Focusing on the UN’s International Day of Living Together in Peace, Széchenyi István University hosted the latest event in its cultural series “Me, My Country & My Journey”. This time, seven inspiring speakers introduced their home countries and shared their personal journeys to Hungary and their experiences of studying here.

In 2017, the UN General Assembly declared 16 May the International Day of Living Together in Peace, with the aim of promoting peaceful and harmonious coexistence among different cultures and religions. On this occasion, Széchenyi István University held the latest edition of its “Me, My Country & My Journey” series. The goal of the event was not only to educate but also to emphasise that the foundation of peace lies in striving to understand one another. Through their peers’ presentations, attendees learned about Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Laos, Liberia, Tanzania, and Iraq, gaining the opportunity to see the world from a broader perspective and to become more open to accepting cultural differences.

“Programmes and events like this – where we take the time to listen to one another and discover the richness of our diversity – contribute to our growth as a unified, peaceful community. It was a moving experience to witness how we can build unity through connection in a world often marked by division and isolation. These moments show us what it truly means to live together in peace,” said Sylvia Páliné Nyiri, colleague at the University’s Centre for International Programmes and Alumni and the main organiser of the series.

Feedback from students also reinforced the significance of the event. “The programme was extremely meaningful: it celebrated diversity while bringing us closer together. It gave us the opportunity to share our traditions, values and stories, fostering mutual respect and deeper understanding among participants. Events like this are especially important – particularly when celebrating the International Day of Living Together in Peace – because they remind us that unity stems from appreciating our differences,” explained Nanthana Silavy, a student from Laos studying International Relations.

Máté Horváth, a BSc student in Computer Science Engineering, shared: “It was really exciting to learn about countries like Liberia or Tanzania, which I previously knew very little about. I encourage my fellow Hungarian students to attend events like this in the future – they’re a great opportunity to explore each other’s cultures.”

Participants in the programme included: Ludwakama Jones (Liberia), Soukthavone Khiengsombath (Laos), Beatrice Ignas (Tanzania), Aytaj Bayramli (Azerbaijan), Abishae Noel (Pakistan), Mustafa Neama (Iraq), Nurullah Bektas (Türkiye), Brian Msuha (Tanzania), and Sylvia Páliné Nyiri (main organiser, Centre for International Programmes and Alumni) (Photo: András Adorján)

Over the past year and a half, the university’s international students have drawn attention to how university spaces can become true venues for cultural dialogue and social responsibility through a series of interconnected initiatives. The programme began with a charitable event in 2023: they made and donated crocheted blankets to children living in the temporary care home of the Győr Child Protection Centre. The following year, they returned to give talks to the same children about their home countries and cultures, highlighting the importance of higher education and quality learning. Through these efforts, the University makes a meaningful contribution to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those relating to quality education, poverty eradication, increased equality, and strengthening international partnerships.