Yogyakarta: H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Humanitarian Envoy of The Big Heart Foundation, has announced the establishment of the 'Jawaher Al Qasimi Humanitarian Innovation Centre' at Universitas Gadjah Mada in the Yogyakarta region of Indonesia. The centre is set to be a permanent multidisciplinary platform, linking academic knowledge, research, and innovation with field-based humanitarian expertise, with the aim of transforming these elements into practical solutions for community improvement.
According to Emirates News Agency, the centre's establishment is a collaborative effort between The Big Heart Foundation, NAMA Women Advancement Establishment, and Universitas Gadjah Mada, with a total funding of $1.6 million. The Big Heart Foundation contributed $1 million, NAMA Women Advancement Establishment contributed $500,000, and Universitas Gadjah Mada provided $100,000. During the signing ceremony, H.H. Sheikh Sultan emphasized the pivotal role universities play in societal advancement through education and knowledge development.
H.H. Sheikh Sultan highlighted that the value of knowledge is realized when it extends beyond academia to serve and respond to community needs, an approach shared by Sharjah with academic and humanitarian institutions. The centre's establishment aligns with Sharjah's long-standing investment in people, education, and culture, under the vision of Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi and the humanitarian efforts led by Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi.
The centre builds on the existing partnership between NAMA and Universitas Gadjah Mada, particularly through the 'Jawaher Fund for the Advancement of Women's Education'. It aims to support women pursuing postgraduate studies and reflect the growing need to integrate academic knowledge, humanitarian expertise, and community realities.
H.H. Sheikh Sultan expressed aspirations for the centre to strengthen the link between knowledge, innovation, and community needs, aiming to develop solutions to humanitarian and development issues across Southeast Asia and beyond. He also extended gratitude to the entities contributing to the centre's establishment and partnership.
The agreement for the centre was signed by Mariam Al Hammadi of The Big Heart Foundation and Dr Danang Hadmoko of Universitas Gadjah Mada. Dr Ova Emilia, Rector of Universitas Gadjah Mada, expressed appreciation for the partnership, emphasizing the shared commitment to creating sustainable community impacts. She highlighted the university's mission of community service and its alignment with the centre's objectives.
Dr Emilia detailed the university's community engagement efforts, which include addressing education, health, livelihoods, and environmental sustainability issues. She expressed hope that the partnership would yield high-quality initiatives with tangible impacts. Dr Danang Hadmoko presented on partnership initiatives, including the 'Jawaher Fund for the Advancement of Women's Education'.
H.H. Sheikh Sultan toured the university's facilities, including the Innovation and Creativity Centre, and visited the future headquarters of the 'Jawaher Al Qasimi Humanitarian Innovation Centre'. The centre aims to develop sustainable solutions by merging academic knowledge with field expertise and is envisioned as a future platform for humanitarian innovation in Southeast Asia.
The agreement includes an endowment fund to support the centre's programs, with strategic tracks encompassing research support, innovation challenges, public engagement, and economic empowerment. The centre will operate through two platforms within the Universitas Gadjah Mada system, including a headquarters for research and a 'Living Humanitarian Lab' for agricultural innovation and community engagement.
The centre will address interconnected humanitarian and development challenges, including food security, climate change, economic opportunities, and inequalities affecting vulnerable communities.