Students from 35 nations attend the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. That global spirit was on full display during UH Hilo’s 2025 United Nations Day celebration on October 22, with students proudly representing places ranging from Ecuador, Hawaiʻi and Iceland to Hungary, Italy, Palau and Turkmenistan. Colorful photos of students from around the world highlighted a day meant to commemorate the founding of the United Nations and focused on unity, culture and people-to-people connection.
Each year the campus’s International Student Association and International Student Services host the event, which features a Parade of Nations, cultural performances and informational displays.
“At UH Hilo, United Nations Day is a time when the university ʻohana demonstrates unity among different people and nations of the world,” said Jim Mellon, director of UH Hilo International Student Services. “Our shared humanity during this time calls for us to stand in solidarity with those who are suffering. Acts of war, hate, and intolerance are in opposition to the values of UH Hilo international students.”
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the organization. The theme, “Better Together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights,” guided the program. Mellon said the day invites the campus to reflect on the United Nations’ core values, global peace, cooperation, human rights and social progress, and how those ideals connect to everyday life.
Parade of nations
The celebration opened with Native Hawaiian traditions. Students representing the host nation of Hawaiʻi joined Pele Harman, UH Hilo’s director of Native Hawaiian engagement, in welcoming the crowd with music and hula. Japanese taiko drummers followed, honoring the deep roots of Japanese culture in Hawaiʻi.
About 80 students took part in the Parade of Nations, each carrying symbols of home. On the Mookini Library lānai, 22 students hosted displays about their countries, student services and global issues. Inside the library, short videos created by students from about 15 language groups introduced viewers to their native languages.
Mellon said the day is about visibility, learning and connection.
“We are truly fortunate to be able to live, study and learn with such a diverse group of students.”
For more go to UH Hilo Stories.
—By Susan Enright
