UWC’s mission is to make education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future. As such, UWC is committed to free and open inquiry in all matters, cultivating an environment of expression and debate, and encouraging all members of the UWC movement to speak, write, listen, challenge and learn.

This page provides core information about the UWC movement’s response and support during global crises and conflicts, as well as advice and support for impacted staff, students and volunteers. UWC is committed to providing support for members of our community impacted by global crises, so this page may be supplemented with dedicated information for staff and students regarding a crisis or incident when it directly impacts our community.

UWC’s public and social media response during conflict and crisis 

Our community is deliberately diverse and we celebrate this through the many opportunities across both our schools and colleges and short courses’ curricula, as well as the events that we convene, to create opportunities for discussion and dialogue focused on conflict resolution.

Unfortunately, there are many long-standing incidents of conflicts and humanitarian crises around the world, whilst others may occur rapidly as a result of conflict, violence or natural disaster. These international crises, whether they are geo-political, environmental or specific issues-led, will undoubtedly impact our UWC community; our staff and students, national committee volunteers, alumni, funders and partners.

Public statements and associated social media activity by UWC International, UWC schools & colleges and national committee volunteers regarding a global crisis or conflict may be occasionally issued within the context of the UWC mission, values and purpose of uniting people, nations and cultures. As an organisation, UWC is often asked to comment on any or all of these complex and tragic situations, however it is not possible, nor appropriate, for UWC at an institutional level to comment on each of these individually. 

UWC’s first priority is the safety and welfare of our community. We work together with those across our network of 18 schools & colleges, short courses, national committees and our wider volunteer community to ensure all members of the UWC movement are supported in their work and their wellbeing. Within such large and diverse communities, we are aware that some community members may hold different views. In deciding whether or not to make any statement, we will prioritise the safety and wellbeing of our staff, students, their families and our volunteers. Above all else, our approach will be guided by our values of promoting intercultural understanding, personal responsibility and integrity, mutual responsibility and respect - we are an educational movement for peace.

Freedom of speech

During a global crisis, there may be vigils or protests where supporters voice their opinions and express their feelings. UWC is committed to supporting the rights of our community members to voice opinions, hold vigils or other peaceful activities while observing their country's laws and customs. We strongly encourage all UWC community members to treat one another with courtesy, respect and tolerance, considering the impact of their choice of language and actions on others.

UWC continues to be a place of welcome for people who have been forcibly displaced around the world, offering students opportunities to access life-changing education regardless of their race, gender, colour, creed or socio-economic background. 

For further information, please email communications@uwcio.uwc.org.