UWC Legacy and Mission
Founded in 1962, UWC is a global education movement with a single mission: to make education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future. When the first United World College (UWC), Atlantic College, opened in Wales, it was hailed by The Times as “the most exciting experiment in education since the Second World War”.
At the height of the Cold War, the founders of the UWC movement sought to bring young people together from different nations to act as champions of peace through an education based on shared learning, collaboration and understanding. By doing so, they aimed to inspire young people to challenge cynicism with courage and compassion, influencing them positively to work individually and collectively, to make the world a better place.
While much has changed since the 1960s, there are still many complex political, religious, social, environmental and economic challenges that exist in the world. In an increasingly fractured world, it is more important than ever to bring passionate and promising young people together to channel their energy, voices and perspectives to help build a more peaceful future.
Over the last 60 years, the UWC movement has grown from a single institution into a global network of schools, colleges and educational programmes, educating more than 12,000 people each year. This is supported by an extensive network of national committees in more than 157 countries and territories, as well as partners and supporters. UWC’s impact is evident in the journeys of the young people who graduate from our schools/colleges and participate in our short courses. This impact is further amplified through our approach to educational innovation and leadership, including curriculum development, teacher training and community service, as well as through the multi-sectoral influence of our global network and its members.
The mission of the United World Colleges is to make education a force to unite people, nations, and cultures for peace and a sustainable future.
The Short Story of UWC
UWC Red Cross Nordic
Each year, approximately 200 students from 80 nations come together to our remote, rural location in Fjaler, Vestland to live and learn together and from each other.
In 2025, UWC Red Cross Nordic proudly celebrated its 30th anniversary. The journey began in the mid-1980s, driven by the vision of creating a Nordic UWC. The idea gained momentum in 1983 when Tom Gresvig and Ivar Lund-Mathiesen, former UWC students from UWC Atlantic, initiated discussions about establishing a UWC in Norway with a Nordic approach. In 1986, the Foundation for a Nordic United World College was established, bringing together key Nordic supporters.
Finding the right location was crucial, and Fjaler in Sogn og Fjordane was chosen due to its educational traditions and strong local support. Haugland (already hosting The Haugland Centre, operated by the Red Cross) became the ideal site, solidifying a partnership built on shared commitment to humanitarian values. The project faced challenges, particularly in securing funding, but with dedicated lobbying and support from the Nordic countries and private donors, the dream became reality. In 1993, the Norwegian government approved the grant, and construction began. On 5th September 1995, the application to become an IB school was accepted, and on 30th September 1995 the College officially opened with Her Majesty Queen Sonja of Norway, Queen Noor of Jordan, and adventurer Thor Heyerdahl among the distinguished guests. We are extremely proud and honored that H.M. Queen Sonja has remained so committed and been the patron of the College since the opening in 1995 and has confirmed a new period until 2030.
The first 100 pioneering students from around the world laid the foundation for the vibrant, multicultural community we know today. Today it is hard to imagine Haugland and Fjaler without UWC Red Cross Nordic and the life that 200 students from all over the world bring to this place. Imagine if Tom Gresvig and others did not dream about a UWC in the Nordic region, and imagine if Fjaler did not have people like Magne Bjergene who moved mountains to make this happen. Our community has expanded, with over 3,000 alumni who are leaders, changemakers, and bridge-builders in their respective fields. Through our partnerships with the Red Cross, national committees, and other organizations, we have continued to uphold the values of compassion, inclusion, and action.
Over the past 30 years, UWC Red Cross Nordic has remained committed to fostering education for peace and a sustainable future, guided by Nordic values and the Red Cross principles.
The UWC mission remains critical in a world increasingly fraught with political, social, environmental and economic challenges. Our commitment to diversity, intercultural understanding and holistic personal development is more relevant now than ever.