Inspiring Innovation, Creating Impact | A Decade of UWC CSC
Issue date：2025-11-12
"While ten years may seem like just a drop in the ocean of human history, for UWC Changshu China, it represents a bold journey — from planting an ideal to establishing deep roots and flourishing into a vibrant community."
In the warm glow of autumn, UWC Changshu China concluded its 10th Anniversary celebrations with the theme "Inspiring Innovation, Creating Impact."
On 7 November, more than 300 guests from around the world gathered on campus to celebrate this milestone. Among them were over 80 representatives from the global UWC movement, including members of the UWC International Board and Council, leaders from UWC schools and colleges, alumni, parents, and long-time supporters of UWC’s mission.
The celebrations were filled with inspiring exchanges at the International Education Panel Discussion, creative activities led by students, an uplifting anniversary ceremony, and a vibrant concert. These events not only marked a decade of growth and achievement but also reaffirmed UWC Changshu China’s enduring commitment to making education a powerful force for a better world.
Rethinking Education in the Age of AI
On 5 November, UWC Changshu China kicked off its 10th Anniversary celebrations with an International Education Panel Discussion themed "Human and Planetary Flourishing in the Age of AI – What Must Radically Change in Education?"
Guided by its mission to unite people, nations, and cultures for peace and a sustainable future through education, UWC continues to explore how learning can promote global well-being in the AI era. Marking its tenth anniversary, the school placed this question at the heart of its reflections.
The discussion brought together cross-sector leaders, including Olli-Pekka Heinonen, Director General of the IB and former Finnish Minister of Education; Eric Jing, Chairman and CEO of Ant Group; Faith Abiodun, Executive Director of UWC International; and Professor Qiao Zhang, President of Soochow University. They offered diverse perspectives on transforming education in the age of AI.
Bertha, a 2020 UWC Changshu alumna and Rhodes Scholar pursuing her PhD at the University of Oxford, moderated the discussion. Returning to China for the anniversary was a deeply personal experience for her.
"UWC Changshu has changed my life," she said. "It was the first international school that welcomed and supported me after I left Namibia."
Speakers reached a shared understanding: AI is reshaping the world, and education must move beyond knowledge delivery to foster the ability to solve complex problems and advance shared prosperity. They emphasized the human qualities education must preserve — authentic connection, collaboration, empathy, reflection, and purpose — traits AI can never replace.
They also highlighted cross-sector collaboration as key to meaningful transformation. Public and private institutions should share innovations; schools and organizations should open resources and bridge knowledge gaps; and continuous learning pathways should strengthen lifelong learning competencies. Together, these steps can create a fair, inclusive, and sustainable future.
As moderator and lifelong learner, Bertha reflected on how AI influences the essence of learning. She resonated with Heinonen’s belief that "learning is a slow process that demands curiosity and commitment."
"My takeaway from the panel is this: now that information is instantly accessible and I can learn almost anything on ChatGPT, where does that sense of slowness in learning come from? Where does the effort go — the time once spent memorizing, analyzing, and truly understanding? If I can simply ask ChatGPT to explain something to me like I’m twelve, what replaces that process of struggle and discovery? That’s what I keep asking myself — how can I stay intentional in my learning so I don’t lose the discipline that comes from genuine effort?"
Students Lead with Creativity and Purpose
At UWC Changshu China, students take center stage with creativity and initiative. Under the 10th Anniversary theme "Inspiring Innovation, Creating Impact," they turned ideas into action through 23 student-designed workshops on 7 November. The sessions spanned cultural exchange, sports, academics, and practical skills.
Students celebrated Chinese culture through martial arts, explored self-expression through drama, shared life-saving techniques in first-aid training, and brought teamwork to life in kayaking and sailing sessions.
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A highlight of the day was the Global Café, one of UWC Changshu’s signature student events. This year’s theme, "Where Is the Line?", invited deep discussion across thirteen topics — from AI and techno-feudalism to UN responsibility and national sovereignty, from UWC education versus traditional international education to the balance between individual freedom and collective good. These conversations explored global governance, technological ethics, and human values, inspiring participants to reflect on how boundaries shape our world.
Olive, a DP2 student and event organizer, shared that the event aimed to encourage understanding and dialogue on personal and global boundaries in pursuit of peace. Guests and students from across the UWC movement joined lively discussions.
During a session on "Borders that Protect or Divide," the former Head of UWC Pearson suggested introducing oneself by "food cultures" — such as bread, rice, or potato — as a way to connect beyond national borders, a creative idea that drew wide enthusiasm.
"The Global Café also saw active participation from UWC principals, International Office staff, and National Committee members," Olive said. "Many praised the discussions, and Radha Pillay, UWC International’s Director of Education, suggested expanding the Global Café online to engage the wider UWC community. We’re excited to collaborate with her to make it happen."
At the Sustainability Fair, the student-led Sustainability Council showcased campus and community environmental initiatives.
DP2 Student Mariana’s Thirst Project — focused on clean water access — received an unexpected boost when a guest, inspired by her team’s work, pledged a major donation to fund a new well in Eswatini.
"We received valuable feedback," said Council member Ahona. "Experts suggested speakers for our upcoming sustainability conference and offered advice for our projects. The fair not only showcased our impact but also helped us grow through meaningful conversations with global guests."
Staying True to the Mission:
From Ripples to Waves
On 7 November, during the anniversary ceremony, speakers reflected on a decade of growth and envisioned the years ahead.
Head of School Simon Head used the metaphor of a bridge to capture the school’s spirit: "UWC Changshu has become a living bridge — between local heritage and global imagination, between generations, between learning and life. Our task is to keep it open — steady, strong, and welcoming."
Dr. Mark Wang, Founder and Chairman of the Board, recalled his transformation at UWC Red Cross Nordic and the fifteen-year journey to founding the school. He thanked the many supporters who made it possible.
"Since 2015, more than 2,800 students from over 130 countries and regions have studied here — growing, learning, and inspiring one another. These young people are now carrying the ripples of UWC education to every corner of the world. Every one of us can make a ripple. All those ripples together will make a wave."
Looking ahead, Dr. Wang vowed to continue advancing educational equity and innovation. He also announced the launch of the UWC Alumni China Innovation Center on the Innovation Island — a new platform to unite alumni worldwide and strengthen ties between China and the world as the school enters its next decade.
Jianguo Wang, Member of the Standing Committee of the Municipal Party Committee and Secretary of the Party Working Committee of Changshu National New & High-Tech Industrial Development Zone, congratulated the school on its milestone. He praised UWC Changshu for broadening the city’s global outlook and fostering mutual growth, expressing hope for deeper collaboration in the future.
Faith Abiodun, Executive Director of UWC International, honored the founders’ courage and vision. He emphasized that UWC’s mission to promote peace and sustainability remains essential amid global conflict, technological change, and environmental challenges.
Dr. Musimbi Kanyoro, Chair of the UWC International Board, placed UWC Changshu’s decade within the movement’s legacy: "We've been in a journey of celebration beginning with where the UWC began, the UWC Atlantic. We will continue to celebrate until we celebrate our youngest UWC, and also celebrate the future in which more UWCs may come to live."
Student voices added personal depth to the ceremony. Rawaa, a DP2 student from Iraq, shared how she overcame family obstacles to study at UWC Changshu and now uses her YouTube channel to bridge cultures and share authentic UWC stories. Desmond, a DP1 student from Nigeria, described how the school’s culture of innovation inspired him from day one.
"The real magic shows when this community provides the tools to make the students’ innovations, who have the drive but not the means possible, and to help others sustain their innovations they've already started. To actually build our dreams and become change makers. "
Passing the Torch: Moving Forward Together
As night fell, a concert showcasing the world’s diverse art forms brought the celebration to a vibrant close. Classical, jazz, and rock performances intertwined with a Chinese pipa solo, while Afghan and Nepali dances added cultural flair. Teachers and students shared the stage, filling the concert with energy and creativity that embodied the UWC spirit of openness, collaboration, and joy.
Alumni voices added warmth to the celebration day. Lin Ye, Class of 2018, said:
Over the past decade, UWC Changshu has turned vision into reality, empowered change through education, and united hearts across borders. From the first brick that built this campus to a thriving global community, from classroom ideas to real-world impact, the school has stayed true to its mission: making education a force for peace and sustainability.
As a new decade begins, this "bridge of education" will keep opening wider — connecting the world, drawing global talent and ideas, and carrying forward the dream of building a better future.
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