UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta has officially partnered with Hartford International University for Religion and Peace to strengthen its role on the global academic stage. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed during the Sharing Session and MoU Signing event on Friday (2/14/2025), marks a milestone in interreligious academic collaboration.

This partnership goes beyond formal agreements; it represents a shared vision for academic excellence and inclusive education. The event also featured a panel discussion titled "Global Faiths in the Digital Age: Promoting Dialogue and Understanding," where scholars from both institutions explored how digital advancements are shaping interfaith engagement and cross-cultural understanding.

In an atmosphere of scholarly enthusiasm, Prof. Noorhaidi Hasan, Rector of UIN Sunan Kalijaga, joined Prof. David and Prof. Carla from Hartford International University to sign the agreement, laying the foundation for a broad range of academic collaborations.

During his remarks, Prof. Noorhaidi Hasan highlighted the significance of this partnership as a tangible realization of UIN Sunan Kalijaga’s vision, Empowering Knowledge, Shaping the Future. “As we navigate the digital era, interfaith dialogue is more crucial than ever. Technology enables new modes of interaction and intellectual exchange across cultures and religious traditions. As Prof. Mukti Ali once stated, understanding religion requires a broad and inclusive perspective, which interreligious studies provide,” he stated.

Echoing this sentiment, Prof. David shared Hartford International University’s long-standing commitment to fostering religious understanding. “From our origins in 1834 as a Protestant seminary to becoming a global hub for interreligious studies, Hartford has evolved with the times. Our mission now is to create a space for meaningful dialogue—not only between Christianity and Islam but among diverse religious traditions worldwide,” he explained.

The MoU outlines several areas of academic cooperation, including:

• Interreligious Studies and Dialogue – Enhancing educational models that promote interfaith understanding in a digital world.
• Academic Resource Sharing – Expanding access to digital library collections and research materials for students and faculty.
• Student and Faculty Exchanges – Facilitating academic exchange programs, guest lectures, and faculty residencies.
• Joint Research and Publications – Encouraging collaboration in theology, religious studies, and peacebuilding initiatives.
• Conferences, Seminars, and Workshops – Creating academic forums to explore global and digital-era religious discourse.

Prof. Karla, Director of Hartford International University’s Library, emphasized the importance of digital resources in supporting religious scholarship. “Our library houses over 100,000 physical collections and millions of e-books and journals. This collaboration will provide students and researchers with access to a wealth of knowledge, fostering a more inclusive and well-rounded academic environment,” she said.

A key segment of the event was the panel discussion, "Global Faiths in the Digital Age: Promoting Dialogue and Understanding," which examined how technological advancements are transforming religious education and interfaith discourse.

Prof. David emphasized the role of digital platforms in fostering religious tolerance. “In an era where information is abundant but misinformation is widespread, interreligious education must embrace technology to provide accurate and inclusive perspectives,” he stated.

Prof. Carla further highlighted the role of libraries and digital archives in advancing interfaith scholarship. “Access to global academic resources enables students to engage with religious traditions firsthand, deepening their understanding of different faith perspectives,” she added.

The partnership between UIN Sunan Kalijaga and Hartford International University signifies a progressive step toward enhancing religious studies both in Indonesia and globally. By bridging academic disciplines and fostering digital interfaith engagement, both institutions reaffirm their commitment to expanding access to education, strengthening religious discourse, and utilizing technology for a more inclusive academic future.

As UIN Sunan Kalijaga continues to champion its mission of Empowering Knowledge, Shaping the Future, this collaboration reinforces the university’s role as a leading force in global religious scholarship.

(UIN Sunan Kalijaga Public Relations)