International Day 2019

The annual WMU International Day celebration for 2019 was held on 17 August at the Henrik Smith Residence for students. The theme for this year’s event was “Unlocking Sustainable Development Through Culture and Harmony.” Nearly 300 people attended including students, staff, host families, friends and families of the students.  

Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, WMU President, welcomed the gathering. She highlighted the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda stating, “The world is waking up to the challenges facing us, and these challenges have been very well articulated by the United Nations 2030 Agenda. Globally there is a huge commitment from a range of stakeholders to ensure the 2030 Agenda can be implemented, and our students will play key roles in that implementation when they return to their home countries upon graduating from WMU.”

President Doumbia-Henry also recognized the inherent value in the WMU International Day celebration that brings together people from around the world to share their languages, culture and differences which in turn fosters appreciation, understanding and makes the world a better place.

International Day has been an annual event at WMU since 1999 and continues to be a highlight of activities and events spread throughout the academic year. This year over 60 countries were represented with national dress, cultural presentations and food. 

For an album of photos from International Day 2019, click here.