Maryland Lt. Governor Aruna Miller Visits Washington Adventist University for UNESCO Center for Peace Summer Camp Closing Ceremony

TAKOMA PARK, Md. — Washington Adventist University (WAU) was honored to welcome Maryland Lt. Governor Aruna K. Miller to campus as the keynote speaker for the closing ceremony of the UNESCO Center for Peace Summer Camp 2026, held at the Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church on the university campus. The international event brought together approximately 150 high school and university students representing 15 countries to celebrate leadership, global citizenship, and intercultural collaboration.

The annual summer camp, organized by the UNESCO Center for Peace, provides young leaders from around the world with opportunities to develop leadership skills, promote peace-building, and engage in meaningful cultural exchange. Participants included students, educators, delegation leaders, university representatives, and international partners who spent the week exploring issues related to education, diplomacy, sustainable development, and civic engagement.

Lt. Governor Miller delivered the keynote address during the closing ceremony, encouraging students to embrace leadership through service, education, and collaboration. Her remarks emphasized the importance of preparing the next generation of leaders to foster peace, innovation, and international understanding while recognizing Maryland’s role as a diverse and globally connected state.

Washington Adventist University Interim President Dr. Cheryl Harris Kisunzu welcomed the lieutenant governor to the university and expressed appreciation for her commitment to education, public service, and youth development. As a symbol of gratitude and hospitality, Dr. Kisunzu presented Lt. Governor Miller with a Certificate of Welcome on behalf of the university, commemorating her first official visit to the WAU campus and recognizing her participation in the international gathering.

“Our campus is honored to host distinguished leaders who inspire young people to become agents of positive change,” said Dr. Kisunzu. “The presence of Lt. Governor Miller underscores the importance of investing in education, global partnerships, and the development of future leaders who will make meaningful contributions to their communities and the world.”

The ceremony also featured remarks from Dr. Guy Djoken, President of the UNESCO Center for Peace; Dr. Elfreda V. Blue, Provost of Washington Adventist University; Talisha Searcy, Mayor of Takoma Park; and Rodrigo Guevara, UNESCO Center for Peace Regional Partner for Peru and Latin America. The program concluded with the presentation of certificates and awards to camp participants, followed by a commemorative group photograph with dignitaries, university leaders, and international delegations.

The UNESCO Center for Peace Summer Camp continues to provide a unique platform for empowering emerging leaders through education, intercultural dialogue, and collaborative learning. Washington Adventist University remains committed to supporting initiatives that cultivate global citizenship and strengthen partnerships that advance peace, service, and academic excellence.