By Hamid Akbari and Azar Khounani, Founders of the Dehkhoda Educational Foundation
Peace, progress, and prosperity for all—without prejudice or exception—are the three foundational pillars of the Dehkhoda Educational Foundation and the International Servant Leaders Museum. Of these, peace is the essence, the means, and the ultimate goal of all our efforts to help realize the beloved community envisioned by the great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Thus, we want to share a recent experience of visiting a world-class peaceful institution with you.
Thanks to our wonderful board member, Maura Stephens, and her husband, George Sapio (Playwright/Actor), in late March 2025, we had the joyful opportunity to visit the United Nations Mandated University for Peace in the city of Colón, near San José, the capital of the beautiful and peaceful country of Costa Rica. On this breathtaking, environmentally pristine, and artistically inspiring campus, we felt truly at home—immersed in peace and inspired by its values, artifacts, and messages.
The University’s mission is to “promote understanding, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence, stimulating cooperation and lessening obstacles to world peace and progress.” Set within an open green space dotted with trees and surrounded by a forest preserve, overlooking San José, the campus features busts of servant leaders from around the world, including figures we honor in our own museum—such as Albert Schweitzer and Eleanor Roosevelt—as well as others like Leo Tolstoy.
A powerful drawing and description of Neurodiversity, prominently on display, reminded us of the diversity of minds and beings that enrich our world. It brought to mind our partnership with Aspiritech, an organization committed to “creating a work environment where neurodivergent employees can thrive” and to building “the foundation for more jobs, better training, and a brighter future for people on the autism spectrum.”
One message that resonated deeply with us was the University’s commitment to honoring and serving Mother Earth. A central theme was that nature is not separate from us—we are a part of it. Our relationship with the Earth should be based on being more a part of it, rather than having more of it. A display at the University beautifully expressed this connection with the words: “The universe is not a collection of obj ects but a communion of subjects.”
Now and forever, the United Nations Mandated University for Peace has touched our hearts, and we know we shall be back to visit it soon. In the meantime, we welcome you wholeheartedly to visit the world’s first International Servant Leaders Museum and share a moment of communion with us through the inspiring legacy and messages of servant leaders.
