On June 21, 2025, communities around the world came together to observe World Refugee Day. This year’s observance, in collaboration with The African Coalition, served as a poignant reminder of the culture, joy, and challenges of refugees.
The event featured an array of cultural performances from refugee artists and performers representing regions from Sudan, Spain, to Mexico. From traditional dances and music, the program highlighted not only the hardships faced by those displaced from their homelands but also the incredible richness of their cultures.
Throughout the day, insightful speakers, including former refugees, humanitarian leaders, and youth activists, shared their personal journeys and visions for a more inclusive world. The event didn’t shy away from addressing the struggles refugees face, from prolonged displacement and statelessness to limited access to education and healthcare. Yet, it also painted a fuller picture: one of joy, contribution, creativity, and the unbreakable human spirit, especially during this time of unrest.
World Refugee Day 2025 was a reminder that refugees are not just survivors, they are teachers, artists, entrepreneurs, and community builders. In honoring their journeys, we are reminded of our shared responsibility and shared strength.
