On Wednesday 14 May 2025, VU Amsterdam hosted Be the Change, an international symposium co-organised by the Netherlands Commission for UNESCO and the AURORA network. This event brought together scientists, policymakers, (refugee) students, and UNESCO Chairholders to explore how education, science, culture, and diplomacy can contribute to a more just and peaceful society. Through workshops, poster sessions and a roundtable, participants engaged with themes such as knowledge equity, social justice, intercultural dialogue, peacebuilding, and the future of our digital ecosystems. Rooted in UNESCO’s mission and linked to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the symposium fostered exchange across generations, disciplines, and cultures.
Rina Alluri participated in the Panel Discussion with VU Rector-Magnificus, VU Professor, Chair of the UNESCO Youth Commission, and other UNESCO Chairs. The panel wove together personal encounters with peace and key insights on research, education, and cultural understanding. Bruce Mutsvairo (UNESCO NL Chair Data, Disinformation and Democracy, Utrecht University) stressed academic humility and urged scholars to treat people in the field as equal knowledge-partners. Rina Malagayo Alluri (UNESCO Chair for Peace Studies) described how post-war experiences in Sri Lanka foster “re-humanisation,” laying the groundwork for lasting peace. Student Anas Kjidaâ illustrated, through his educational journey, that self-belief and access to learning empower individuals—especially first-generation students—to advance peace. Fons Trompenaars (Professor Cross-Cultural Management VU Amsterdam) highlighted that true greatness lies in balancing individualism with community and giving back to society. Collectively, the panel called for sidelining titles and hierarchies, embracing participatory research, and viewing education as the cornerstone of a more peaceful and inclusive future.