What is the SPU
The Summer Peace University (SPU) is an international academic initiative that unites education, diplomacy, and culture to foster peace, cooperation, and sustainable development through shared learning. Conceived by the Calabrian Institute of International Policies (IsCaPI), it gathers universities, research centers, and international organizations to promote dialogue among cultures and the ethical use of knowledge for the common good.
Located in southern Italy, in the Mediterranean village of Belvedere Marittimo, the SPU transforms the town into an open campus where learning extends beyond classrooms and becomes a way of living together. Its streets, squares, and historical buildings host seminars, artistic events, and laboratories that connect reflection with action.
The SPU is grounded on the conviction that peace cannot be taught abstractly but must be practiced collectively. Academic rigor merges with community engagement, turning education into a concrete instrument of transformation.
Through its interdisciplinary structure, the SPU explores major global issues — geopolitics, economics, environment, human rights, and intercultural dialogue — from complementary perspectives. Professors and diplomats from four continents guide discussions that link theory and practice, while students contribute with their own experiences and cultural viewpoints.
The SPU represents a living alliance between universities and societies: a bridge between academic knowledge and civic responsibility. Each edition becomes an international meeting point for reflection, research, and creativity aimed at strengthening human dignity and global cooperation.