Contributor: Supriyono | Editor: Dadi Darmadi | Photo: Alief Fathan
Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) marked International Volunteers Day on December 5, 2024, with an engaging talk show titled Hope in Action. The event, organized in collaboration with Australian Volunteer International (AVI) and IndoRelawan, took place on the 7th floor of the Jusuf Kalla Library. It brought together representatives from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), AVI, IndoRelawan, and the academic community of UIII to celebrate the spirit of volunteerism and its transformative impact.
The program commenced with welcoming speeches by Jonathan Hunter from AVI and Emily Whelan from DFAT. Both speakers emphasized the importance of volunteerism in building resilient communities and fostering mutual understanding across cultures. Their remarks set an inspiring tone for the event, highlighting the power of collective action to address societal challenges.
Following the opening speeches, the audience was captivated by the talk show featuring two prominent figures in volunteerism and sustainable development. Rizky Wisnoentoro, Ph.D., the head of the MFin in Sustainable Finance program at UIII, shared insights into the critical role of sustainability in empowering communities and ensuring long-term benefits for society. Marsya Nurmaranti, Executive Director of IndoRelawan, spoke passionately about the contributions of volunteers in addressing pressing issues and creating hope through actionable efforts.
The discussion explored the theme of hope as a driving force behind volunteer initiatives, emphasizing that small acts of kindness can lead to significant, positive changes. Attendees were encouraged to view volunteerism not just as an act of charity but as a sustainable approach to fostering social progress.
The event underscored UIII’s commitment to cultivating a culture of giving back to the community. It also reaffirmed the university's belief in the vital role of volunteers in creating a more equitable and compassionate world. By hosting this meaningful event, UIII, along with AVI and IndoRelawan, demonstrated how collaboration can amplify the impact of volunteerism and inspire a new generation to take action for a better future.