Bolstering Quinnipiac’s commitment to preparing students for engaged leadership and global education, the Albert Schweitzer Institute provides an annual opportunity for students to attend this world-renowned forum and witness these efforts in a way that is accessible and tangible. 

The World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates originated from a project of Mikhail Gorbachev. Gorbachev established the summit with the intention of enabling organizations and individuals to come together to address global issues and encourage world peace.  

Former Executive Director of the Albert Schweitzer Institute David Ives first connected with the secretariat of the summit over 20 years ago. Ives initially brought the Albert Schweitzer Institute to the event, establishing a tradition that lives on today. 

“The idea of using the summits as a forum for inspiring a new generation of peacebuilders and changemakers took off from there,” said Sean Duffy, executive director of the Albert Schweitzer Institute. “Students have the opportunity to interact with engaged students from around the world and truly see themselves as a global generation of engaged young people committed to making a positive difference in the world.” 

“Our goal is for students to get a sense for how they are connected to a global generation of change agents and peacemakers,” said Duffy, adding that Quinnipiac will present a panel, “Centering the Human: New Technologies as Facilitators of Peace and Human Rights,” and moderate two “Peace Labs” during the youth program of the summit. 

Tom Nassr '15 who studied entrepreneurship and philosophy, had the opportunity to attend the summit during his undergraduate career at Quinnipiac.

“It was and is, definitely in my opinion, one of the highlights of my academic career to be able to attend and participate in this type of event,” said Nassr. “I think you need to be involved in the conversation and no conversation, whether it's peace-oriented or otherwise, can benefit from an echo chamber of like-minded people. You need that diversity of thought, diversity of expertise to produce better outcomes.”

As the 19th World Summit for Nobel Peace Laureates approaches, students are preparing for the experience which runs from September 18-21. When students arrive in Mexico, they will be greeted with the youth program orientation session which includes speakers and activities. They will spend this time connecting with other students, participating in cultural excursions and becoming informed about the theme of the summit

While the summit is in progress, students will attend several morning sessions where a panel of laureates and representatives of laureate organizations will discuss the most present global concerns.

During the afternoon, students will participate in various workshops, interacting with other students from around the world and connecting with the laureates on a more personal level. In some of these workshops, also known as peace labs, students are encouraged to pitch their ideas to promote peace and enter a competition to receive funding to implement their ideas.

Upon the conclusion of the summit, there will be a concert for all participants to enjoy that features an entertainer who is also committed to promoting peace. 

“Attending the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates will enable us to witness and participate in panel discussions among Nobel Peace Laureates and representatives of leading international organizations, media, business and government,” said John Thomas, a professor of law. “I hope that the experience will deepen our understanding of social and economic justice, environmental and sustainable justice, and the path toward nonviolence.”

By participating in this event, students are provided the opportunity to expand on both their academic and personal development by gaining groundbreaking knowledge, connecting with world leaders and advocating for their own ideas and opinions. 

“The most obvious impact is simply in inspiration,” said Duffy. “Hearing the stories of the laureates and hearing from them often makes the idea of making a difference through individual action more tangible and imaginable.” 

The summit also provides networking opportunities for students to connect with world leaders and discover how their discipline can be relevant to a larger movement of promoting peace.

This year, the Quinnipiac delegation consists of 36 members including students, faculty, staff and one alumnus. The 19 students that will be attending are studying diverse fields including psychology, political science, environmental science, English, biology, criminal justice, law, occupational therapy and social work. Students are selected to join the delegation based on their interests and how the opportunity fits into their personal and academic goals. 

“We have among our group undergraduate students from a dozen different disciplines and graduate students from occupational therapy, social work and the law school this year,” said Duffy. “We truly have exceptional students at Quinnipiac and those who have made the effort to apply to this opportunity are perhaps as engaged as any on our campus, with their own unique experiences and contributions that they’re already making to their communities.” 

Following the Albert Schweitzer Institute’s commitment to supporting experiential learning and equal opportunity, the institute worked to provide financial assistance to students in need. 

“I hope to broaden my perspective and experience in relation to global affairs,” said Rebecca Ouellette, a second-year law student. “I look forward to meeting others from various countries and learning how to help with global conflict resolution.”

In addition to furthering students’ goals and experience, the summit plays an important role in fostering a culture of peace and global citizenship at Quinnipiac. 

“The summits are often one of the opportunities we have to engage relatively large numbers of students in an international experience from across our campuses and programs,” said Duffy. “It is my hope that they serve as a catalyst for continued engagement once the students return to campus – engagement with each other and within their unique programs and pathways with the themes and commitment to making a difference.”