As the 2025 Global Peace Index points to a continued decline in global peacefulness, international tensions have also intensified in visible ways: geopolitical flashpoints have escalated, wars have become prolonged, and strategic competition in trade and technology has sharpened. The ripple effects are felt far beyond the front lines—through volatility in energy markets, disruptions to supply chains, and a growing sense of uncertainty that shapes public discourse and everyday life. In a world increasingly pulled by division, "peace" is no longer a distant diplomatic term; it is a practical question for cities and schools alike: How do we build understanding and respect in daily interactions? How do we reduce prejudice and foster coexistence in diverse communities? And how do we equip young people with the empathy and critical judgement needed to navigate global realities?
It is against this backdrop that HKMU LiPACE, together with the Consulate General of Spain in Hong Kong, officially unveiled Hong Kong's first "Culture of Peace Wall" and a dedicated "Culture of Peace Room" (Aula de Cultura de Paz) on 24 March 2026. This is more than a campus facility upgrade—it is an education-led, culture-driven public initiative. By creating a visible, accessible space for learning and reflection, the project aims to bring peace-related concepts—dialogue, intercultural understanding, and global citizenship—into students' everyday campus experience, turning values such as respect, equity, and rejection of hate into skills that can be discussed, practiced, and strengthened.
In this video, we feature three perspectives that together map out what "peace" can mean in Hong Kong's context—and how it can be translated into action. Mrs. Sophie Leung Lau Yau-fun, Honorary Consul of Luxembourg, speaks from a deeply human angle, calling it painful to witness children suffering in conflicts and emphasizing that politics should not be framed as winning or losing, but as the wellbeing of people—especially the next generation's safety, education, and dignity. Dr. Benjamin Chan Tak-yuen, Dean of HKMU LiPACE, reframes peace in a society not defined by violence as the inclusion of all communities in one place, tied to equity and equal opportunity; he also highlights the role of arts and culture as a medium for peace, LiPACE's "3I Concept" (Internationalization, Inclusion, Intercultural awareness), the importance of youth agency, and the need for digital innovation—because peacebuilding today must also happen online. Professor Reggie Kwan Ching-ping, Provost of HKMU, outlines how peace education can be embedded through a dedicated general education course and integrated across curricula, raising students' awareness of global experiences beyond Hong Kong; he further stresses intercultural competence in an increasingly diverse school and workplace and points to media literacy as a safeguard against misinformation and sensationalism that can inflame tensions.
In a time of mounting uncertainty, a wall and a classroom may not "solve" conflict—but they can create a starting point: a space where peace becomes something that can be seen, discussed, learned, and lived.
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