On Monday 22 September, members of the University of Glasgow community came together in the University Gardens for a Day of Reflection to mark the dedication of the new Peace Bench.

From dawn until dusk, students, staff, chaplains, friends, and children gathered on the hour, every hour, to share stories, songs, silence, and ceremony. The programme featured an Eritrean coffee ceremony, poetry and music from across the community, the planting of a Peace Pole by children from the University Nursery, and reflections from both outgoing Principal Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli and incoming Principal Professor Andy Schofield. The day concluded with a blessing from the University Chapel Choir, bringing the community together in a shared hope for peace.

The Peace Bench — a collaboration between UNESCO RIELA, the University Interfaith Chaplaincy, the Chancellor’s Fund, Estates and Buildings, and the GalGael Trust — joins the Peace Tree planted in 2024 as part of a growing Peace Garden on campus. This space offers a place for calm, reflection, and connection for all members of the #TeamUofG community.

Watch highlights from the day below:

https://youtu.be/dVyqBg1yIYw?si=NoYje7BoOZO31ZPi

First published: 6 October 2025

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