At UWC, anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion (ARDEI) are central to our mission of uniting people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future.
We are committed to embedding ARDEI in everything we do – from how we select students, to how we support staff, to how we shape the future of our schools and programmes.
Across UWC International, ARDEI initiatives are structured across three core areas
The UWC ARDEI committee
The ARDEI committee is part of the UWC International Board. It provides a strategic framework to guide ARDEI’s work across the UWC movement and supports schools, colleges, national committees and short courses in advancing shared principles and practices.
What does the committee do?
The committee offers consultation and coordination to embed ARDEI principles across the movement. Its priorities include:
- Developing shared ARDEI principles for all UWC entities
- Supporting implementation at schools, colleges and national committees
- Identifying opportunities for learning and development
- Recommending resources and training
- Providing support to ARDEI leads across the movement
How does the committee work?
The committee is made up of members from diverse backgrounds and roles across UWC – including representatives from schools, colleges, national committees and governance bodies. Members are selected from an open application process. Luis Bueno, a UWC alumnus, currently chairs the committee.
The committee is made up of members from diverse backgrounds and roles across UWC – including representatives from schools, colleges, national committees and governance bodies. Members are selected from an open application process. Luis Bueno, a UWC alumnus, currently chairs the committee.
Background
In May 2020, the murder of George Floyd prompted renewed calls for action against racism in institutions around the world – including UWC. In response, the UWC International Board unanimously agreed to establish the Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ARDEI) committee, in recognition of voices within the UWC community calling out racism and inequity within our own systems.
ARDEI at the UWC International Office
The UWC International Office (UWCIO) is the executive arm of the UWC International Board. With offices in London and Berlin and remote staff around the world, UWCIO supports the day-to-day work of the UWC movement – from operations to engagement, fundraising programme development and beyond.
In 2024, the UWCIO ARDEI group was created to help embed ARDEI practices across UWCIO’s internal operations and as an employer. The group also supports UWCIO teams in considering ARDEI in their work with the wider movement.
What does the UWCIO ARDEI group do?
The group works in alignment with the broader UWC ARDEI strategy and is guided by UWCIO-specific ARDEI policy. Key priorities include:
- Educating staff and promoting open dialogue on ARDEI
- Improving recruitment and retention practices to support diversity and belonging
- Embedding ARDEI across team functions and systems
- Tracking progress and measuring impact
ARDEI at UWC national committees
UWC national committees represent UWC in over 150 countries and territories. They select and support students from a wide range of backgrounds, with deliberate diversity at the core of the UWC selection model. This diversity enables transformative learning inside and outside of the classroom.
Capacity building and support
UWC International supports UWC national committees through institutional capacity building and peer learning. Several training and development initiatives specifically address ARDEI topics, helping committees strengthen inclusive practices and collaborate across contexts.
ARDEI and safeguarding
We see ARDEI and safeguarding as closely connected. Both are part of a continuous effort to challenge power imbalances, ensure accountability and create environments where everyone feels safe and supported to speak up. For more on this, please see our safeguarding page.
Reporting concerns
If you experience racism, discrimination or prejudice at UWC, we encourage you to report it to the relevant UWC entity – your school or college, national committee or short course organiser. They will be best placed to respond.
If you are not comfortable reporting directly, you can contact the UWC International safeguarding team via [email protected].
If your concern involves a member of the UWC International Office, please direct your concern to the HR team via [email protected]