TAIPING, 5 October 2025 — St. George’s Institution (SGI) Taiping celebrated the International Day of Peace yesterday with a powerful event focused on unity and hope. The gathering, part of the Lasallian International Days of Peace, took place under the theme: "Planting Peace, Growing Harmony."
The main highlight was a special ceremony to plant a Peace Pole and a Peace Tree in the school's La Salle Peace Garden. This act symbolizes a promise to build peace, respect, and non-violence that will last for generations. The trees stand as living reminders of hope for harmony among different communities.
The celebration showed a strong commitment to peace through education and community effort. High-profile international and local leaders attended, bringing global focus to the event.
Guests included H.E. Krzysztof Dobrowolski, the Ambassador of Poland, and H.E. Hennadii Nadalenko, the Ambassador of Ukraine. They were joined by Mr. Joseph Lau, Chairman of Partners For Peace Malaysia and Chairman of SGI, and the school Principal, Mr. Mohd Izam Bin Mohd Ramly.
The Ambassadors stressed that peace is everyone’s job.
H.E. Dobrowolski spoke about the friendship between Poland and Taiping, emphasizing that peace is a universal right and a shared responsibility. He encouraged ongoing talks and respect between cultures.
H.E. Nadalenko highlighted the need for cross-border solidarity. He urged continued cooperation to solve conflicts globally, reminding everyone that local actions support the larger international effort for stability.
Mr. Joseph Lau noted the importance of school projects and local efforts in creating lasting peace.
The Principal’s message, read by Mdm Grace Francis George, offered a clear definition of true peace: “Peace is not just the absence of war. Peace is the presence of love, justice and mutual respect. It grows when we choose understanding over anger... and unity over division.”
The event included students, teachers, parents, and community members. Highlights were welcome speeches about peace education, a student-led performance with poetry, and an Ambassadors Awards ceremony. By planting trees, the community of SGI Taiping showed its clear dedication to building a more peaceful and harmonious world.
