UoN hosts Ahinsa Dialogue on Education for Peace

The University of Nairobi hosted the 2026 Ahinsa Lecture and Dialogue on Monday, 5 October 2026, bringing together diplomats, scholars, policymakers, practitioners and young people to examine the role of education in building peaceful, inclusive and resilient societies.

Held at Chandaria Auditorium, the Dialogue was organised in partnership with the UNESCO Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development (UNESCO MGIEP) to commemorate the International Day of Non-Violence. Themed “Education for Peace in a Time of Polycrisis: Building Resilient, Inclusive and Peaceful Societies,” the event explored how education, dialogue and inclusive participation can respond to interconnected challenges facing societies today. UNESCO MGIEP’s Ahinsa Lecture Series promotes dialogue on how transformative education can contribute to peaceful and sustainable futures.

The Chief Guest, H.E. Dr. Adarsh Swaika, High Commissioner of India to Kenya, said non-violence should not be understood as passivity, but as a positive force requiring courage, moral conviction and restraint in confronting injustice. He emphasised dialogue as essential in managing differences, noting that competition should not become confrontation and disagreement should not escalate into conflict. He also highlighted the growing interdependence of nations in addressing challenges such as climate change, pandemics, artificial intelligence, migration and biodiversity loss, calling for stronger international cooperation and effective multilateralism.

Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ayub Gitau, Prof. Mande, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic Affairs, noted universities had an important role in promoting a culture of peace through education, public dialogue and civic engagement. He linked the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi to that of Nobel Peace Laureate and University of Nairobi alumna, Prof. Wangari Maathai, whose work demonstrated the connection between environmental protection, justice and peace.

Amb. (Dr.) Amina C. Mohamed challenged participants to view violence beyond physical harm, highlighting psychological, political, economic, structural and digital forms of violence. She called for stronger institutions, responsible digital engagement and greater investment in young people as mediators, peacebuilders and leaders.

Prof. Githu Muigai, Professor of Public Law , reflected on the history of non-violent political action in Kenya and internationally, including the contributions of Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr. and Prof. Maathai. He called for peaceful democratic engagement and dialogue in addressing political and social differences.

Opening the Dialogue, Prof. Obijiofor Aginam, Director of UNESCO MGIEP, noted that the world’s multiple crises were increasingly interconnected and called for education that builds empathy, compassion and the capacity for peaceful engagement.

The event also featured a panel discussion on “Building the Foundations for Peace: Education, Inclusion and Youth Participation,” bringing together diverse perspectives on peacebuilding, governance, sustainability and youth participation.

The Dialogue emphasized the role of education and universities in equipping young people to engage differences constructively and contribute to peaceful, inclusive and resilient societies.