The Faculty of Philosophy at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) officially launched a series of events to commemorate World Philosophy Day (WPD) 2024 on Sunday, November 24. With the global theme “Why Philosophy Matters?”, this event provided an important opportunity for reflection on the role of philosophy in understanding and responding to contemporary global challenges. The celebration ran for six days, from November 21 to 26, featuring a variety of activities designed to engage audiences from diverse backgrounds.
This year’s WPD celebration began with the Philo Run, a fun run aimed at connecting the spirit of critical and reflective thinking with physical health. Hundreds of participants, including students, academics, and the general public, joined the event with enthusiasm. Philo Run became a symbol of the idea that philosophy, as a way of life, is not only an intellectual pursuit but also a means to create a balance between mind and body.
“Events like this are crucial because they not only highlight philosophical values but also emphasize the close relationship between physical health and well-being. I’ve seen tremendous enthusiasm from the participants,” said Undral Ganbaatar, a representative from UNESCO Jakarta.
The opening ceremony was held in the courtyard of the Faculty of Philosophy UGM after the Philo Run. The event featured performances by the students, including a gamelan performance by the Philoswara group, a classical guitar recital, and a theatrical performance with profound messages.
Addressing the main theme, the Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy UGM emphasized the relevance of philosophy in bridging local culture and global discourse. “Philosophy must transcend geographical and cultural boundaries. In Indonesia, we have a wealth of local wisdom that can enrich the global conversation about creating a more prosperous life,” she said.
Support for this viewpoint was echoed by Dr. Arie Sujito, UGM’s Vice Rector for Student Affairs, Community Service, and Alumni, who highlighted the strategic role of philosophy in building a critical and tolerant society. “In Indonesia, philosophy as a core science must play a larger role. UGM fully supports events like this,” he remarked.
The series of World Philosophy Day 2024 activities included a range of events designed to bring philosophy into the public sphere. In addition to the Philo Run, there were art exhibitions, student debate competitions, public lectures, film screenings and discussions, as well as podcasts. All of these activities aimed to emphasize the importance of philosophy as a tool for critical thinking, a medium for cross-cultural dialogue, and a way to wisely respond to global challenges.