Global education movement United World Colleges (UWC) has been nominated for the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize, in recognition of its mission to ‘unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future’.

The movement was founded on the principles of renowned educationist Kurt Hahn, responsible for the Outward Bound and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. The idea being that if young people from very different backgrounds are educated together, they could live and learn together to bring about change in the world.

According to UWC, their students go on to create projects that make a difference all over the world, such as transforming the conversation around climate change and promoting peace in conflict areas of the world.

UWC will celebrate its 60th anniversary later this year, marking the opening of its first college, UWC Atlantic in Wales. The movement has expanded to 18 schools since then, across four continents, and now hosts more than 4,500 students each year from 155 different countries.

Faith Abiodun, Executive Director of UWC International, claimed that the news “affirms the importance of education as a driving force for peace in today’s world – just as in 1962, when UWC Atlantic opened its doors to the first generation of UWC pioneers”.

The nomination was made by Alfred Bjørlo, a Norwegian politician.

“Letting young people from all over the world meet, live together and take education in teams, is one of the most important things we can do for peace and a better value,” said Alfred Bjørlo.

Image courtesy of Joan Bessem / UWC Atlantic College