On March 31, UNIST held its inaugural 2026 International Day, centered on Nowruz, a spring festival of longstanding cultural significance across Central Asia. 

Organized by the Office of International Affairs, the event was designed to encourage interaction among members of the university community and to support greater understanding of diverse cultural backgrounds. Planning and execution were led by the first cohort of Global Ambassadors, a student initiative established this year to promote international engagement on campus. 

Nowruz, meaning 'new day' in Persian, marks the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year. Observed for more than 3,000 years across Central Asia, the Middle East, and the Caucasus, the festival is associated with themes of renewal and community. 

The program opened with remarks from the Consul General of Kazakhstan in Busan. It was followed by traditional music and cultural performances, as well as interactive booths representing five Central Asian countries. These booths offered opportunities to experience elements of everyday culture, including food and customary practices, and facilitated informal exchange among participants. 

Students at UNIST engage with Central Asian cultural traditions during the '2026 International Day: Nowruz' on March 31, 2026.

Kanysh Berlibekov, a student in the School of Business Administration at UNIST, said, "It was meaningful to share a traditional holiday from my home country at UNIST. The opportunity to experience different cultures together made the event especially memorable." 

Kyeong Seok Lee of the Department of Design noted, "The event reflected a high level of preparation by the students involved. Participation was strong across the campus community, particularly in the cultural performances and food." 

Young-Bin Park, Dean of Public Relations and International Affairs, said, "International Day will serve as a platform for expanding opportunities for engagement among members of the UNIST community. We will continue to develop programs that support a more globally connected campus environment." 

UNIST plans to build on the inaugural event by further developing International Day as a regular program supporting cultural exchange and community engagement.