The 5th ELITE International Conference was held at the State Islamic University (UIN) Walisongo Semarang, bringing together academics, researchers, educators, and practitioners from various countries to discuss emerging trends in education, language, and intercultural studies in the 21st century. The conference took place amid growing global challenges and transformations in these fields, making the event highly relevant and timely.
 
The conference was centered around the theme “The New Trends of 21st Century on Education, Language and Intercultural Studies.” This broad theme was explored through several sub-themes, including Education, English Teaching, Linguistics, Literature, and Intercultural Studies, reflecting the multifaceted nature of challenges and opportunities in contemporary academic and educational settings.
 
The keynote speech was delivered by Prof. Dr. Phil Kamaruddin Amin, M.A., the General Director of Islamic Education at Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs (MORA). In his address, Prof. Amin emphasized the importance of innovative educational approaches that integrate cultural awareness and modern technology to prepare students for 21st-century challenges.
 
The conference also featured notable speakers such as Prof. Dr. H. Ahmad Thib Raya (UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta), Prof. Dr. H. Jamaluddin Darwis (University of Muhammadiyah Semarang), Prof. Dr. H. Ibnu Hadjar, M.Ed (UIN Walisongo Semarang), and Dr. H. Raharjo, M.Ed., St (UIN Walisongo Semarang). Their presentations addressed diverse topics ranging from educational leadership and curriculum innovation to language teaching methodologies.
 
The event was enriched by international experts, including representatives from the Regional English Language Office (RELO), Prof. Dr. Dato Anwar Din (Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Malaysia), Prof. Dr. Saran Kaur Gill (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia), Dr. Reza Kafipour (Shirqot University, Iran), and Dr. Hj. Like Raskova Octaberlina, M.Ed (UIN Malang). These scholars contributed global perspectives on intercultural communication, language acquisition, and the integration of Islamic values into education.
 
Throughout the two-day conference, participants engaged in insightful discussions, paper presentations, and workshops, sharing research findings and best practices. The conference succeeded in fostering collaboration and networking among scholars from various disciplines and countries.
 
The 5th ELITE International Conference underscored the necessity of adapting education and language studies to the dynamic demands of the 21st century, highlighting the importance of intercultural competence and interdisciplinary approaches.
 
By bringing together diverse intellectual voices, the conference contributed significantly to advancing education, linguistics, literature, and intercultural studies, positioning UIN Walisongo Semarang as a center for academic excellence in the region.