On September 21, Siam University once again joined the global observance of the United Nations International Day of Peace—an annual reminder that peace is both a universal aspiration and a daily practice. Established by the UN to strengthen the ideals of peace, the day calls communities everywhere to transform intention into action.
This year’s program, hosted by Siam University and the Graduate School of Peace Studies and Diplomacy, centered on the theme “Act Now for a Peaceful World.” President Dr. Pornchai Mongkhonvanit opened the event with remarks that underscored our university’s long-standing commitment to peace-building. We were honored by addresses from the Ambassadors of Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, whose perspectives connected regional experience to a shared global responsibility.
The afternoon spotlighted the next generation of peacemakers. Student ambassadors from 12 countries shared personal reflections—stories about bridging differences, confronting misinformation, and choosing dialogue over division. Their messages aligned with the UN’s framing of peace as something practiced in everyday choices, classrooms, and communities.
Siam University’s observance has grown into a signature tradition, now in its 16th consecutive year, because it integrates scholarship with service. Our Graduate School of Peace Studies and Diplomacy equips students with diplomatic tools, conflict-resolution frameworks, and the intercultural fluency required to translate ideals into impact. The program’s mission is clear: develop leaders who can design and deliver practical pathways to peace.
This year’s gathering wasn’t only ceremonial; it was a call to action. Participants pledged small, specific commitments—facilitating dialogue across differences, volunteering with community partners, and amplifying evidence-based approaches to conflict prevention. These are the habits that compound into culture. When adopted widely, they turn peace from a noun into a verb.
Thank you to our distinguished guests, faculty, staff, and students who made the event possible, and to everyone who continues this work beyond a single day. Peace is built by consistent, visible steps—on campus, online, and in our neighborhoods.
How you can contribute:
- Start one conversation that builds understanding across a difference.
- Volunteer an hour with a local community organization.
- Share a credible peace resource with your network and invite one friend to act with you.
Together, we can ensure that peace is not just imagined—but implemented.
Host: Siam University & Graduate School of Peace Studies and Diplomacy. Location: Building 19, 19th Floor Auditorium, 13:00–16:00.
