UPH–WWF Collaboration Empowers Students to Advance Environmental SDG Action through ORVIS 2024
In alignment with its mission to develop socially responsible and globally engaged graduates, Universitas Pelita Harapan (UPH) continues to strengthen its collaboration with leading non-governmental organizations to promote the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through experiential learning and community engagement. One of the university’s flagship initiatives in 2024 was the Organization Visit (ORVIS) Program, themed “Enriching Minds, Empowering Hearts,” organized by the Service Learning Community (SLC) in collaboration with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Indonesia.
Held on 7 March 2024, the ORVIS program provided 39 UPH students from various study programs with the opportunity to learn directly from environmental practitioners about sustainability issues, waste management, and the vital role of NGOs in driving community-based environmental action. The collaboration between UPH and WWF exemplified a meaningful model of collaboration with NGOs for SDGs, particularly contributing to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
The program began with an educational visit to WWF Indonesia’s headquarters in Jakarta, where students attended interactive sessions led by WWF’s Communication and Education Team. Experts such as Diah Sulistiowati and Jefri Maulana introduced participants to WWF’s nationwide initiatives, including the Plastic Smart Cities campaign, an innovative approach that encourages local governments, businesses, and citizens to work collaboratively toward reducing plastic waste. Students gained first-hand insights into how environmental NGOs implement sustainable development projects, manage partnerships, and engage communities to achieve long-term ecological balance.
Following the visit, students participated in a hands-on learning experience at Bank Sampah Induk Rumah Harum, where they engaged in waste sorting, recycling, and upcycling activities. Guided by WWF representatives, participants learned about the circular economy model and its potential to reduce pollution while promoting community livelihoods. These activities emphasized the interconnectedness of environmental awareness, social responsibility, and sustainable economic practices.
Beyond its environmental objectives, ORVIS 2024 also functioned as a student volunteering and educational development platform that allowed participants to reflect on the role of youth in advancing sustainability. Based on post-event evaluations, over 88% of participants expressed strong agreement that the program enhanced their understanding of how NGOs work to address environmental challenges, while 77% reported being inspired to take part in future community service and environmental advocacy initiatives.
Through this collaboration with WWF, UPH successfully bridged academic learning with real-world sustainability practice, fostering a generation of students who are not only knowledgeable about global environmental issues but also motivated to take active roles in local solutions. The ORVIS 2024 and WWF partnership stands as a tangible manifestation of how universities and NGOs can co-create impactful educational experiences that align with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, advancing cross-sectoral collaboration, environmental stewardship, and student empowerment for a sustainable future.