In a world marked by division, conflict, and uncertainty, the pursuit of peace and justice becomes more critical than ever. On this International Day of Peace, all of us at the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies are filled with renewed determination to promote a world where peace with justice prevails throughout our societies.
The International Day of Peace, observed on September 21 each year, offers a moment to reflect on our collective responsibility to build a more harmonious and just world. This day was established by the United Nations to strengthen the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. It serves as a reminder that peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but a profound commitment to understanding, empathy, cooperation, and collaboration.
For over a decade, the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies at the University of San Diego has been at the forefront of nurturing the next generation of peacebuilders and changemakers. Our multidisciplinary approach to peace and justice education equips students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical foundation to address complex global challenges.
Graduate Programs in Peace and Justice
Our Master of Arts in Peace and Justice program empowers students to explore the root causes of conflict, social injustice, and inequality. With a focus on transformative leadership, students engage in rigorous academic study and practical experiences that enable them to create positive change in their communities and the world.
Social Innovation: Transforming Communities
In today's rapidly changing world, innovative solutions are crucial to addressing pressing global issues. Our Master of Arts in Social Innovation program equips students with the tools to develop and implement innovative strategies for social change. From addressing climate change to combating poverty and inequality, our graduates are prepared to drive positive transformation.
Conflict Management & Resolution: Bridging Divides
Conflict is an unfortunate reality in our world. However, how we approach and resolve conflicts can make all the difference. Our Master of Arts in Conflict Management and Resolution program equips students with the expertise to navigate conflicts peacefully and constructively. Our graduates become skilled mediators, negotiators, and peacemakers, working to bridge divides and foster reconciliation.
The Kroc School Difference
What sets the Kroc School apart is our commitment to experiential learning, ethical leadership, and real-world impact. Our students have the opportunity to engage in fieldwork, internships, and research projects that put theory into practice. Whether it's working with marginalized communities, partnering with NGOs, or contributing to policy change, our students are making a tangible difference in the world.
The Kroc School of Peace Studies at the University of San Diego
As we celebrate the International Day of Peace on September 21, let’s remember that peace is not a distant dream but a tangible goal within our reach. The Kroc School of Peace Studies is dedicated to equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills to build a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world. Our graduate programs in Peace and Justice, Social Innovation, and Conflict Management and Resolution are the stepping stones toward a brighter future.
Join us in our mission to create a world where peace and justice prevail. Together, we can turn the dream of a more peaceful world into a reality. Happy International Day of Peace!
About the Author
The Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice (Kroc IPJ) launched in 2001 with a vision of active peacebuilding. In 2007, the Kroc IPJ became part of the newly established Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies, a global hub for peacebuilding and social innovation. The core of the Kroc IPJ mission is to co-create learning with peacemakers — learning that is deeply grounded in the lived experience of peacemakers around the world, that is made rigorous by our place within a university ecosystem and that is immediately and practically applied by peacemakers to end cycles of violence.