On the International Day of Peace, Algoma University was honoured as the recipient of the inaugural Global Education for Peace Award, presented by the STAR Scholars Network, a transnational organization supporting a new generation of scholars working across borders on social impact. The award honours and recognizes higher education institutions worldwide that promote global peace, integrate global perspectives in the curriculum, and foster a sense of global citizenship amongst their students.
The Global Education for Peace Award highlighted Algoma University's efforts to foster global citizenship, reconciliation, and cross-cultural understanding. This recognition was especially meaningful as the international community celebrated the 25th anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly's Declaration on a Culture of Peace.
"This award acknowledges the dedication and vision of our university: leading meaningful change for generations to come. Our goal, across all disciplines, is to graduate student leaders who are the future change makers. We want our graduates to have the skills and diverse world views and perspectives to create a more inclusive, socially equitable and peaceful approach in contributing to a better world," said President and Vice-chancellor Asima Vezina, PhD. "At Algoma University, we believe that education plays a crucial role in fostering dialogue and promoting peace, and collectively, across the University, we are honoured to be recognized on a global platform for these efforts."
The STAR Scholars Network firmly believes that institutions like Algoma University are vital in cultivating a culture of peace. The Global Education for Peace Award celebrated these efforts to inspire change and foster a vision of a peaceful future. Dr. Alean Al-Krenawi, PhD, was the driving force behind this prestigious award, emphasizing the significance of this special recognition and the many colleagues he works with for their efforts locally, nationally and globally.
"This award reflects the heart of what Algoma University stands for creating spaces for learning that foster mutual respect, cultural understanding, and peace," said Dr. Al-Krenawi. "As educators, we are responsible for equipping future generations with the tools to resolve conflicts through dialogue and cooperation. This recognition strengthens our resolve to continue leading the way in peace and cross-cultural education and building bridges across communities and cultures."
Dr. Al-Krenawi will also participate as a keynote speaker at the highly anticipated 2024 STAR Global Conference hosted by Kathmandu University in Nepal. The conference, set to take place in December 2024, brings together thought leaders, scholars, and practitioners from across the globe to discuss critical issues in research and higher education. His keynote address will explore the role of higher education institutions in driving social change and cultivating cultures of peace across borders, reflecting the visionary work being done at Algoma University.
To learn more about this award, please visit https://starscholars.org/algoma/
To learn more about the conference, please visit https://stargc2024.kusoed.edu.np/
November 22, 2024
