UDM and Kookmin University Forge Partnership to Advance Peace Education

𝘚𝘦𝘰𝘶𝘭, 𝘚𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘩 𝘒𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘢 – 𝘈𝘶𝘨𝘶𝘴𝘵 13, 2025 — Strengthening its role as a champion of peace and global citizenship, the Universidad De Manila (UDM) has entered into an exploratory partnership with Kookmin University (KMU) to promote peace education. The collaboration, discussed during a high-level meeting in Seoul, is poised to advance shared academic and peace-building goals in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

The potential areas of cooperation include curriculum exchange, student and faculty exchange programs, and collaborative research on peacebuilding. These initiatives aim to equip learners and educators from both institutions with the knowledge, skills, and cross-cultural perspectives essential for fostering peace and mutual understanding in an increasingly interconnected world.

The meeting was attended by prominent academic leaders and peace advocates, including Dr. Hyun-Chul Yeo of the Graduate School of Global Peace and Unification at KMU; Dr. Dong-soon Park, President of the Action for Korea United Professors Association; and Dr. Kwang-Kyu Nam, Director of the Maebong Institute for One Korea. Their collective expertise and institutional networks are expected to contribute significantly to shaping the contours of the partnership.

Dr. Ma. Felma Carlos-Tria, President of UDM, reaffirmed the university’s dedication to integrating peace education into its academic framework and community engagement programs. “This partnership reflects UDM’s unwavering commitment to nurturing globally minded citizens who understand the value of dialogue, empathy, and cooperation. By working hand in hand with Kookmin University, we can create transformative learning opportunities that inspire action for peace,” she stated.

The partnership aligns with global calls to strengthen educational systems as catalysts for peace, resilience, and inclusive societies. Once formalized, it is expected to open pathways for sustained collaboration between the Philippines and South Korea, fostering academic innovation and reinforcing the role of universities as drivers of positive social change.