Sharjah’s new centre to turn humanitarian research into action

Sharjah has launched a humanitarian innovation center in Indonesia to transform academic research and field knowledge into practical solutions for communities grappling with issues such as food security, climate change, livelihoods, and social inclusion. The center, named the Jawaher Al Qasimi Humanitarian Innovation Centre, was inaugurated at Universitas Gadjah Mada in Yogyakarta on Sunday.

This initiative is a collaborative effort between The Big Heart Foundation, NAMA Women Advancement Establishment, and Universitas Gadjah Mada, with a combined investment of $1.6 million. The Big Heart Foundation is contributing $1 million, NAMA $500,000, and the university $100,000.

The center's primary goal is to establish a multidisciplinary hub that combines academic knowledge, research, innovation, and humanitarian expertise to create, evaluate, and deploy solutions that enhance community well-being and offer scalable models. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Humanitarian Envoy of The Big Heart Foundation, emphasized during the signing ceremony that universities play a vital role in advancing societies through education, research, and a profound understanding of global challenges.

The center will operate through four key tracks: multidisciplinary research and policy studies, researcher support, innovation challenges, and humanitarian project incubators, along with the development and field-testing of solutions. It will also facilitate community dialogues, youth leadership programs, social projects, and economic empowerment initiatives.

Two main platforms within the university will serve as its operational bases: the headquarters for research, cooperation activities, community events, and humanitarian initiatives, and the Living Humanitarian Lab, a 2-hectare facility dedicated to agricultural innovation, applied experimentation, and community engagement, with a focus on food security, sustainable agriculture, and community empowerment.

Universitas Gadjah Mada's Rector, Dr Ova Emilia, highlighted that the partnership showcases a mutual commitment to generating sustainable community impact. The university has already engaged in community outreach programs affecting over 10,000 cases across Indonesia, addressing areas such as education, health, livelihoods, environmental sustainability, and disaster resilience.

This extensive network will be instrumental in testing and scaling research-based innovations across various communities. The agreement also includes the establishment of an investment endowment fund to ensure long-term financial support for the center's programs. Ultimately, the initiative aims to evolve into a broader platform for humanitarian innovation and knowledge-sharing, extending its influence across Southeast Asia and beyond.