In a significant effort to promote global understanding and peace, the Ashoka Group of Schools recently highlighted their innovative educational initiatives at Geneva Peace Week 2025, an international event focused on fostering peace through dialogue and collaboration. Themed “Peace in Action,” this flagship initiative of the Geneva Peacebuilding Platform received endorsements from prominent organizations, including UNOG, the Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the UN, GCSP, and The Kofi Annan Foundation.
Under the leadership of Dr. Dinesh Sabnis, the school’s delegation captivated audiences with a powerful dance performance that conveyed messages of peace, unity and togetherness. Additionally, the Ashoka Group’s students participated in meaningful discussions on cultural diplomacy, emphasizing the role of education in bridging cultural gaps and nurturing a peaceful future.
Dr. Sabnis, the Assistant General Manager of the Ashoka Group of Schools in Nashik, India, led the team to Geneva for the week-long event from 12th October 2025 to 18th October 2025, which served not only as a learning experience about international relations but also as a platform for students to share their insights on peacebuilding. He expressed that their involvement in Geneva Peace Week reflects a commitment to the transformative potential of education, aiming to instill in students the understanding that they are not only citizens of their own nations but also responsible global citizens capable of impacting global change through sustainable cultural diplomacy projects.
Geneva Peace Week 2025 provided an excellent platform for the AGS Indian delegation, drawing participants from various sectors, including diplomats, civil society leaders, and academics. The event encompassed a range of activities such as workshops, panel discussions, and interactive sessions that delved into key aspects of peacebuilding, including conflict resolution, cultural exchange, and sustainable development.
During their visit, the Ashoka Group of Schools engaged in numerous interactive sessions and workshops focused on the role of youth in cultural diplomacy and its significance for global peace initiatives. Students had the unique opportunity to interact with UN experts and visit key UN offices like Palais des Nations and the ILO, participating in discussions that underscored the importance of cultural diplomacy in conflict resolution and fostering mutual respect among nations. Additionally, the delegation had a special meeting with H.E. Amb. Arindam Bagchi, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, which further enriched their experience.
The participation of the Ashoka Group of Schools in Geneva Peace Week also underscored a growing recognition of the vital role youth play in international discourse. In a time when young individuals are often seen as passive recipients of information, events like this empower them to actively shape their futures. H.E. Amb. Arindam Bagchi remarked on the inspiring engagement and passion of the students for cultural bridging and peace-building, highlighting their potential to contribute to a more peaceful world.
The achievements celebrated during Geneva Peace Week were accompanied by important discussions regarding the obstacles that remain. Experts emphasized that while diplomacy is crucial, it must be paired with tangible actions that tackle the underlying issues of conflict, including poverty, inequality, and social injustice. Dr. Sabnis highlighted the need for a comprehensive strategy that integrates education, community involvement, and robust multilateralism to foster enduring peace.
As Geneva Peace Week concluded, participants took time to reflect on the significant insights gained and the relationships forged. The Ashoka Group of Schools students returned with not only cherished memories but also a strengthened resolve to weave the principles of cultural diplomacy into their everyday educational practices.
The involvement of the Ashoka Group of Schools in Geneva Peace Week 2025 serves as a source of hope and motivation for students, educators, and communities globally. By underscoring the role of cultural diplomacy in peacebuilding, Dr. Dinesh Sabnis and his team are not merely preparing future leaders; they are nurturing a culture of peace, understanding, and collaboration that knows no borders. The outlook is indeed promising when young people are empowered to lead with empathy and courage on the international stage.
AGS Students delegation that participated in GPW 2025 where Vidhi Shah, Shreya Jain, Siya Wadhwa, Mrunal Narkhede, Tejasi Londhe, Ishwari Shinde, Ananya Sangle, Rashi Amin, Vedashree Jaiswal, Sanchi Shrivastava, Aishwarya Kataria, Spruha Shinde, Radha Aghav, Tamanna Chavan and two educators- Aarti Gaud & Pooja Gaud.
This tour of the Ashoka Group of Schools in GPW 2025 was endorsed by the World Fund for Development & Planning- WFDP a Special consultative status organisation in UN ECOSOC and CLAFG a premier women association in Geneva.
