Pharmacy Student of FKIK State Islamic University of Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang The class of 2019 achieved international success. Vira Azzara Faradila (familiarly known as Vira) represented Indonesia at the 5th Istanbul Youth Summit (IYS) 2022 and won the 2nd Best Project Group award. Amidst her busy schedule working on her thesis, we contacted this Kudus native online (June 8) to share her story and encouragement about her experience. Vira admitted she was motivated to participate in IYS 2022 to gain new experiences and connections on an international scale. She is also interested in learning more about the history of Islamic civilization in Türkiye.

The 5th Istanbul Youth Summit 2022 is an International Conference (IYC) initiated by the Youth Break the Boundaries Foundation in Istanbul, Turkey. This activity took place offline at Bağlarbasi Kongre Ve Kültür Merkezi, Uskudar, Istanbul on February 14-17, 2022. This year, IYS 2022 raised the theme "Response to the Youth Development Plan in Crisis Recovery" to support youth ideas related to aspects of education, economy, public health, public policy, and mental health in the international scope. Vira said that IYS 2022 participants came from various countries and not limited to continents, including: Palestine, Pakistan, Malaysia, Indonesia, etc.

Vira said she learned about IYS 2022 through Instagram and then followed the registration process until she was finally selected as a delegate. Her teammates included three students from various universities: Audita Eka Wardhani (Muhammadiyah University of Purwakarta), Yoraisa Ghany Setiawan (Airlangga University), and Vira Azzara Faradila (State Islamic University of Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang). It carries the aspect of public health in her project because it aligns with her daily life as a pharmacy student. Furthermore, Vira and her team were aware of the growing pile of diaper waste in Tambaksari Kidul village, polluting the river and surrounding population. Therefore, they proposed the idea of utilizing diaper waste for mustard seed hydroponics, which they hope will positively impact the local economy. Almost every week, Vira and her team discuss their project via Zoom. Two of her teammates also conducted a survey in one area of Tambaksari Kidul Village, Banyumas, Central Java, regarding the situation in the village. Vira and her team named their project IYSECO Friendly, and they were awarded the 2nd Best Project Group at IYS 2022.

Vira expressed her joy and gratitude for the opportunity to meet so many people from around the world. She felt a strong sense of solidarity among the participants, despite their different nationalities, countries, and cultures. In closing, Vira encouraged all FKIK students to continue working and pursuing their dreams, not just waiting. "Work for it, don't just hope," Vira concluded.