Washington Adventist University Hosts UNESCO Center for Peace 2026 Summer Program

TAKOMA PARK, Md. — Washington Adventist University (WAU) welcomes for the first time, young leaders from around the world as the host site for the UNESCO Center for Peace (UCP) Summer Program, taking place July 19 through August 1, 2026. The two-week international program is designed to equip the next generation of global changemakers through leadership development, cultural exchange, diplomacy, science and innovation, and peace education.

Hosted on the campus of Washington Adventist University, the program will bring together students from diverse countries and cultures to explore the principles of global citizenship while engaging with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Participants will develop practical leadership skills through workshops, simulations, collaborative projects, and experiential learning opportunities.

Founded in 2004, the UNESCO Center for Peace seeks to promote UNESCO’s mission through educational programs that cultivate a culture of peace, human dignity, and international cooperation. According to the organization, its mission is to raise a new generation of peacemakers by integrating education, science, culture, and communication into transformative learning experiences.

“It’s a great day for me to host our youngest and brightest minds from all over the world here at Washington Adventist University for our 2026 International Summer Program” said Dr Guy Djoken, Executive Director for the UNESCO Center of Peace. “I thank the leadership of WAU for supporting our project and hosting these young men and women on their campus for the next two weeks. This represents hope in a time when the world is going through a very difficult period.”

“I am so pleased that the UNESCO Center of Peace has chosen Washington Adventist University to host their 2026 Summer Camp, now in its twentieth year.” said Christopher Banks, Dean of the Betty Howard Center for Student Success here at WAU and lead campus liaison. “As a Seventh-day Adventist campus which regularly supports positive global education, this is a wonderful opportunity to show Adventist sustainability values.”

Throughout the program, delegates will strengthen skills in public speaking, negotiation, leadership, and interdisciplinary problem-solving while examining issues such as cultural identity, diversity, human rights, globalization, sustainability, and social equity. Workshops and conferences led by internationally recognized educators, policymakers, scientists, and innovators will provide participants with practical tools to address today’s global challenges.

A signature component of the experience is the Model United Nations (Model UN) program, where students gain firsthand experience in diplomacy, negotiation, and international policymaking. Additional academic experiences include STEAM programming, which integrates science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics to encourage innovative thinking and collaborative problem-solving, as well as the UCP Local Project initiative, where students develop project management, fundraising, communication, and entrepreneurial skills through community-based initiatives.

The summer program also emphasizes cultural immersion through the BRIDGE Program, an initiative that fosters intercultural understanding through games, performances, collaborative activities, and shared traditions. Participants will engage with peers from diverse backgrounds while building lasting international friendships founded on respect and mutual learning.

Beyond the classroom, students will participate in educational excursions throughout the region, including visits to Washington, D.C.’s historic landmarks and museums, as well as a day trip to New York City featuring the United Nations Headquarters, the Statue of Liberty, and other iconic destinations. These experiences complement the program’s academic curriculum by providing real-world perspectives on diplomacy, governance, and global cooperation.

The 2026 program will also feature presentations from distinguished leaders representing international organizations, higher education, government, and industry. Previous and scheduled speakers include experts from NASA, Georgetown University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the World Bank, and other organizations whose work advances innovation, sustainable development, and international collaboration.

As an institution committed to faith, service, and global engagement, Washington Adventist University views the partnership with the UNESCO Center for Peace as an opportunity to inspire students to become ethical leaders equipped to address complex global issues while promoting peace and human dignity.