International Day of Peace 2025
Information provided by Tony Winton
Head of Learning Beyond the Classroom, Organiser of the International Day of Peace Activities
This Monday, Dulwich International High School Programme Suzhou marked its very first International Day of Peace. The event organizer, Mr Tony Winton shared: “The inspiration came from our school’s vision: to help students understand the importance of peace, not only in their daily lives but also in the wider world, while reinforcing two of our core values, respect and collaboration.”
One of the most memorable activities was the Peace Sign Handprint Board, where students stamped their hands in bright colors as a symbol of their personal commitment to peace. Alongside this, student volunteers from GC Dragons and Winsgplan handed out self-designed International Day of Peace stickers, creating a cheerful, unifying atmosphere across campus.
“This event was a demonstration of teamwork. It was initiated by the GC Dragons and supported by service and global citizenship groups such as Wingsplan and Hope on a Star. Behind the scenes, our IT, Operations, and Events departments played a vital role in making the day a reality, showcasing how collaboration itself can be a form of peacebuilding.”
Through this event, we encouraged students to reflect on the meaning of peace and to practice kindness and empathy in their daily lives.
Student Voices: What Peace Means to Us
Throughout the day, we heard reflections from students about what peace means in their own school lives:
“Peacemeans living a life without conflict or war. It also means that everyone canenjoy a relaxed day, treating each other with kindness and friendliness.”
“Days like the International Day of Peace are so meaningful. They help young people resist war, give us hope for a better future, and remind us to stay on the right path.”
“What impressed me most was being able to build positive relationships with younger students and encourage them to take a more active part in Global Citizenship activities.”
“Equality is the key to peace. At school, I can feel that we treat each other kindly and in the way we hope to be treated. That sense of fairness is at the heart of peace.”
Peace Through Global Citizenship
As Mr Tony Winton, Head of Learning Beyond The Classroom, explained: “Learning doesn’t only happen in the classroom. Through collaboration and cultural exchange, students experienced firsthand that peace begins with cooperation, respect, and shared action.”
The International Day of Peace at DHSZ connects directly with Dulwich’s broader vision of Global Citizenship, encouraging all of us to Live Worldwise. We believe that purpose-driven learning helps students see how their choices impact people and the planet, while developing the mindset and skills needed to shape a better future.
Guided by four pillars — Learning, Planet, People, and Policy — our community works to nurture globally minded young leaders, promote sustainability, build inclusive communities, and hold ourselves accountable through strong governance. Events like the International Day of Peace bring this vision to life in ways that students can see, feel, and actively take part in.
Looking Ahead
Looking to the future, DHSZ hopes to expand peace-related initiatives—empowering students to design their own projects, link peace with community service, and make it a living part of school culture.
The first International Day of Peace has planted a seed. With continued care and collaboration, we aim to grow a community where peace is practiced daily, in small actions and big ideas alike.
At DHSZ, we are committed not only to academic excellence but also to nurturing responsible, globally minded citizens who carry the values of respect, empathy, and collaboration into the wider world.
