“We stand at a watershed moment. There is a confluence of issues and circumstances that are moving the world and this peninsula in the direction of peaceful unification. All of you here who are gathered here who are owners of the Korean Dream, we seek to allow the Korean people to build their ideal nation that can be the inspiration for the global community. We live at that moment.”
– Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon

August 15, 2025, marks the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation from colonial rule at the end of World War II. However, Korea is not free.

To the north, 25 million Koreans live without basic human rights under an oppressive regime that threatens regional and global security.

In the South, hyper-partisan divides have left the republic without a head of state while the economy plunges and the nation faces a negative population crisis of its own making as a super-aged society coupled with an average of less than one child born per household.

Yet, Dr. Hyun Jin Moon remains optimistic. For decades, he has called for the Korean people to own the Korean Dream, a vision for a unified Korea rooted in the ancient ethos of Hongik Ingan, what Dr. Moon calls their “providential destiny” to live for the benefit of all humanity.

Based on this vision, Dr. Moon has been instrumental in spearheading the largest civil society coalition for Korean reunification, Action for Korea United (AKU).

He believes now is the time for the Korean Dream to become a reality.

In the current climate of the peninsula, the call rings true.

In South Korea there is an urgency to put aside superficial political, regional, clan differences, to dream together, rise up as a people and nation based on their shared heritage and their spiritual calling to bring hope and new insights for this age in a way that will benefit all humanity.  They would fulfill their mandate to be, in the words of Indian Nobel Lauriat, Rabindranath Tagore, “lamp bearers” to the world.  The Korean Dream goes beyond the peninsula. It has global resonance as a dream to live as a free people who can bring peace and prosperity to the homeland, the region, and the world.

However, the Korean Dream requires the participation of every Korean; people who can own the vision and are willing to put their lives on the line to pursue this noble aspiration, to push back on the dark clouds of the current challenges to assert, “We will make a new and better way.”

Mansei demonstration on March 1, 1919 (Author: 한국사진사연구소 Source : 공유마당)

It is something the Korean ancestors attempted to do over a hundred years ago. In many painful but instructive ways, Korea has been prepared for this moment.

Hongik Ingan is engrained in their ethos, etched in the veins of their history, and preserved in their family traditions.

An adage repeated in the corner Taekwondo dojangs, the neighborhood classrooms, churches and households are phrases like “필승! (Pilsung!)” roughly translated as “We will absolutely bring victory”; “하면된다! (Hamyeun dwenda!) ”roughly translated as “Just do it! You can find a way”; and “불굴의 정신 (bulgul eh chongshin)” translated as “Indomitable Spirit.” The Koreans know how to dream and the people know how to fight for that dream. We saw it throughout their history, especially during the Korean Independence Movement.

In the aftermath of World War I, despite the overwhelming lack of support from the international community and severe oppression at the hands of their colonizers, Koreans found a way to launch the first, non-violent, people-powered mass movement for independence in the world.

The 33 signers of the Korean Declaration of independence were resigned to be the martyrs of the nation. Leading the charge on March 1, 1919, to assert their God-given right to independence:

 “Having back of us 5,000 years of history and 20,000,000 of a united loyal people, we take this step to ensure to our children, for all time to come, personal liberty in accord with the awakening consciousness of this new era. This is the clear leading of God, the moving principle of the present age, the whole human race’s just claim.”

The Declaration launched a nationwide chain of protests that would be remembered as the “Mansei Movement.” Around 2 million Koreans, ten percent of the estimated population of Korea — men, women, girls, boys, from all classes and religions — participated in the non-violent protests. Koreans from the diaspora, especially in the United States, also joined to support from abroad and played a major role in fueling and even funding the independence efforts. TheKoreans put their lives on the line to declare their right to self-determination.

It was a collective cry of the Korean people. They envisioned a new Korea, a model nation rooted in universal principles that married the best of the West and East, the Western style democracy rooted in self-governance of a moral people paired with the rich heritage of Korea built on the Hongik Ingan spirit and the Korean traditional extended family and community foundation. Sparked by the promise for self-determination for all nations presented in U.S. President Woodrow Wilson’s infamous Fourteen Points, echoing the promise forged in words centuries ago in similar circumstances in 1776, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights…” This promise found resonance in the spiritual heritage and tradition of the Korean people.

Their ethos of Hongik Ingan urged them to rise up to assert a truth whose time has come. Their Declaration didn’t seek reparation from their colonizers but reconciliation and cooperation for mutual prosperity. The Korean people were resolved to live out their destiny and create a noble nation that fulfilled the Korean people’s mandate from heaven to become a people who would benefit all humanity.

The March 1, 1919 Mansei Movement (Samil Movement) was in a way a march to freedom, not just for the Koreans, but for all the people of the world. 

The reprimand that followed was harsh and the fight for independence wore on for nearly three more decades. Many perished with the cry of “Mansei” and a whisper of hope for freedom.

Finally, in 1945, Korea was liberated from Japan. However, as they emerged liberated on the heels of WWII, they met an even larger global conflict that had started. The peninsula was engulfed into the Cold War and torn apart between the larger global powers, without being able to create a new nation of Korea. Instead two Koreas formed and in 1950, North Korea attacked South Korea and a civil war ensued.

Families were torn apart, left separated for decades. Many have died without reconnecting with their lost loved ones. The armistice has frozen the conflict along the 38^th parallel, an open wound left bare for the world to witness.

From the tears and ashes of the Korean War, the Korean people in the Republic of Korea created the Miracle on the Han.

The Korean people can even take devastation and suffering and make it a source of strength. They are positioned to intimately understand the struggle of colonization, independence, totalitarianism, and materialism. And their experience drives them to seek something better.

The Korean Dream casts a framework for a nation that builds on the jewel of the Korean civilization: The Korean extended family. The extended Korean family has a specific honor and responsibility granted with their position in the family from the grandfather on father’s side, to the sister of the child of the great-grandchild on the mother’s side. This has cultivated within the Korean people a profound understanding of the unique and precious value of every life.

Korean Dreamers are rising in the South, amongst the diaspora, and even from the North Koreans.

The slow trickle of Koreans escaping from North Korea are offered freedom of conscience, movement and thought and a chance to have hope, love, life and dignity to live a meaningful life. Their plight and their flight bring to light a self-evident truth: the true source of inalienable rights and freedoms, is God, the Creator, and His sovereignty supersedes all human institutions.

The human soul cannot be held back once it comes in touch with this truth and captures a glimpse of what is possible: true freedom unbound from any human or human institution and that the human spirit will fight to live free, to flourish under the sovereignty of God.

This is a deliverance moment of providential proportions.

The fate of the Korean people, rests in their hands, in their choices: the choice to walk free from division, despotism, or even the unfettered rush for profit at the expense of our humanity and to dream together and build a promise land where all can live free.

Dr. Moon is daring Koreans to dream again, to call “Mansei,” for the Korean Dream and to leave behind the vestiges of aCold War era already closed, to have a vision to pull the people of the South out of the hyper-partisan divide to work together towards a new nation for all its people, and to dream big, dream together of a land of freedom, prosperity, andfulfill the enduring promise to live together as one family and benefit all humanity.

Won’t you come along?

Environmental stewardship underscores the responsibility we all share in caring for the natural world and ensuring its long-term health. At the heart of this celebration was the collective commitment to conservation, with a focus on practical actions that will make a real difference in Kenya’s fight against environmental degradation.

Global Peace Foundation Kenya, alongside key partners, recently celebrated the 2nd Mazingira Day, a day dedicated to environmental awareness and action, at Starehe Girls Centre. This event was a powerful demonstration of environmental stewardship, as it aimed to address the critical challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution while promoting sustainable practices that can safeguard our planet’s future.

A Collaborative Commitment to Sustainability

Speakers highlighted the community’s commitment to supporting the national tree-growing strategy. By actively participating in efforts to plant trees and promote sustainability, the Starehe Girls Centre is instilling the values of environmental responsibility in its students, encouraging them to become future stewards of the environment.

A representative from KCB Bank also demonstrated a strong commitment to environmental stewardship, announcing its goal of planting 1,500 trees at its branches by 2027, with a broader vision to plant 1 million trees annually. This initiative not only contributes to the ongoing national tree-growing campaign but also sets a model for other corporations to integrate environmental stewardship into their business practices.

Empowering Communities to Protect the Environment

Representatives from Global Peace Foundation Kenya highlighted the collaborative efforts that have allowed them to establish over 15 tree nurseries across 11 counties, which have produced over 2 million trees to date. These nurseries, with the capacity to grow 100,000 trees each, are a testament to the power of grassroots efforts in achieving large-scale environmental goals. Through such initiatives, communities are not only being empowered to take ownership of their environment but are also contributing directly to Kenya’s ambitious goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.

Taking Action: Planting 150 Trees

The event concluded with a hands-on demonstration of environmental stewardship—planting 150 trees at Starehe Girls Centre. This symbolic act was a reminder that environmental conservation requires both advocacy and action. Each tree planted represents a commitment to the future, helping to restore ecosystems, reduce carbon emissions, and promote biodiversity.

Moving Forward: Fostering a Culture of Environmental Stewardship

As Kenya continues to face environmental challenges, collective action is essential. The 2nd Mazingira Day was a powerful reminder that environmental stewardship is not just the responsibility of one organization or sector—it requires a broad and inclusive approach. By working together—across communities, businesses, schools, and government—we can protect and restore our environment for future generations.

The efforts seen at Mazingira Day serve as an example of how environmental stewardship can be woven into the fabric of everyday life. From the leadership of organizations like KCB Bank and Starehe Girls Centre to the grassroots efforts of local communities, every action counts. With sustained commitment and collaboration, Kenya can meet its ambitious environmental goals, ensuring a greener, more sustainable 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.

“With young people, the most important thing is passion. You have to be passionate about the future you want to create. If you don’t have passion, you don’t have ownership. If you don’t have ownership, you’re not going to make that dream something that motivates and animates your life.”

Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon
Global Youth Summit Philippines

Youth leadership development plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of nations, particularly in countries like Tanzania, India, Mongolia, and Nigeria, where large youth populations face significant socio-economic challenges. These challenges, if not addressed, can lead to increased unemployment, social unrest, and poverty. However, with the right initiatives, young people can become a driving force for economic growth, peacebuilding, and social cohesion. The Global Peace Foundation (GPF) has recognized the importance of empowering youth through moral and innovative leadership training, entrepreneurial development, and social engagement. Their programs across these countries aim to nurture youth into proactive leaders committed to positive societal transformation.

The following is a summary of recent activities of the Global Peace Foundation and its values-based approach to peacebuilding.

Tanzania’s Youth Bulge: Opportunities and Challenges

Tanzania, as with many developing nations, faces a “youth bulge,” with nearly one-third of the population under the age of 35, according to the 2022 national census. This demographic represents both significant potential and daunting challenges. On one hand, young people can drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic dynamism. On the other, they place immense pressure on the country’s infrastructure, education systems, and healthcare services.

Key challenges faced by Tanzanian youth include income insecurity, where few graduates secure formal sector jobs, and poor education quality, particularly in rural areas. Many young people drop out of school due to factors like poverty, early marriages, and limited opportunities. Additionally, health issues, such as mental health problems, malaria, and reproductive health challenges, are rampant, with limited access to treatment.

Social problems such as gender-based violence, child marriages, and teenage pregnancies further exacerbate these challenges, leading to increased poverty, rising crime rates, and political apathy among the youth. One critical issue is the underrepresentation of youth in decision-making roles at both the national and local levels, which hinders effective policy development and perpetuates a cycle of disempowerment.

To address these issues, GPF Tanzania has initiated programs to empower youth with the tools they need for personal and professional growth. In 2024, GPF organized an event on International Youth Day in Mtwara, focusing on the role of youth in peacebuilding and digital technology for economic empowerment. The event, which attracted over 1,500 youth participants, underscored the importance of digital literacy and responsible technology use in fostering economic growth, particularly in areas like agriculture, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and artificial intelligence (AI).

While technology presents vast opportunities for economic development, it also carries risks like cyberbullying and misinformation, which can disrupt communities. GPF’s goal is to help Tanzanian youth harness the power of digital tools to advance peace and social change while promoting responsible use and critical thinking.

Peacebuilding and Leadership in India and Beyond: The Global Peace Foundation’s Approach

On a broader scale, GPF is deeply invested in peacebuilding and leadership development for youth, aiming to create a generation of leaders committed to unity, peace, and sustainable development. An example of this is the Peacebuilding Leadership Training workshop held in September 2024. The workshop brought together approximately 100 students from diverse fields, including nursing, business, and medical sciences, to explore the role of youth in peacebuilding.

The training focused on developing leadership skills rooted in empathy, active listening, and interfaith cooperation. The chairman of GPF India inspired participants by discussing the crucial role of youth in fostering peace and the concept of a “peace army” envisioned by Mahatma Gandhi. The workshop included meditation, interfaith dialogue, and community service, encouraging students to integrate these values into their professional and personal lives.

One key outcome of the workshop was the launch of Youth Peace Clubs, designed to keep participants engaged in ongoing peacebuilding activities. The event emphasized the need for young people to be proactive in addressing global challenges such as conflict, inequality, and climate change.

Youth Empowerment Through Entrepreneurship: NIYED Program in Nigeria

Entrepreneurship is another essential avenue for youth empowerment, particularly in addressing unemployment and underemployment—two critical challenges faced by young people in many countries. In Nigeria, where a large percentage of youth struggle to find meaningful employment, the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) has partnered with organizations like Besouro Social Development Agency to run the Nigerian Youths Entrepreneurship for Development (NIYED) program.

Launched in July 2024, the NIYED program is a three-month virtual training initiative aimed at young Nigerians aged 18-30 who have either started a business or have an idea for one. The program provides theoretical content and practical skills across ten training sessions, focusing on areas like business planning, branding, marketing, and the use of digital tools for business development. The program also emphasizes mentorship and community service, encouraging participants to integrate social responsibility into their entrepreneurial ventures.

More than 60 young Nigerians from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds participated in the first phase of the program, which culminated in the creation of actionable business plans. A key element of the program was the one-on-one mentorship, which helped participants navigate the challenges of starting and growing businesses.

Conclusion: A Vision for Global Peace and Prosperity

The youth in Tanzania, India, Mongolia, and Nigeria represent a vast and untapped reservoir of potential. With the right investments in education, technology, peacebuilding, and entrepreneurship, they can become powerful agents of change, driving not only economic growth but also social cohesion and global peace.

Initiatives like GPF’s programs in these countries are crucial in equipping young people with the skills, knowledge, and mindset needed to navigate the complexities of the modern world. By promoting leadership, entrepreneurship, and community service, these programs are laying the groundwork for a more peaceful, prosperous, and connected future, where young people from all backgrounds can work together for the common good and build One Family under God. GPF’s work shows that empowering youth isn’t just about teaching them how to succeed—it’s about inspiring them to lead with compassion, integrity, and a commitment to a better world.

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. Read more about GPF’s Youth Leadership Development efforts.

The Global Peace Leadership Conference Africa 2024 gathered delegates from across Africa and the world to discuss strategies for fostering peace, development, and cooperation. The conference promoted an African Renaissance that leverages the continent’s heritage and values, empowering African leadership, enhancing intracontinental partnerships, and encouraging ethical global citizenship. Dr. Hyun Jin P. Moon was a keynote speaker, highlighting the richness of Africa’s spiritual values and the importance of building a culture of peace around the model of an extended family.

Building a culture of service is imperative to establishing peaceful communities. People who value both the individual and communal impact of serving others become owners of solutions to challenges, not victims of their circumstances. They are empowered with the experience and character to create powerful change.

One of the most natural ways this mindset can come about is through the vision of One Family under God.

When we look at the people in our community and society as members of the same human family, we are naturally inclined to serve others. It motivates us to create long-lasting solutions to the challenges facing our brothers, sisters, parents, and children, whether by blood or through our shared humanity. This is the education and dialogue that Global Peace Foundation India is utilizing through the PeaceHub campaign. The initiative aims to advance communities towards the principles of peacebuilding and cultivate development for a culture of service.

In an era marked by global challenges and societal divisions, the imperative for fostering peace and understanding within communities has never been more crucial. Recognizing this need, Global Peace Foundation (GPF) India has taken proactive steps to initiate the PeaceHub Campaign across the nation.

The PeaceHub campaign aims to advance communities towards the principles of peacebuilding and cultivate development for a culture of service. The inaugural PeaceHub, the RC Youth Peace Club, comprising thirty passionate young individuals, is a testament to this commitment.

The sessions conducted at the GPF India headquarters provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of peacebuilding values, emphasizing themes such as unity, dialogue, and service. Through interactive discussions, supplemented by study workbooks and insightful videos, participants explored the real-life implications of these concepts, equipping them with the tools to become agents of positive change in their communities.

Building upon this success, the initiative extended its reach to Mount Abu Public School’s teaching community. Witnessing active engagement and enthusiasm from educators, the PeaceHub campaign facilitated a seamless transition of peacebuilding values from teachers to students within the classroom and at home.

A pivotal aspect of the PeaceHub campaign is its focus on practical application. In line with this ethos, the teachers at Mount Abu Public School will organize a happiness mela (Indian fair) for the students and parents to foster joy and harmony and amplify the impact of community service.

Meanwhile, the RC Youth Peace Club is actively engaged in its community service project to organize a donation drive in an underprivileged region of East Delhi. By leveraging social media platforms, the program is promoting peacebuilding initiatives through a series of reels, extending the reach and impact of its efforts.

GPF India envisions expanding the PeaceHub network to encompass diverse communities nationwide. By empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote peace and understanding, the campaign strives to catalyze a ripple effect of positive change, fostering a more harmonious and interconnected society.

Through concerted efforts and collective action, the PeaceHub campaign exemplifies the transformative power of community-driven peacebuilding, offering a beacon of hope for a brighter, more peaceful future in India and beyond.

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.

“The interfaith approach of GPF is built on the premise that there is a common vision that motivates and animates all of humanity. That vision is One Family under God.”

Dr. Hyun Jin Moon highlighted the unique peacebuilding approach of the Global Peace Foundation during his first visit to Abuja, Nigeria in 2013. Over the last decade, GPF Nigeria has taken significant strides in healing communities once divided between Christians and Muslims, tribal beliefs, and cultural traditions. Stakeholders across the country have joined Peace and Reconciliation Committees and, most recently, the establishment of Cooperative Societies.

Dr. Moon’s encouragement in 2013 forecasted the powerful transformation Nigeria had in store. “Africans have not been overwhelmed by their challenges. They have the spirit and hope to build a brighter future for themselves, their families, and their future generations. That is more precious than all the gold, oil, or diamonds that are on this continent. That is what will allow Africa to lift itself from its challenges and will bring a brighter future for the children and the children’s children.”

“I’m inspired by the enthusiasm and unity displayed today. Let’s harness the power of cooperation to create sustainable livelihoods and opportunities for all members of our community.”

A leader of the Ni’ima Cooperative Society, a partner of the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Nigeria, expressed enthusiasm for the joint efforts to bridge religious and cultural divides in Southern Kaduna, saying, “I’m inspired by the unity and enthusiasm displayed today. Let’s harness the power of cooperation to create sustainable livelihoods and opportunities for all members of our community.”

In a one-day event held in Fadan Chawai on March 2, 2024, more than 160 men, women, and youth gathered to hear keynote speeches from community and religious leaders advocating for cooperative societies and peaceful coexistence. The audience included families, local authorities, and people from various cultural backgrounds.

“As the Divisional Police Officer, I commend the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders in promoting peace and economic stability,” said one participant, “Let’s continue working together for a safer and prosperous community.”

A representative of GPF Nigeria stated, “On behalf of the Global Peace Foundation, I applaud the community’s commitment to unity and cooperation. Together, we can build a future of peace and prosperity for all as members of One Family Under God.”

A captain from the Nigerian Army was moved by the collaboration he saw at the forum, stating, “I commend the community’s dedication to peacebuilding. Let’s continue to support each other in fostering security and development.”

The Kauru Peace and Reconciliation Committee chairman also commended the community for coming together to build a more resilient community. The peace committee is one of several groups formed following years of peacebuilding workshops and facilitated dialogue by GPF Nigeria. Together with local partners, the peace committee strives to foster collaboration, enhance community empowerment, strengthen security, and increase economic resilience.

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.

The future can substantially change when we can inspire the youth and empower them with character, universal values, and moral and innovative leadership capacities. Global Peace Foundation’s new enterprise, Transforming Education in the Global South, incorporates holistic development and cultivation of character in educators and youth. The number of young people in the world is the most significant number it has ever been—over 1.2 billion, with almost 90% living in the global south. This presents a golden opportunity for families and educators to provide these young people with the principles, tools, and skills to develop the moral character crucial for their growth and development to lead the world toward peace.

Educating our youth is critical to their ability to establish a strong foundation of character to become moral and innovative leaders committed to a purposeful future of positively contributing to society. The Global Peace Foundation (GPF) recognizes the importance of this and, as such, has made transforming education one of its global core components. Transformative education expands the focus from conventional education and its rigid emphasis on academics, uniformity, and obedience to a more holistic model, underscoring the importance of character and creativity necessary to thrive in today’s rapidly changing technical world.

GPF’s new enterprise, Transforming Education in the Global South: Toward 2050 (TEGS:2050), embodies the principles of holistic development and cultivation of character first for educators and leaders as changemakers, followed by students. As noted in GPF’s TEGS: 2050 Launch Story, the number of young people in the world is the largest number it has ever been—over 1.2 billion, with almost 90% living in the global south and representing a significant portion of the population. This presents a rare opportunity for families and educators to provide these young people with the principles, tools, and skills to develop moral character and values crucial for their growth and development as future leaders under GPF’s vision of “One Family Under God.”

TEGS: 2050 utilizes a four-pronged strategy. In addition to holistically transforming educators, leaders, and students, the three additional focus areas are creating regional models in nations, creating great schools and universities, and building campaign awareness. The emphasis on developing regional models has seen the initiative grow from its initial inception in Region 3 of the Philippines in 2022 to its expansion to other areas, such as Kenya, Uganda, and India in the Global South in 2023. Further expansion is planned for 2024 and beyond.

Partnerships with schools, colleges, and universities have created an outline of core competencies for educators to champion change, embodying three areas: amazing culture, continuous innovation, and quality outreach extending beyond educational institutions to families, communities, and organizations.

For example, an Education Transformation Workshop (1 of 3 Series) for Senior Education Stakeholders was held at Makerere University Business School in Kampala, Uganda, on October 30 and 31, 2023. Dr. Tony Devine, GPF vice president of Education, was the workshop’s chief facilitator with a theme of Shaping a Purposeful Future Together through Transformative Education. The in-person event was attended by 81 people on October 30 and 95 people on October 31, with a supplemental audience of virtual attendees on both days and follow-up meetings and phone calls with several university and government officials shortly after the workshop concluded.

The workshop covered four topics delivered in three sessions: (1) Visualizing the Purpose and Future of Education—Towards 2050, (2) The Foundation of Character, and (3) The Holistic Development of Educators and Students and Moral and Innovative Leadership. Participants were enthusiastically engaged in each session. One attendee stated, “Technological changes are occurring today; hence, changes are inevitable, such as the use of smartphones. We should, therefore, find the best means of guiding our learners on responsible use of technology.” Another participant commented on the importance of building moral character: “Character is superior to knowledge. As a teacher, I should put more emphasis on character than content in my teaching to nurture more morally upright individuals.”

Building awareness of the TEGS:2050 campaign is ongoing. Efforts to align the initiative regionally and expand the vision across educational institutions were part of a targeted strategy during 2023. A key achievement was the Global Peace Leadership Conference in Region 3 of the Philippines, which began in December 2002, where over 300 education representatives gathered to learn about TEGS:2050 foundational concepts. The launch of TEGS:2050 was also highlighted at the Global Peace Convention in December 2023, where transformative education concepts were presented to an engaged audience of more than 300 educators and leaders.

The journey continues in 2024 as the strategy to actualize the transformative vision of TEGS:2050 grows stronger with activities such as the upcoming phases 4, 5, and 6 of Transformative Education workshops and Moral and Innovative Leadership training in the Philippines. Enhanced collaboratives will also be initiated with educators, policymakers, and leaders in the Philippines, Uganda, and Kenya to further align curriculum and national models with the TEGS: 2050 initiative.

The future of peaceful coexistence relies on today’s development of tomorrow’s moral and innovative leaders. In other words, today’s young people are our hope for a better tomorrow. However, they depend on an education that prepares them with the knowledge, tools, and skills to build the character and creativity necessary to positively assess, adapt, and act in ways that positively impact their families, communities, and society. TEGS:2050 provides a path to do just that.

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.

“Each [Global Peace Award] winner has demonstrated in their areas of expertise an uncommon passion for excellence and commitment to realizing a world of peace.”

Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon

The 2023 Global Peace Awards recipients were honored at an awards gala in Manila, the Philippines, on December 14. The Global Peace Awards underscore the importance of moral and innovative leadership, an ethic of public service, and a willingness to transcend boundaries of religion, ethnicity, culture, and nationality. The distinguished awardees are moral and innovative leaders who have dedicated their lives to peacebuilding and public service with a strong sense of integrity and a willingness to serve others under the vision expressed by the Global Peace Foundation (GPF): we are One Family Under God.

The following describes each of the nine award categories and honorees.

Legacy of Service and Peace–Honors distinguished persons whose lifelong achievements have created a legacy of service to others through their commitment to peacebuilding and taking responsibility to address difficult community and national challenges, inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps.

Dr. Manu Chandaria is the Chairman and CEO of Comcraft Group, a business conglomerate that oversees operations in over 40 countries worldwide. Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Chandaria practices a simplistic lifestyle and actively engages in service to humanity. He is well-known for his charitable work and global contributions to peacebuilding, including forming the Chandaria Foundation and funding healthcare, education, and environmental initiatives. Dr. Chandaria is also on the Board of GPF Kenya, where his guidance and support have been invaluable in creating character education initiatives, promoting entrepreneurial skills for youth, and establishing the Million Tree planting project.

Vinicio Cerezo is the former President of Guatemala and a visionary leader dedicated to peacebuilding who, since the inception of GPF, has worked to advance GPF’s goals in Latin America and beyond. As a GPF Global Leadership member, he has tirelessly dedicated himself to peacebuilding. President Cerezo is a founding member of the GPF-affiliated Latin American Presidential Mission—a collaborative effort involving more than 30 former Latin American presidents committed to regional integration, effective and transparent governance, and sustainable and equitable development. He founded the Esquipulas Foundation for Central America Integration in 2008 and was elected as the first-ever former president to serve as Secretary General of the Central American Integration System in 2017.

Interfaith and Spiritual Leadership—Honors a leader who recognizes the central importance of spiritual leadership as a moral compass and embraces interfaith collaboration to resolve conflicts, build peace, and create ethical societies based on universal principles and shared values that honor the value, dignity, and God-given rights of all humans.

Reverend Father Joseph Mutie is the National Chairman of the Interreligious Council of Kenya and the General Secretary of the Organization of African Institutional Churches—Kenya Chapter. Rev. Mutie has led the council in providing moral guidance to the nation using interfaith relations, shuttle diplomacy, and mediation. He champions peacebuilding through interfaith cooperation and unity, engaging and inspiring people from different religious, racial, and tribal backgrounds to partner to create a peaceful coexistence. Partnering with GPF Kenya, Rev. Mutie has supported interfaith outreach as a critical means to mitigate conflict in local and national elections and address important social issues. His belief in a ministry of presence and including spiritual values as a natural part of the peacebuilding process continues to set a positive example for future leaders.

Freedom of Conscience and Religion—Honors an outstanding leader who has championed the fundamental freedoms the Creator endowed to all human beings, especially the right of every person to follow their conscience and live according to their faith or beliefs.

Greg Scarlatoiu was born and raised in communist Romania, where he learned the fundamental importance of human rights and freedoms to peace and a developed society. While a university student in South Korea, he was exposed to the realities of the divided nation. Later, as a naturalized U.S. citizen, Mr. Scarlatoiu became the director of the Committee for Human Rights In North Korea in Washington, D.C., promoting human rights as the mainstay of North Korean policies. His organization uses extensive research to collect facts and reports on the plight of North Koreans. He teaches at Yonsei University, is a frequent guest speaker on various news channels worldwide, has testified before Congress on North Korea’s human rights issues, and is a strong GPF partner working towards achieving the goal of a free and unified Korea.

Strengthening Families—Honors an individual for their efforts in uplifting the family as the most important social institution and for effectively promoting committed marriages and a healthy environment for nurturing and building character in children.

Conchita “Ching” Chanyungco is a wife, mother, entrepreneur, and religious and civic activist. She relies on her experience raising a family and engaging in community service to chair and support numerous GPF and Global Peace Women initiatives to strengthen families and create flourishing communities. Mrs. Chanyungco currently serves as vice president of Global Peace Women in the Philippines and other key positions in women’s organizations such as Inner Wheel Club of the Philippines Foundation, Inc., The National Council of Women of the Philippines, and President of the YWCA FFPI Marikina Chapter. As a wife, mother, and grandmother, she is most proud of her family and their community service endeavors.

Outstanding Service—Honors an individual for exceptional efforts in promoting volunteerism and advancing a service culture, contributing substantial progress in youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, environmental sustainability, education, and other social impact areas.

Dr. Markandey Rai, chairman of GPF India, has dedicated his long and distinguished career to various capacities for the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT). Dr. Rai strongly advocates for GPF’s vision of One Family Under God and has spearheaded various peace forums worldwide, including the Global Peace Leadership Conferences and Civil 20 (C20) of the G20 in 2023. His leadership as the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the India Council for International Cooperation and as a member of GPF’s Global Peace Council has been vital to advancing global peace and the cause of the Indian diaspora. Dr. Rai has served on the boards of many academic, cultural, and social bodies. He has also served in other significant peacebuilding roles and is the founding chairman of the Indo-Pacific Peace Forum and president of the Global Peace and Development Service Alliance president.

Philanthropy and Corporate Citizenship—Recognizes leadership that has demonstrated significant commitment to peacebuilding initiatives through funding and partnership engagement that strives to improve and enhance the quality of life for all.

Steven Tan is the president of SM Supermalls, whose leadership extends well beyond the retail sector to promoting social change and global peace. His commitment to SM Cares and GPF’s peacebuilding initiatives and proposals is evident in his unwavering support for the Global Youth Summit (GYS), where he has been the driving force behind this transformative platform since 2017. Since Mr. Tan’s involvement, GYS’s success has grown exponentially—586,500 engaged youth, 950 schools reached, and a remarkable presence in 62 countries. His staunch commitment to GYS has empowered the next generation of leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue and service activities to enrich the lives of the global community. Mr. Tan’s legacy as an advocate for inclusion, women, and youth empowerment not only enriches lives but also sets a new standard for service and cooperation among public, private, and nonprofit enterprises.

Innovative Scholarship—Recognizes an individual whose research and issue advocacy at a policy institution or academia has advanced innovative solutions in building peace, social reconciliation, and human development.

Dr. Nicholas Eberstadt is Henry Wendt Chair in Political Economy at the American Enterprise Institute and Senior Advisor to the National Bureau of Asian Research. He is also a founding member of the U.S. Committee for Human Rights in North Korea and a member of the advisory council for the Korea Economic Institute. Dr. Eberstadt has authored several books on Korean affairs and holds multiple degrees from Harvard and the London School of Economics. His significant thought leadership and extensive political economy writings have provided valuable insight for addressing complex issues such as the divided Korean peninsula. His engagement with GPF and the Action for Korea United network of scholars and academics through the International Forum on One Korea has inspired much-needed international support and attention to the issue of Korean unification. His writings have underscored the plight of the North Korean people and the need for South Korea and its allies to remain vigilant in their effort to create a unified Korea.

Culture of Peace Award—Honors an individual whose significant work has helped to bridge social divisions, meet critical human needs, or promote a culture of peace through the arts, music, sports, and other creative endeavors.

Bum Hun Lee is an artist and ardent supporter of the Korean Dream Movement led by Dr. Hyun Jin Moon. His commitment to using art to achieve this dream is present throughout his artistic work and influential leadership. As President of the Korean Fine Arts Association, he curated a poignant 2018 exhibition featuring 80 masterpieces of Korean, Chinese, and North Korean artists, aligning with the PyeongChang Winter Olympics. This event emphasized global unity, transcending divisions on the Korean Peninsula. Further highlighting his visionary pursuit of unity, Chairman Lee’s dedicated effort continued in 2019 with the North-South Peace Art Exhibition at the Korea Art Festival and the North-South Art Exhibition at the National Assembly. In 2020, he became the 28th President of the Federation of Artistic and Cultural Organizations of Korea. Under his leadership, the Federation championed the Korean Dream 10 Million Campaign, rallying 1.3 million Korean artists to actively contribute to this transformative movement.

Moral and Innovative Leadership—Honors a person who exemplifies and promotes moral and innovative leadership through programs that build good character and cultivate creativity through experiential learning, public and private education, and civil society initiatives.

Dr. Margarita Consolacion C. Ballesteros is the Director of the External Partnerships Service (EPS) of the Philippines Department of Education (DepEd), where she supervises the department’s local and international partnership engagements. She is the senior director for partnerships with multinational and bilateral agencies, the private sector, local government units, national government agencies, and civil society organizations. Dr. Ballesteros has long advocated for youth empowerment, twenty-first-century skills, awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals, and civic consciousness as core competencies for today’s learners. This work has been closely tied with her many years of work with GPF in the areas of transformative education, moral and innovative leadership, and peacebuilding. Dr. Ballesteros has been a strong and proactive leader in GPF’s education-related activities, and her leadership and support have been critical for GPF Philippines’ work in raising the next generation of moral and innovative peacebuilders.

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.