Union County became the stage for a powerful message of hope, dialogue, and global unity as Kean University hosted a major commemoration of the United Nations International Day of Peace on September 20, 2025. The event, titled “Act Now for a More Peaceful World,” brought together diplomats, elected officials, global ambassadors, and grassroots leaders who share the belief that peace begins with action at the local level.
Co-hosted by the Women’s Federation for World Peace International (WFWPI) and Union-based nonprofit Always Forward, the gathering transformed Kean University’s STEM Building into a hub of cultural exchange, leadership recognition, and meaningful conversation about what it truly takes to build lasting peace.
The commemoration featured an engaging program that reflected the diversity of New Jersey itself: panel discussions with state leaders such as Senator Joe Cryan, a moving “Bridge of Peace” activity, cultural performances, and an art exhibition showcasing works inspired by the theme of peace. Each moment highlighted the importance of dialogue, respect, and unity across generations and communities.
Key women peace leaders
At the center of the event were women leaders who have dedicated their lives to peacebuilding, each offering a unique perspective and legacy of service:
- Merly Barlaan: As International Vice President of the WFWPI and Chief Administrative Officer at their New York headquarters, Barlaan presided over the Kean University event. A long-time advocate for peace, sustainability, and empowerment, she has focused much of her 27 years of work on promoting women and youth leadership.
- Priscilla Garces: The United Nations Representative for WFWPI and founder of Always Forward, Garces co-organized the event and emphasized the importance of collective action for peace. Her experience includes prior work as a disability and climate activist in the Newark community.
- Nikki Schaul: JCI (Junior Chamber International) Vice President Nikki Schaul was among the featured speakers, bringing a global civic leadership perspective to the New Jersey audience.
- Global Ambassadors for Peace: A cohort of distinguished global ambassadors, representing diverse regions, was honored for their community leadership, advocacy, and commitment to promoting peace.
Event highlights
The International Day of Peace celebration at Kean University showcased a wide range of activities designed to engage and inspire participants:
- Panel discussions: Featured elected officials, diplomats, and young people exploring the event’s theme of taking immediate action for peace.
- Arts for Peace: Attendees created paintings, bracelets, and keychains, blending creativity with advocacy.
- “Bridge of Peace”: A symbolic activity that promoted reconciliation and unity among participants.
- Art exhibition: A curated display of visual art that commemorated peace and reflected diverse voices.
- Cultural performances: Dance and music highlighted the universality of peace across cultures.
One of the day’s most memorable moments came when a group of global ambassadors was honored for their tireless work in advancing peace, advocacy, and community leadership. These recognitions underscored the event’s central message: peace is not a lofty ideal, but a tangible goal that individuals can help achieve through everyday action.
Presiding over the program, Merly Barlaan brought international perspective to this local celebration. Known for her decades of leadership within the UN civil society community, she continues to champion sustainability, empowerment, and women’s leadership on the world stage.
Union resident Priscilla Garces, a longtime activist who founded Always Forward, gave the event a deeply personal and local connection. She reminded attendees that peace must begin at home and ripple outward: “Start locally to advance globally. If society wants to achieve peace, it starts with the family. It starts with civilized dialogue. It starts with parents advocating for their children. From there, it connects to the idea of what is possible.”
Her message to young people was clear: “The message for the young people out there, with the cohort of global ambassadors we have, is they are the present of the future, the ones who will forge peace. Everybody is born with a mission.”
The International Day of Peace, established by the United Nations in 1981, is a reminder that while conflicts dominate headlines, communities everywhere hold the power to change the narrative. Events like the one at Kean University show how New Jersey residents are not just participants in that effort but leaders in it, galvanizing others toward action.
This celebration also fits into New Jersey’s growing role as a hub for civic engagement, culture, and advocacy. From Union County to beyond, organizations are coming together to address pressing global issues while rooting their work in local communities. For those seeking more stories about innovative and forward-thinking initiatives across the state, Explore New Jersey’s Cutting Edge section highlights the individuals and groups shaping a brighter future.
By uniting elected officials, global leaders, activists, and community members under one roof, the International Day of Peace celebration at Kean University underscored a profound truth: peace is possible, but only if we commit to it—together.
