21/09/2026
The Department of International Relations and Society for Peace and Social Harmony (SPASH), Government College University Faisalabad (GCUF), in collaboration with the Association of Women for Awareness and Motivation (AWAM) and Tearfund, organized a seminar on the International Day of Peace on 21 September 2026 at GCUF.
Held under the theme “Social Acceptance of Diversity & Efforts for Coexistence” and the slogan “Invest in Peace – For Everyone, Everywhere, Everyday,” the seminar brought together academics, civil society representatives, students, media representatives, and cultural voices to reflect on peace, diversity, and social cohesion.
Dr. Ghulam Mustafa, Chairman, Department of International Relations, GCUF, emphasized the importance of dialogue over conflict and stressed the need for peaceful engagement between nations and communities.
Eli Sardar, Principal, Pakistan Bible Correspondence School, highlighted that peace begins with accepting differences, emphasizing diversity as a strength.
Mr. Jamshed Gill, representative Tear Fund, highlighted the importance of investing in youth as Peace Ambassadors, emphasizing that peace requires a change in mindset, equal rights, human dignity, and acceptance regardless of color, race, or religion.
Ms. Sonia Patras, Deputy Director, AWAM Pakistan, emphasized the role of civil society in addressing the root causes of violence, including inequality, discrimination, gender-based exclusion, and identity-based divisions. She stressed that peace requires ownership, contribution, and continuous struggle.
Dr. Tayyaba, Head of the Department of Political Science & International Relations, GCWUF, distinguished between negative peace—the absence of war—and positive peace based on equality and justice, while highlighting tolerance, constructive dialogue, and the role of youth in peacebuilding.
Renowned Punjabi poet Baba Najmi shared poetry celebrating culture, traditions, and social cohesion, highlighting the role of cultural expression in strengthening bonds within society.
The seminar concluded with remarks by Mr. Naseem Anthony, Director Programmes, AWAM Pakistan, who emphasized tolerance, harmony, peaceful coexistence, and safe spaces for vulnerable and marginalized communities.
The seminar provided students and participants with an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of peace, diversity, coexistence, equality, and social acceptance, reaffirming that sustainable peace requires dignity, justice, inclusion, dialogue, and respect for all.
