Dr. Hyun Jin P. Moon announced the launch of the Global Peace Leadership Corps (GPCorps) in December 2023. The corps aims to become the premier, global initiative through which young leaders engage in peacebuilding and service programs to address critical issues, motivated by the vision of One Family Under God. In 2024, the GPCorps has already trained over 2,500 young leaders across 17 locations in the Philippines.

GPCorps 2024 in the Philippines emphasized key areas such as conflict resolution, cultural understanding, and sustainable development. Through a mix of workshops, seminars, and hands-on projects, participants learned how to lead initiatives that foster peace within their communities. The goal was to empower these young leaders to address global issues with both confidence and creativity.

Each of the 17 GPCorps sites, along with this year’s Global Youth Summit, was linked to specific Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which encompass critical issues like poverty, inequality, and environmental sustainability. By aligning with these goals, the GPCorps ensured that participants not only gained insights into peacebuilding but also learned to tackle these vital global challenges.

A standout feature of the GPCorps was the opportunity for participants to collaborate with local and international experts. These partnerships aimed to inspire innovative ideas and solutions for the challenges communities face worldwide. Learning from experienced professionals deepened participants’ understanding of their chosen issues and equipped them with effective strategies to create positive change.

The program was held in various locations throughout the Philippines, reflecting the country’s rich cultural diversity. This thoughtful approach ensured that youth from all regions could engage in peacebuilding and sustainable development efforts within their own communities.

Participants included members of well-known organizations like the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of the Philippines, student council leaders from universities, and other enthusiastic young individuals. The program fostered a vibrant exchange of ideas, helping participants grow as leaders and learn from one another.

The success of GPCorps was largely driven by the commitment of its volunteers. These dedicated individuals contributed their time and expertise, ensuring the program’s smooth operation. Many had previous summit experience, which was invaluable in making this year’s initiative successful.

From the 2,500 trained leaders, 150 outstanding individuals will be selected for advanced specialized training—50 from Luzon, 50 from Visayas, and 50 from Mindanao. This selected group will receive comprehensive training that includes international exposure and local project implementation, enhancing their capacity to effect meaningful change in their regions.

The Global Peace Leadership Corps 2024 is more than just a training initiative; it is a movement aimed at empowering young people to actively contribute to a peaceful and sustainable future. By addressing real-world issues and aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, GPCorps 2024 provides a vital platform for young leaders to develop the skills needed to make a lasting impact. As the world grapples with increasing challenges related to conflict, inequality, and environmental degradation, the demand for skilled peacebuilders has never been greater. GPCorps 2024 is rising to this challenge by preparing the leaders of tomorrow to create a better future for all.

​The original post appears on Global Peace Foundation. Global Peace Foundation is an international non-sectarian, non-partisan, nonprofit organization, which promotes an innovative, values-based approach to peacebuilding, guided by the vision of One Family under God. GPF engages and organizes a global network of public and private-sector partners who develop community, national, and regional peacebuilding models as the foundation for ethical and cohesive societies. Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon is the founder and chairman of the Global Peace Foundation.