The event brought together scientists, policymakers, (refugee) students, and UNESCO Chairholders to explore how education, science, culture, and diplomacy can contribute to building 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 digital ecosystems. Rooted in UNESCO’s mission and aligned with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the symposium fostered meaningful exchange across generations, disciplines, and cultures.
UNESCO Chairholder Rina Alluri took part in a panel discussion alongside VU Rector Magnificus, a VU professor, the Chair of the UNESCO Youth Commission, and other UNESCO Chairs. The panel wove together personal experiences of peace with key insights on research, education, and cultural understanding. Bruce Mutsvairo (UNESCO NL Chair for Data, Disinformation and Democracy, Utrecht University) emphasized academic humility, urging scholars to engage with people in the field as equal knowledge partners. Rina Alluri (UNESCO Chair for Peace Studies) shared how post-war experiences in Sri Lanka foster “re-humanisation,” laying the foundation for lasting peace. Student Anas Kjidaâ illustrated through his educational journey how self-belief and access to learning empower individuals—especially first-generation students—to advance peace. Fons Trompenaars (Professor of Cross-Cultural Management, VU Amsterdam) highlighted that true greatness lies in balancing individualism with community responsibility 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.