2017 Outstanding Peace education

United World Colleges (UWC) is a global education movement dedicated to uniting people, nations, and cultures for peace and sustainability. Through 17 schools and colleges on four continents, UWC provides a diverse, inclusive education experience for over 9,000 students from more than 155 countries each year. The majority complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), with over 65% receiving scholarships through one of the most comprehensive financial aid systems in secondary education.

At the center of the UWC movement is UWC International, a UK-registered charity responsible for global strategy, fundraising, communications, and ensuring cohesion among UWC institutions. UWC International also oversees the worldwide network of volunteer-led national committees, which support local student selections in 159 countries and help maintain UWC’s diverse student body.

UWC’s educational approach emphasizes experiential learning, encouraging students to engage in service, physical and artistic activities, and critical discussions of global issues. This model aims to equip students with skills to address real-world challenges and inspires a lifelong commitment to a more peaceful, just, and sustainable world.

In line with this mission, the UWC Refugee Initiative is a key project aimed at funding an additional 100 full scholarships annually for students from refugee backgrounds, reinforcing UWC’s dedication to inclusivity and social impact.