One of my favorite events at Tashkent International School (TIS) is the United Nations Day. This annual tradition highlights the school’s diversity. A parent commented that it was amazing for his children to experience so many cultures in one day. The event makes it clear to our community that diversity is our strength! I went from wearing a necklace of Russian sushki to taking a photograph with Korean parents in traditional Korean gat, to eating a delicious Indian samosa.

UN Day 2025 was the biggest ever in the school’s history and the best one I’ve experienced in my seven years. There were a record 33 different delegations with booths in the “Global Village” and 64 countries in the Parade of Nations. The planning committee wanted something different this year, and two students came up with ideas of a World Cup Football Friendly Tournament and an Art Exhibition based on this year’s theme, “Building Our Future Together”. Both enhanced the day for our families. It was a perfect early autumn day to celebrate our global reach and connect with each other. With so much conflict going on in the world, it was nice to focus on our shared humanity.

I would like to thank the UN Day Planning Committee and all faculty and staff who played a part in making the day memorable. Especially the work behind the scenes from the maintenance, groundscrew, security, and housekeeping who were at school until 11:00 PM on Friday evening.

Bill Kralovec, TIS Director