Harvard's i-Night Showcases Global Talent and Cultural Diversity

Annual event highlights the growing need for cultural competency in public health

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health's annual International Night (i-Night) offered a vibrant showcase of global talent, from song and dance to piano and poetry. This year's event, themed 'Threads of Home: A Celebration of Tradition, Culture, and Memory,' underscored the importance of cultural competency in the field of public health.

Why it matters

Effective public health solutions require a deep understanding of the communities they serve. Cultural competency extends beyond just avoiding miscommunication - it's crucial for designing culturally appropriate interventions that resonate with target populations. i-Night highlighted the diverse cultural backgrounds and talents within the Harvard community, showcasing the value of integrating cultural competency into public health education.

The details

The event featured a diverse program of performances, including classical piano, Indian semi-classical dance, original compositions, spoken word poetry, and traditional songs and dances from Zimbabwe and the Dai ethnic group. The event was hosted by the Harvard Chan Student Government Association, with student leaders emphasizing the importance of highlighting global diversity within the Harvard community.

  • i-Night was held on February 13, 2026.

The players

Kenzo Kimura

President of the Harvard Chan Student Government Association.

Priyam Aturi

Co-emcee of i-Night 2026.

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

The school that hosts the annual i-Night event.

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What they’re saying

“The evening was incredible.”

— Kenzo Kimura, President of the Harvard Chan Student Government Association (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

The success of i-Night points to a broader trend of increasing integration of cultural competency into public health education, with more programs expected to emphasize cross-cultural communication skills, incorporate community-based participatory research, and promote diversity within the public health workforce.

The takeaway

Events like i-Night showcase the value of cultural diversity and the importance of cultural competency in the field of public health. By embracing and celebrating the rich cultural backgrounds of students and communities, public health professionals can develop more effective and sustainable interventions that truly meet the needs of the populations they serve.