#South Korea #Seoul #Kyung Hee University #Peace BAR Festival #UN International Day of Peace

Kyung Hee University Hosts the 44th Peace BAR Festival

Kyung Hee University, renowned for its commitment to peace and civic engagement, is set to hold the 44th Peace BAR Festival from September 19 to 20, 2025. This annual event commemorates the UN International Day of Peace, inaugurated by the late Miwon Dr. Young Seek Choue. This year's theme, "The Moment of Chaos: Planetary Consciousness and Future Politics", encapsulates the pressing challenges faced by humanity in today's turbulent world.

The festival will take place at the Grand Peace Hall and various venues across the Seoul campus. It coincides with the International Day of Peace Week, which runs from September 15 to September 20, a period dedicated to promoting peace and understanding globally. The event will include a commemorative ceremony, insightful roundtable discussions, and engaging activities aimed at fostering dialogue and collaboration among participants.

On September 19, Chancellor Inwon Choue will deliver a significant address titled "The Moment of Chaos: A Quest for Holistic Engagement." The address will delve into the contemporary crises that challenge global peace efforts and propose innovative frameworks for understanding and achieving peace in this volatile age. Chancellor Choue's insights are expected to set the tone for a thoughtful exploration of the intersection between chaotic global circumstances and the pursuit of peaceful coexistence.

Following the ceremonial address, Professor Naomi Oreskes from Harvard University will present the keynote speech, "From Global to Planetary Society: A New Pathway Toward Human Civilizations." Professor Oreskes will outline the necessity of transitioning from a global perspective to a planetary one, underscoring how such a shift is vital for navigating the current global crises.

A special panel discussion titled "The Moment of Chaos: The Future of Planetary Politics" will feature a notable lineup including Chancellor Choue, Professor Oreskes, and Professor G. John Ikenberry from Princeton University. Participants will discuss the current crises confronting humanity and the necessary paradigm shifts in politics and civilization to overcome them.

The afternoon will also witness the Havel Dialogue, which honors Václav Havel's legacy as a symbol of Czech democracy. This session, “Revisiting the Havel Spirit for Civic Values and Engagement,” will host distinguished international scholars like Tomáš Sedláček, Director of the Havel Library, who will discuss the importance of civic values in today's political landscape.

Additionally, a roundtable discussion titled "Breakthrough or Breakdown: Planetary Consciousness and Transformative Politics" will engage leading thinkers and practitioners in examining humanity's trajectory at this critical juncture in civilizational transition. Esteemed participants, including Gro Harlem Brundtland, Norway's first female Prime Minister and a founding member of The Elders, along with Paul Shrivastava, Co-President of the Club of Rome, will share their insights on the emerging global solidarity.

The University has designated September 15 to 20 as “The International Day of Peace Week.” The festivities will feature various activities, culminating on September 20 with a colloquium and a Youth Peace Forum focused on “Climate Justice and Intergenerational Justice: A Road Toward Planetary Citizenship.” This segment aims to engage younger generations in envisioning a sustainable and just planetary society.

Participants can also look forward to diverse parallel events, including commemorative activities for civil society members, a digital short-form contest in collaboration with University-affiliated institutions, global citizenship booths, and the Humanitas writing contest.

In this era of increasing global challenges, the Peace BAR Festival serves as a beacon of hope, fostering dialogue, understanding, and innovative solutions to create a peaceful future for all. Kyung Hee University continues to stand at the forefront of peace initiatives, embodying the spirit of cooperation and responsibility needed in today's world.

Join us in this critical dialogue and celebration of peace as we gather minds and hearts during this impactful festival!