Denpasar, Bali – September 4, 2025, -- The United In Diversity (UID) Foundation, a leading not-for-profit committed to building bridges for sustainable development, successfully hosted a special event to mark the first anniversary of its HATI installation. Titled “One Year of HATI, A Lifetime of Stories,” the workshop took place at the Three-Mountains venue within the Kura Kura Bali Special Economic Zone (SEZ). The gathering celebrated the power of human connection and aligned with the global observance of International Literacy Day.

The HATI installation, a powerful symbol of UID’s mission, was created as a sacred space for deep listening. It embodies the shared hopes and dreams of people from diverse backgrounds, including a personal item contributed by the late Pope Francis, who inaugurated the installation during his historic visit to Indonesia. By integrating diverse materials and voices, HATI serves as a testament to the power of human connection and our collective responsibility for environmental stewardship.

“This anniversary is a moment to reaffirm our belief that lasting solutions to global challenges begin with the simple, yet profound, act of listening to one another,” said Nimas Mega Purnama Sari, Director of Public Relations and Marketing Communications at the UID Foundation. “HATI reminds us that when we connect with empathy, we unlock creativity and shared understanding. By bringing together children and community leaders, we are investing in a future built on compassion and collaboration.”

The event directly addresses the social challenges of marginalization and the critical role of literacy by engaging 100 more participants, including children from Serangan Village, foster children from Denpasar Department of Social Services, and young people from various foundations across Bali.

“Let’s move, step, see, and listen together for a better life,” said I Gusti Ayu Laxmy Saraswati, Head of Denpasar Social Service Development. “We are united by a single heart for millions of stories of love and compassion,” she added.

The workshop agenda was thoughtfully designed to encourage shared reflection and inspire collective action. Children took part in creative sessions, including crafting hands-on sock puppets to nurture local creativity. We also invited a storyteller, Kak Lia from Kampung Dongeng Bali, who shared tales about the history of the Bali Strait. Through this workshop, we hoped to spark imaginative expression and foster a sense of cultural pride. Meanwhile, parents, guardians, and media were invited into the HATI polyhedra for a reflective session that included a guided blindfold workshop to deepen empathy and understanding.

A powerful emotional anchor was provided through the reading of letters of hope written by children. The day culminated in a collective showcase where children presented their puppets and shared stories, symbolizing a joyful bridging of generations and the power of dialogue.

“Today, we are celebrating HATI's anniversary, entering HATI made by you, and not only does he (Pope Francis) get emotional, coming in and seeing you and what you have done, but he also leaves there his dream,” said Jose Maria del Coral, President of Scholas Occurrentes, in his opening speech.

UID Foundation was proud to partner with organizations like Scholas Occurrentes, which brought its mission of creating a “Culture of Encounter,” and the Denpasar Department of Social Services, which provided essential guidance and connections to the communities the event served.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZER

United In Diversity Foundation

United In Diversity (UID) Foundation facilitates tri-sector leaders in creating and implementing sustainable solutions to the region's biggest challenges. After 21 years of fostering Trust for Our Common Future as a not-for-profit organization, UID is dedicated to systemic transformation through social innovation, achieved by nurturing awareness-based leadership and advocating for self-generative governance. UID’s vision is a united and peaceful Indonesia through synergy among diverse Indonesian society and international community constituents. Our mission is to serve as an educational platform and catalyst for building trust and cooperation among businesses, the public sector, and civil society through a learning process that fosters our shared sustainable future.

Scholas Occurrentes

Founded by Pope Francis, Scholas Occurrentes is a global educational movement that promotes peace, integration, and youth empowerment through the arts, sports, and technology. Scholas Occurrentes in Indonesia has been working to promote education for peace, interfaith dialogue, and youth empowerment. In collaboration with local partners such as the United in Diversity Foundation, Scholas has initiated programs that bring together young people from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds to engage in dialogue, artistic expression, and community-building activities. Their efforts aim to foster mutual understanding, emotional development, and active citizenship, contributing to a more harmonious and inclusive society.

Learn more:

● Website United In Diversity: https://unitedindiversity.org/

● Website Scholas Occurrentes: https://scholasoccurrentes.org/en/