stated, “The challenges of our century are not only technological, they are also, and above all, human. It is by understanding our behaviours, our societies and their histories that we can build a better future” (UNESCO, 2022, p. 3). This perspective underscores that sustainable solutions must be rooted in an evidence-based comprehension of societal dynamics. Social sciences provide the critical lens to analyze the root causes of vulnerability, identify levers for social change, and co-design interventions that are not only effective but also just and culturally resonant.
Amidst this landscape, the social sciences are themselves undergoing a profound transformation theoretically, methodologically, and practically to better address these
contemporary challenges. Therefore, the 7th International Conference on Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies (ICSSIS) 2026, hosted by the Faculty of Social Sciences at Medan State University, is organized as a premier platform. It aims to bring together academics, researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and students from around the world to engage in dialogue, share innovative ideas, and present their latest research findings. This conference is expected to strengthen collaborative networks and foster innovations within the social sciences to accelerate the achievement of the 2030 SDGs.