Despite the adverse weather, we enjoyed a warm and engaging afternoon welcoming around 30 students, staff, visiting scholars, civic partners and community members to celebrate International Volunteer Day and explore plans for Queen’s Chinese New Year 2026: Year of the Horse in the iconic Great Hall on 5 December.

Dr Liang Wang (Queen’s Language Centre; QUB iRise Staff Network) introduced International Volunteer Day and highlighted Queen’s commitment to student volunteering. Guest speaker Lili Wu (Chinese Welfare Association NI) encouraged participants to get involved in local volunteering, reflecting on how her own experiences at Queen’s shaped her career journey.

Participants were also invited to brainstorm ideas for Chinese New Year events and contribute to the wider Cultural Diversity Scheme at Queen’s, celebrating the richness of our multicultural campus after the session.

A huge thank-you to everyone who joined and supported this vibrant community gathering!

Photo credits: Tianpeng Yao, Liang Wang, Lili Wu