Peeps Con 2025 was a two-day youth initiative by IAAS LC UNDIP’s Exchange Department in collaboration with international partners, including International Volunteers for Peace, SCI International, and Bhumi Horta. Under the theme “Voice of Peace, Hands on Action,” the event responded to growing global instability and the need to localize peace actions among youth. It aimed to introduce students to SCI and International Volunteers for Peace, empowering them to join community-based peace initiatives. Beyond discussion, Peeps Con fostered reflection, learning, and collaboration to turn ideas into tangible peace actions.
Day 1 (11 Oct 25) was held online via Zoom with 19 students and featured two international speakers: Dr. Shoba Sudharshan, SCI Executive Member and Asian Coordinator of the Women Working Group, and Nurul Syahida Ahmad Said, former SCI Malaysia President. Dr. Shoba introduced SCI’s legacy and vision, emphasizing its commitment to peace and volunteerism. She discussed exchange programs and how youth worldwide contribute to local peace actions. Nurul Syahida then shared her volunteer journey, detailing her experiences across countries and how volunteerism led to a scholarship, which inspired the students. The session was engaging, with participants actively asking questions and reflecting on peace and global collaboration.
Day 2 (12 October 2025) took place at Kebun Qita, where 21 participants, including students and trainers, gathered for a day of learning through play and interaction. The morning began with the ice-breaker “5 Fun Facts, 1 Lie,” helping participants connect easily. Dynamic games like sarong relay, human chess, and pencil-bottle challenge tested leadership, teamwork, and coordination. These activities promoted cooperation, empathy, and understanding. After lunch, the Intercultural Village Learning session challenged participants to embrace diversity, respect opinions, and find creative solutions. The day finished with a reflection circle where everyone shared insights and takeaways. The atmosphere was vibrant and heartfelt, filled with laughter, connection, and shared purpose.
Peeps Con achieved clear, impactful outcomes. The event raised student awareness of peace issues and motivated them to take action locally. Participants gained a deeper understanding of SCI and the role of peace in daily life, realizing that each small act matters. For IAAS LC UNDIP, the event strengthened partnerships and created future collaboration opportunities. The broader community benefited from students’ readiness to promote inclusivity and peace.
Despite its success, the event experienced a minor technical issue during the online meeting with international speakers. Participants remained enthusiastic and expressed appreciation, noting new perspectives and recognizing their potential to create change. They suggested longer discussion sessions with speakers next time due to high engagement.
Peeps Con 2025 was more than an event—it was a movement reminding youth that peace begins with awareness, grows through action, and thrives in connection. Through dialogue, play, and learning, students did more than talk about peace; they lived it over two transformative days.
