The international section of Public Student Readings “I Vote for Peace” united students, teachers, and partners from different parts of the world around the idea of peace, solidarity, and support for Ukraine.
Students from Turkey and Azerbaijan joined the section, as well as international partners — representatives of Bath Spa University (Great Britain), co-organizers of the readings, and the Silesian University of Technology (Poland), who traditionally support the cultural and educational initiatives of our university.
During the event, essays and poems on the theme of war and peace were read. Creative works were sent from various countries — the UK, Poland, Japan, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Ireland, which gave the event a truly international significance. Through poetry and essays, the authors shared their experiences, thoughts, and vision of a world without war.
A special part of the meeting was an open discussion during which participants discussed what a peaceful day means to them. For some, it is the opportunity to wake up without sirens, for others — the chance to study freely, travel, build a future, or walk their pet in the morning. Despite different cultural characteristics, all participants agreed that peace is a universal value that unites people around the world.
“For me, a peaceful day starts with knowing that my extended family is safe and happy and that we have time to go about our daily lives in a simle way – through a walk, some fresh air, the cat sleeping in the sun - and through sharing a meal and conversation with close family and friends. The simple pleasures of life cannot be taken for granted in these troubled times, and we should cherish them whilst we can”
Sarah Priston, UK
“For me, a peaceful day begins with waking up to a calm morning where nothing makes me feel anxious and I don’t feel need to rush into doing something immediately.At the end of the day, even if I haven’t accomplished very big things, feeling that the day was still enough makes me peaceful”
Melih Üstün, Tturkey
The work of the international section “I Vote for Peace” demonstrated the importance of supporting Ukraine for understanding and establishing peace. Joint cultural and educational initiatives help young people from different countries to better understand each other and talk together about the most important values in the modern world.
The 30th anniversary International Readings “I Vote for Peace” took place as part of the activities of the Center for Research on Peace, Equality, and Sustainable Development.