A Moment That Took My Breath Away
This year, like the past two, something small yet powerful landed in my inbox – photos from our Vietnamese students currently studying across different UWC campuses worldwide. There they were, standing tall in áo dài and carrying the Vietnamese flag alongside friends from dozens of countries.
My chest swelled with pride. It wasn’t just about the clothes or the colors. It was the symbol of young people representing Vietnam on a global stage, not through competition or politics, but through education and friendship. That, to me, is the heart of UWC Day.
What Is UWC Day?
Every year on September 21st, the United World Colleges (UWC) movement celebrates UWC Day, an annual global event that brings together students, alumni, staff, and supporters.
The date isn’t random. September 21 is also the International Day of Peace, recognized by the United Nations. By aligning with this day, UWC underlines its mission: to use education as a force to unite people, nations, and cultures for peace and a sustainable future.
Across more than 18 UWC schools and hundreds of national committees, communities gather for activities that reflect this mission: cultural exchanges, sustainability workshops, art exhibitions, debates, and community service projects.
Why It Matters
We live in a world that feels increasingly divided – by borders, by language, by ideology. But what if education could bridge those divides? That’s what UWC stands for.
UWC Day is not just about celebrating students on campuses. It’s about reminding all of us that young people can and do take action for a better future. Whether it’s a beach cleanup in Costa Rica, a refugee support project in Italy, or a dialogue on climate change in Hong Kong, the ripple effect is huge.
A Vietnamese Perspective
When I see our students abroad wearing traditional costumes, I feel the connection between roots and wings. They carry their identity proudly while also opening themselves to learn from others. That balance is exactly what global citizenship looks like.
Two years ago, when the first photos came in, I got emotional. It was about belonging; the idea that no matter where you come from, you can be part of shaping solutions to the world’s biggest challenges.
And I’ll admit, it also gave me personal motivation. Organizing UWC selections in Vietnam takes months of work, countless interviews, and late-night committee meetings. But moments like these remind me why it matters.
UWC’s Mission in Action
Here’s how UWC Day ties back to the bigger picture:
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Education for Peace: UWC believes that learning isn’t just academic—it’s emotional, social, and ethical. Students learn to live with others who may look, pray, or think differently.
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Sustainability: From green campuses to climate-focused student projects, UWC emphasizes caring for the planet as much as caring for each other.
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Global Citizenship: Alumni often go on to lead NGOs, social enterprises, and initiatives that create meaningful impact far beyond their school years.
How Campuses Celebrate UWC Day
Each UWC campus designs its own way of celebrating. Some examples from recent years include:
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UWC Atlantic (Wales): Students hosted a climate justice fair, inviting local community members to join.
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UWC East Africa (Tanzania): Organized a cross-cultural music and dance festival.
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UWC South East Asia (Singapore): Held sustainability workshops and art installations created from recycled materials.
Meanwhile, alumni and committees around the world host parallel events, from online panel discussions to grassroots volunteering.
My Personal Lesson From UWC Day
For me, UWC Day is about what we, as adults, can learn from them. Their courage to leave home at 16 or 17, live with strangers, and embrace diversity is something I deeply admire.
Every year, I ask myself: How can I live more like them? How can I bring that openness and courage into my own community, my work, my daily choices?