Volunteering for a Better Tomorrow: Dr. Rizky Wisnoentoro's Call for Action

In an insightful presentation at the International Volunteer Day event, held by the JK Library UIII in collaboration with Australian Volunteers International (AVI) and IndoRelawan, Rizky Wisnoentoro, Ph.D, Head of the MFin in Sustainable Finance program at the Faculty of Economics and Business UIII, explained about the global challenges facing humanity and the critical role of volunteerism in addressing them.

Dr. Wisnoentoro began with a thought-provoking question: "Every living creature will come to an end. The question is, will it be a noble end?" In answering this question, he emphasized the importance of having forward thinking, saying “Whatever we do today to sustain our lives should never jeopardize the next generations’ ability to sustain their lives.” This perspective set the stage for his powerful message about sustainable development and the urgency of volunteer efforts to bridge the growing gaps in global progress.

Citing insights from the 2024 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) report, Dr. Wisnoentoro shed light on alarming trends. Issues like climate change, poverty, food insecurity, and geopolitical instability create unprecedented hurdles. For instance, global extreme poverty has surged, with 95 million people newly classified as poor, while food insecurity now affects 345 million individuals across 82 countries. These challenges, he said, are not distant problems—they have ripple effects that touch every corner of our lives.

He further explained the importance of higher educational institutions in contributing to volunteerism, highlighting community service as one of the three pillars of higher education in Indonesia, known as “Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi”, alongside education and research. Dr. Wisnoentoro emphasized that this principle is not just a requirement but a chance for universities to create positive change in the world.

At UIII, he said, community service is deeply woven into the university’s mission. Over the past year, students and faculty members have participated in several impactful projects. International students from the Faculties of Education and Economics and Business, for example, have taught English in local schools around Depok. These activities not only benefit the local community but also offer students the opportunity to practice cultural exchange and build a sense of global citizenship.

Dr. Wisnoentoro pointed out that these efforts align with larger goals like the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “When students volunteer to teach or support local communities, they are directly contributing to reducing inequalities and improving education quality,” he said.

The event UIII in collaboration with Australian Volunteers International (AVI) and IndoRelawan was a call to action for universities to amplify their community service efforts. Dr. Rizky shared a vision where academic research and volunteer activities go hand in hand. Closing his talk, Dr. Rizky encouraged everyone to see community service as a vital part of their academic journey. 

As UIII continues to foster academic excellence and innovative research, its unwavering commitment to community service remains a cornerstone of its mission. Through collaborative initiatives like this International Volunteer Day event, UIII reinforces the belief that education extends beyond classrooms, striving to make a tangible impact on society.

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