Hasanuddin University and Hartford International University Sign Historic MoU to Advance Peace, Interreligious Dialogue, and Academic Collaboration
JAKARTA, INDONESIA — August 22, 2026 Hasanuddin University (UNHAS) and Hartford International University for Religion and Peace (HIU) have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), establishing a strategic partnership focused on peace and conflict studies, interreligious dialogue, and international academic collaboration.
The formal signing ceremony was accompanied by a Hybrid General Lecture titled “Building Peace Across Differences: Interreligious Dialogue and Global Peacebuilding.” The event brought together distinguished university leadership, faculty, students, and approximately 150 online participants joining virtually via Zoom.
The partnership aims to expand a global network of scholars, practitioners, and future leaders dedicated to promoting human security and sustainable peace through joint research, academic exchanges, and collaborative peacebuilding initiatives.
In his opening remarks, UNHAS Rector Prof. Dr. Jamaluddin Jompa, M.Sc., highlighted that this collaboration will not only be beneficial for both universities in advancing their academic studies, but will also contribute significantly to developing humanity as a whole.
President of Hartford International University, Dr. Sherry L Turner, echoed this vision, emphasizing the importance pursuing peacebuilding initiatives through education.
The event concluded with a moderated panel discussion and an interactive Q&A session exploring practical frameworks for interfaith cooperation and conflict resolution in an increasingly interconnected world.
Key Remarks and Leadership:
- Hasanuddin University: Led by Rector Prof. Dr. Jamaluddin Jompa, M.Sc., Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Eng. Adi Maulana, S.T., M.Phil., and Director of the Center for Global Peace and Conflict Resolution, Prof. Dr. Hafid Abbas.
- Hartford International University: Featured key insights from Dr. Deena Grant, Dean of Master in Interreligious Studies, and Phoebe Milliken, Director of Master Peacebuilding.
About Hasanuddin University: Located in Makassar, Indonesia, Hasanuddin University is one of Indonesia’s leading autonomous public universities, committed to academic excellence, research, and regional and international development.
About Hartford International University for Religion and Peace: Based in Hartford, Connecticut, HIU is a pioneer in interreligious education, peacebuilding, and dialogue, preparing leaders to navigate religious diversity and foster peace globally.
