MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA – The Muhammadiyah Disaster Management Center (MDMC) participated in the Action by Churches Together (ACT) Alliance General Assembly 2024, held on October 29. This global alliance of faith-based organizations, operating in over 120 countries, convened to discuss pressing issues such as climate change and its impact on vulnerable communities.
The theme for this year’s assembly was “A Challenging Climate: How Political Polarization Contributes to Climate Damage.” The event brought together religious leaders, humanitarian activists, international speakers, and representatives from faith-based humanitarian organizations worldwide.
During the assembly, participants explored the role of civil society and faith-based organizations in addressing the climate crisis. Speakers included Rudelmar Bueno de Faria, Secretary-General of ACT Alliance; Erik Lysén, Moderator of the ACT Alliance Governing Board and Director of Act Church of Sweden; Rev. Prof. Dr. Jerry Pillay, Secretary-General of the World Council of Churches; Alissa Wahid, Director of the Gusdurian Network Indonesia; and Brigita Ra Sekar Laras, Project Manager of YAKKUM.
Representing MDMC, Aulia Taarufi highlighted the organization’s humanitarian efforts and its commitment to inclusivity. Since its establishment, MDMC has provided assistance to people of all races, ethnicities, religions, and backgrounds. She also emphasized the importance of partnerships with government agencies and other civil society organizations.
“MDMC’s presence at the ACT Alliance shows the partnerships we have built with interfaith humanitarian organizations. MDMC is the initiator of the Humanitarian Forum Indonesia (HFI), a platform for faith-based humanitarian organizations in the country,” said Aulia.
Furthermore, Aulia explained that MDMC is also an initiator and a member of the Indonesian Humanitarian Alliance (IHA), a coalition of 11 humanitarian organizations that provides coordinated assistance for international conflicts. The organization has also established an Emergency Medical Team (EMT) to respond to international humanitarian crises.
In addressing the conference theme of climate change, Aulia discussed MDMC ongoing initiatives to engage young people in climate action. MDMC is now committed to empowering youth and equipping them with the tools to address climate change.
