Today’s world is fragmented by conflict, disruption, cross-cultural misunderstanding, and uncertainty. At the same time, peace and hope are still indestructible and deeply connected in human communities, and both need daily practice. The UNESCO Symposium 2026 brings people together to explore how education and dialogue can empower inner peace and hope. Building on the 2025 symposium Be the Change, this event is a call to action, sustainable cooperation, and intergenerational exchange. Inspired by the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and the mission of infinite hope, this symposium looks forward, standing on the shoulders of a shared UNESCO Memory of the World.
What to expect
- An interactive symposium (150 participants)
- Dialogue across generations and cultures
- Workshops on peacebuilding, mentoring, reconciliation, and hope in education
- Contributions from UNESCO Chairs worldwide (Africa, Japan, Europe), (high school) students, refugees, academics, and community partners
Organized by the UNESCO Chair on Cross-Cultural Sustainability, in collaboration with the Netherlands Commission for UNESCO and partners. Programme and registration link available by the end of March 2026. Save the date and join us in VU Amsterdam to practice peace and build hope together!