WORLD ALLIANCE OF SCHOOL PRINCIPALS (WASP)
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2026 | 21 SEPTEMBER 2026
WASP BRINGS GLOBAL EDUCATIONAL LEADERS TOGETHER FOR PEACE
“INVEST IN PEACE — FOR EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE, EVERY DAY”
A Global Virtual Conference Connecting Voices, Cultures and Educational Leadership for a More Peaceful World
New Delhi, India | 21 September 2026
A GLOBAL PLATFORM FOR PEACE, HUMANITY AND EDUCATION
On the occasion of the International Day of Peace 2026, the World Alliance of School Principals (WASP) successfully convened a special global virtual conference bringing together distinguished international Guests of Honour, eminent educators, school leaders and thought leaders from across nations.
Held under the powerful theme “Invest in Peace — For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day,” the two-hour global gathering provided a meaningful platform for dialogue, reflection and the exchange of ideas on peace, humanity, education and global understanding.
The conference brought together voices from India, Serbia, Nigeria, Yemen and Africa, demonstrating the power of education and leadership to transcend geographical, cultural and national boundaries.
More than a commemorative event, the gathering served as a collective reflection on a fundamental question: How can education and educational leadership help create a culture where peace becomes part of everyday life?
DISTINGUISHED GLOBAL GUESTS OF HONOUR
The international character of the conference was strengthened by the gracious participation of distinguished Guests of Honour:
Professor Jelena Bošković — Serbia
Prof. Charles Usiholo Ebhoria — Africa
Ambassador Dr. Adetunji Temitope Felix — Nigeria
Their participation contributed diverse international perspectives to the dialogue and reflected the importance of cross-cultural engagement in advancing mutual understanding.
EMINENT VOICES FROM THE EDUCATION COMMUNITY
The conference featured an inspiring group of educators and thought leaders who shared their reflections and perspectives on peace, education, humanity and responsible leadership:
Mr. Nikhil Malhotra — India
Dr. Sridevi — India
Mr. Amujuri Biswanath — India
Mr. Nahid Raza — India
Dr. Shailja Vasudeva — India
Dr. Kamal Chandra Lohani — India
Mr. Ahmed Hasan Ahmed Abdularab — Yemen
Prof. Dr. Suraiya Bano — India
Dr. Vijay Kumar Salvia — India
Each speaker contributed a distinctive perspective, enriching the conference with experiences from education, leadership and community life.
WHEN EDUCATION BECOMES A BRIDGE TO PEACE
A central message of the conference was the transformative role of education in shaping attitudes, relationships and societies.
The discussions emphasized that education extends beyond classrooms, examinations and academic achievement. It also has the power to cultivate empathy, respect, dialogue, tolerance, compassion and responsible citizenship.
The participating leaders reflected on the responsibility of schools and educational institutions to create environments where differences can be understood rather than feared, dialogue can replace division, and young people can develop the confidence and values required to contribute positively to society.
The conference also highlighted that peace is strengthened through everyday choices — the language we use, the respect we demonstrate, the way we listen to others and our willingness to understand perspectives different from our own.
DR. DEEPSHIKHA PATHAK LEADS THE GLOBAL INITIATIVE
The conference was hosted by Dr. Deepshikha Pathak, Chairperson, World Alliance of School Principals (WASP).
Welcoming the distinguished Guests of Honour, speakers and participants, Dr. Pathak expressed her sincere gratitude for their time, presence and meaningful contributions to the global dialogue.
She emphasized the importance of creating international platforms where educational leaders can come together beyond borders, cultures and professional boundaries to exchange ideas and strengthen human connections.
Dr. Pathak highlighted that the message of peace should not remain confined to a single international observance.
Instead, it should become a daily practice and shared responsibility — reflected in educational institutions, homes, communities and society at large.
She further underlined the role of school leaders in nurturing generations that understand the value of dignity, diversity, compassion, dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRPERSON
Dr. Deepshikha Pathak
Chairperson, World Alliance of School Principals (WASP)
“Peace is not merely a theme to be remembered on one particular day. It is a way of living and a responsibility that belongs to every one of us.
Through this global gathering, we sought to create a space where people from different nations and diverse backgrounds could come together, listen to one another, exchange perspectives and recognize the human values that connect us.
I express my heartfelt gratitude to our distinguished Guests of Honour, eminent speakers and every participant who contributed their valuable time, thoughts and presence to this meaningful occasion.
As educational leaders, we have a profound responsibility to nurture compassion, respect, understanding and dialogue among young people. The classrooms of today are shaping the citizens and leaders of tomorrow.
Let us therefore carry the spirit of peace beyond this celebration — into our schools, our homes, our communities and our daily interactions.
Let us invest in peace — for everyone, everywhere, every day.”
FROM A DAY OF OBSERVANCE TO A CULTURE OF PEACE
The conference reinforced an important message: peace cannot be limited to a calendar date.
A culture of peace is built through countless everyday actions — listening before judging, respecting differences, choosing dialogue over confrontation, extending compassion and recognizing the dignity of every individual.
For educational leaders, this responsibility carries particular significance.
Schools are among the most influential environments in which young people develop their understanding of cooperation, diversity, citizenship and social responsibility.
By connecting educational leaders across countries, WASP seeks to encourage conversations that can contribute to stronger communities and greater global understanding.
A GLOBAL COMMUNITY UNITED BY HUMAN VALUES
The conference illustrated the potential of international educational collaboration to create meaningful connections across borders.
Despite differences in geography, culture and professional experience, participants came together around shared human values — peace, dignity, respect, compassion, understanding and hope.
The event concluded with appreciation for every Guest of Honour, speaker and participant whose contribution helped transform a virtual gathering into a meaningful international conversation.
The spirit of the conference now moves beyond the event itself: toward continued dialogue, stronger educational partnerships and a sustained commitment to nurturing peaceful communities.
ABOUT WORLD ALLIANCE OF SCHOOL PRINCIPALS
World Alliance of School Principals (WASP) is an international platform committed to connecting school principals, educational leaders and institutions across borders.
WASP promotes professional collaboration, knowledge exchange, leadership development and international engagement while encouraging educational initiatives that contribute to inclusive learning, global understanding and positive social impact.
Through its international network and initiatives, WASP seeks to create opportunities for educational leaders to Connect, Collaborate, Learn and Lead.
OUR GLOBAL MESSAGE
INVEST IN PEACE
For Everyone. Everywhere. Every Day.
Peace begins with understanding.
Understanding grows through dialogue.
Dialogue creates connection.
Education gives that connection a future.
WASP — Connecting Educational Leaders. Building Global Understanding. Nurturing Peace.
