“The vision of ‘One Family under God’ can inspire and motivate a spiritual movement of renewal here in Paraguay and throughout the Americas.”
Dr. Hyun Jin P. Moon
Paraguay, Global Peace Convention 2014

In November 2024, Paraguay hosted the National Forum “Towards an Inclusive Development of Indigenous Peoples,” an important gathering focused on fostering unity and cooperation across all sectors of society. Global Peace Foundation partnered with Global Peace Women (GPW) to organize the event, bringing together diverse voices from across the country to celebrate the shared mission of inclusion, respect, and unity for Paraguay’s indigenous communities.

The forum was a powerful example of how collaboration between government officials, indigenous leaders, international organizations, and civil society can help strengthen national unity. The gathering underscored the importance of working as one family under God to create a society where all people, regardless of their background, are valued and given opportunities to thrive. The Vice Minister of Social Development and President of GPW Paraguay shared that the forum raised awareness about the reality of the country’s Indigenous peoples, especially women, and was a call to Paraguayan society to work together towards achieving ‘Buen Vivir’ (Good Living) for all.

The event began with a culturally rich ceremony led by the Guaraní women’s group Zweitausendein, which highlighted the deep connection between indigenous peoples and the land they call home. As a member of the group shared, “Through our songs, we bring a blessing to life, to women, to the land that sustains us.” Their traditional songs and dances illustrated the harmony between human life and nature—a reminder that we are all connected as one family.

A Nobel Peace Prize laureate addressed the forum virtually and praised Paraguay for placing Indigenous issues at the forefront of national discourse. She emphasized that true change requires a fair and balanced relationship with justice, ensuring that Indigenous peoples are recognized and respected in all areas of society. Her message of unity echoed the theme of the forum, highlighting the need for collective action and shared responsibility in addressing Indigenous rights.

A major focus of the forum was the empowerment of Indigenous women, who are central to community life and development. Paraguay’s Ministry of Women shared its progress in reducing gender-based violence and promoting Indigenous women in leadership roles. The Minister of Women emphasized the importance of working closely with Indigenous communities to create tailored solutions that support women in their roles as pillars of their families and communities. She stated that together, they were training public servants to address violence against Indigenous women with an intercultural perspective, illustrating how respect for cultural diversity can foster stronger, more inclusive policies.

The Ministry of Education and Science highlighted efforts to improve educational opportunities for Indigenous children and combat high illiteracy rates. In parallel, the Ministry of Health is working to integrate Indigenous health practices into the national healthcare system, ensuring all citizens, no matter their heritage, have access to the care they need in a way that honors their cultural traditions.

A significant moment of the forum was the unveiling of the National Plan for Indigenous Peoples, a policy framework developed by Indigenous communities themselves. This plan reflects Paraguay’s commitment to ensuring that Indigenous peoples have equal access to resources, education, and healthcare, while also preserving the cultural richness of the nation’s 19 indigenous groups. The plan serves as a reminder that, as one family under God, all citizens deserve to live in dignity, with opportunities to grow and flourish.

The Global Peace Foundation and Global Peace Women continue to promote harmony, reconciliation, and inclusive development, with a special focus on empowering women in leadership and community roles. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, these organizations embody the vision of a peaceful, united world—one where all people, regardless of their background, work together in mutual respect to build a better future. As Paraguay moves forward on the path to ‘Buen Vivir,’ the forum served as a powerful reminder of the importance of collective action and sustained commitment to the idea of “One Family Under God,” united in our shared mission for peace and prosperity.

​​​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.

“From basic social connections, civic duty, business and enterprise, and governance – everything becomes an extension of the peace that begins in the home. Thus, the home is the first, most natural place to begin our work to realize this dream of peace and mutual prosperity.”

Dr. Junsook Moon
Global Peace Leadership Conference Africa 2024

In recent months, the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Nigeria, in partnership with Global Peace Women (GPW) Nigeria and local organizations, has spearheaded several significant initiatives aimed at fostering peace, empowering women, and enhancing community cohesion across Kaduna State. These events emphasize the crucial role of women as peacebuilders, leaders, and agents of change, particularly within the family unit. The workshops and programs have addressed themes of nonviolent communication, economic empowerment, and family-focused peace advocacy, with the overarching goal of nurturing peaceful, resilient communities.

1. Nonviolent Communication and Leadership Skills for Women and Youth

In September 2024, GPF Nigeria was a main partner in organizing a two-day capacity-building workshop for women and youth leaders in the Hayin Banki community. The workshop, themed “Nonviolent Communication and Leadership Skills,” sought to equip participants with essential tools for conflict resolution and responsible leadership. This initiative aligned with the core mantra of GPW Nigeria, “Peace Begins in the Home,” encouraging participants to adopt nonviolent communication as a strategy for resolving disputes and fostering peace within families and communities.

Speakers delivered inspiring talks on the pivotal role women play in peacebuilding, building strong family foundations, instilling integrity in children, and prioritizing self-care.

Participants applied the lessons on nonviolent communication during the workshop itself. One woman successfully de-escalated a potential altercation between local youth, using the techniques she had learned. This demonstrated the immediate applicability of the skills being taught and the transformative impact they had on individuals and their communities.

The event concluded with a renewed sense of purpose among women leaders in the community, who left committed to implementing the principles of peacebuilding within their homes and local environments.

2. Economic Empowerment for Women with Disabilities

In October 2024, GPF Nigeria and GPW Nigeria organized a groundbreaking event aimed at empowering women with disabilities in Kaduna State. Held at Arewa House, the economic empowerment program provided over 90 women with disabilities from diverse backgrounds the tools to become more financially independent. The initiative focused on financial literacy, small business resources, and combating societal stigmatization. The goal was to support these women in overcoming barriers to economic participation and create opportunities for self-reliance.

The country director of GPF Nigeria opened the event by emphasizing the importance of empowering women with disabilities, stating that such empowerment was essential for achieving independence and dignity. Speakers highlighted the theme of peacebuilding, urging the women to use their voices against violence and contribute to fostering peaceful communities.

The impact of the program was evident in the heartfelt testimonies of participants. Women expressed their gratitude for the tangible support they received, which they believed would improve their livelihoods. A visually impaired participant was especially thankful for both the financial aid and the business knowledge imparted, which would help her transition from begging to running a small business.

This initiative focused on immediate empowerment and called for long-term structural changes to support people with disabilities. GPF Nigeria representatives urged the government and civil society organizations to prioritize the needs of this marginalized group, combat dehumanization, and foster inclusive environments where everyone could thrive.

3. Empowering Families for Community Peace Advocacy

Another key event gathered over 120 women from various ethnic and religious backgrounds gathered at the Epitome Hotel Event Centre in Barnawa, Kaduna. This one-day event, organized by GPW Nigeria in collaboration with GPF Nigeria, was titled “Empowering Families for Community Peace Advocacy” and focused on strengthening families as the foundation for peaceful communities.

The program reinforced the idea that peace begins in the home, a theme central to GPW Nigeria’s mission. Distinguished speakers emphasized the importance of women’s leadership in peace advocacy, urging women to take up their roles as peacebuilders and active participants in creating harmonious homes that would, in turn, contribute to societal peace.

The event also included practical workshops where participants developed action plans to continue peace advocacy in their communities. These plans included activities like interfaith visitations, girl-child empowerment initiatives, and peace campaigns in places of worship. The women left the event motivated and committed to carrying the message of peace forward, confident in their ability to nurture peaceful environments both within their families and communities.

Conclusion: A Movement for Lasting Change

Through these initiatives, GPF Nigeria and GPW Nigeria have made significant strides in empowering women to be leaders in peacebuilding and societal development. The capacity-building workshops, economic empowerment programs, and family-focused peace advocacy events all highlight the importance of equipping women with the skills, resources, and support they need to shape more peaceful, inclusive, and resilient communities.

The collaborations between these organizations and local groups serve as powerful examples of how grassroots movements can foster meaningful, sustainable change. By investing in women and promoting nonviolent communication, economic empowerment, and family cohesion, GPF Nigeria and GPW Nigeria are not only addressing immediate challenges but also contributing to long-term peacebuilding efforts in Kaduna State and beyond.

These initiatives display a broader movement to promote peace, inclusivity, and resilience across Nigeria. As more women take on leadership roles and advocate for peaceful, empowered communities, the vision of a more peaceful and prosperous society becomes increasingly achievable.

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 work with Families and Women in Peacebuilding.

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.

Global Peace Foundation Nepal launched Project Saksham, which is rooted in the “One Family under God” vision. This transformative initiative uplifts the essential role of parents in nurturing peacebuilding values within their families. Healthy families are the building blocks of healthy societies. Recognizing this, GPF Nepal’s ongoing program provides tools and support to parents and youth in Kathmandu.

In January 2024, in the heart of Kathmandu, Nepal, under the visionary leadership of Bambie Panta, Global Peace Women (GPW) Nepal and Global Peace Foundation (GPF) spearheaded Project Saksham, a transformative initiative aimed at nurturing values, empowering families, and fostering a culture of service. Project Saksham is a leadership and life skills training program for women and youth based on the Global Peace Values Framework launched in March of 2022 by GPW Nepal in partnership with GPF Nepal. The program unfolded across multiple sessions held at Dhading Bal Batika International School and New Star Pole English Secondary School between January 26 and 31.

Rooted in the shared principles of the GPF and GPW, Project Saksham embodied the ethos of “One Family under God.” It championed respect for diversity, intrinsic values, and fundamental rights, emphasizing the importance of character development in students’ lives. Through engaging sessions, women and students were instilled with values that would serve as guiding beacons throughout their life journey.

Three essential elements were integral to the program: Interfaith Leadership, Strengthening Families and Building a Culture of Service. Interfaith Leadership promoted unity and understanding among students from diverse backgrounds while Strengthening Families and emphasizing the pivotal role of good character in enhancing familial bonds. Meanwhile, Building a Culture of Service inspired participants to become agents of positive change, transcending self-interest for the betterment of society.

With 113 students, 18 volunteers, 3 staff members, 21 women, and 108 parents actively involved, Project Saksham yielded profound outcomes. Students exhibited growth in character, volunteers embraced a culture of service, and parents recognized the importance of mental health in fostering peaceful family dynamics. Testimonies echoed the program’s transformative impact, with participants expressing newfound insights and commitments to positive change.

“Today, I learned about how we as parents can maintain our mental well-being as well as take care of our physical health. I learned about the importance of self-care and how it is directly connected to our children’s behavior and mental health,” reflected a parent who was a participant.

The strategic evaluation underscored the pivotal role of values-based education in promoting sustainable practices and attitudes. It advocated integrating such initiatives into educational curricula and community development programs to nurture a responsible and compassionate society.

Looking ahead, Project Saksham outlined a follow-through plan to sustain its momentum. Project Saksham’s legacy of empowerment and enlightenment illuminated pathways towards a brighter, more harmonious future for Nepal and beyond. Through parenting education initiatives, the project hopes to continue to educate parents on their vital role in holistic child development. Moreover, Project Saksham pledged to empower more women in the community and further its mission of values-based education, equipping young leaders with the moral compass to navigate an ever-changing 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.

Global Peace Foundation’s ongoing peacebuilding work in Nigeria is healing communities traumatized by religious persecution and tribal and cultural conflict. Peacebuilding workshops centered around the theme of “One Family under God” help participants explore shared values across traditions to drive positive social change and build more inclusive communities.

Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Nigeria collaborated with the Christian Rural and Urban Development Association (CRUDAN) to host peacebuilding workshops in November and December 2023.

One training on the freedom of religion aimed to address religious conflicts and promote harmonious communities. The event brought together diverse communities to envision violence-free societies. Tear Fund Peace Foundation’s dedicated staff played a pivotal role in facilitating the training. CRUDAN and GPF Nigeria facilitators also skillfully guided participants through small group discussions, emphasizing freedom of religious choice, respect for human dignity, and envisioning a society free of violence. The facilitators’ expertise contributed to the program’s success, fostering a space where participants felt empowered to share their perspectives and commit to positive change.

Through this collaborative initiative, participants gained insights into shared values and committed to applying their knowledge in their communities. The training proved instrumental in achieving its objectives, with participants now serving as advocates, calling themselves Freedom of Religion and Belief agents for community cohesion. Together, they are championing service-oriented initiatives in their localities. The collaborative effort underscored the significance of partnerships in driving positive social change and building resilient, inclusive communities.

GPF Nigeria and CRUDAN also collaborated on capacity-building workshops to equip participants with mediation and reconciliation skills. The training improved inter-community relations and organized a dialogue forum to reduce conflict escalation on November 16, 2023.

Women and youth leaders fostered discussion on pressing issues at the community dialogue forum. The participants, empowered with mediation and reconciliation skills, actively addressed conflict within their communities. The forum served as a platform for dialogue, enabling the exchange of perspectives and developing collective solutions. Importantly, they agreed on a way forward, showcasing the tangible application of the acquired skills in real-life community scenarios.

The collaborative effort between GPF Nigeria and CRUDAN equipped individuals with valuable conflict resolution tools. It facilitated a forum where diverse voices converged, fostering a collective commitment to building harmonious and resilient communities.

GPF Nigeria and CRUDAN organized a Trauma Healing Training in December 2023, designed to navigate the complex dynamics of trauma, providing participants with valuable tools to recognize, cope with, and overcome the aftermath of deeply distressing events.

Integral to the program’s success was its seamless integration of the values and principles espoused by the One Family Under God campaign. By incorporating themes of forgiveness, love, trustworthiness, and the celebration of diversity, the training addressed the immediate concerns related to trauma and laid a foundation for long-term healing and reconciliation within the communities involved. This intentional alignment with the campaign’s core values contributed to a transformative experience, fostering an environment where participants could find common ground and embrace a shared vision of unity.

“The training was thought-provoking and eye-opening,” said Aisha, “I feel liberated after the forgiveness session, knowing that I have forgiven anyone who wronged me knowingly or unknowingly.”

The participants’ active participation and positive testimonies testify to the program’s efficacy. The openness displayed during the sessions and the willingness to engage with challenging topics indicate a genuine commitment to personal and communal healing. The recommendations put forth by participants further highlight the potential for the initiative’s sustained success and long-term impact. As participants advocate for the program’s expansion, mainly to engage more women in the community, the ripple effects of this training are poised to extend far beyond its initial scope, creating a positive legacy of resilience, understanding, and unity within the participating communities.

The Trauma Healing Training stands as a beacon of hope, showcasing the profound impact that collaborative, values-driven initiatives can have on the well-being and cohesion of communities recovering from trauma.

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.

Global Peace Foundation Indonesia’s ongoing Peace!Project engages a religiously diverse group of youth to foster deep friendships and respect between members of different faith traditions. With guidance from faith leaders and open dialogue, young Indonesians learn about their shared values across their religions. Together, they are discovering the deeper meaning of One Family under God and their shared responsibility to bridge their diverse communities.

Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Indonesia’s “Peace!Project” is a signature program created to help young leaders develop a deeper understanding of their own and other religions and the values they all share to foster respect and friendship.

Youth from a wide range of religious backgrounds met at the Jakarta Cathedral Church in January 2024 for the latest Peace!Project program.

“One of our efforts with the Peace Project, when, for example, there are presidential and vice-presidential candidates who bring up the issue of religion in their campaign, we hope that friends who take part in the Peace Project can be wiser; become agents to convey to other people, that religion is not like that, so we can’t be pitted against each other,” said GPF Indonesia General Manager Shintya Rahmi Utami.

Shintya said that another critical way to encourage the younger generation to remain peaceful amidst differences in culture and religion is to use social media to build a positive movement for peace. “At GPF Indonesia, our team is improving how we work on social media,” she said. “So, we are trying to produce positive content and narratives so that young people are more aware of the election and are not easily provoked or pitted against each other.”

Putri, a participant, shared her experience, saying,

“I am very impressed with this year’s opening at the Cathedral Church. The diversity, inclusivity, and tolerance demonstrated are truly commendable. It marks a delightful moment as it signifies the beginning of positive collaboration. I feel happy and excited to come here, to the Cathedral Church, as a form of support for efforts to enhance tolerance. I also appreciate the involvement of friends with disabilities, a group often marginalized. They are not just engaged but also recognized as agents of change who can spread the values of tolerance.”

Ms. Susi, representing the Jakarta Cathedral Church, said the collaboration for the Peace!Project was a “concrete manifestation of how we can live harmoniously.” She stated, “We support each other, setting an example of how the younger generation can work towards clear goals. This is crucial as a shelter for them and also as a way to inspire unity.”

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 Global Peace Convention 2023 wrapped up in Manila, the Philippines, with a powerful call to action centered on public service, civic engagement, and fostering peace through shared values and identity as one human family. This year’s theme, “One Family under God: Vision for National Transformation and Civilization of Peace,” resonated through both in-person and virtual sessions, engaging thousands of participants from 94 nations.

🔹 Virtual Sessions: Kicked off on November 1, addressing crucial issues such as improving security, tackling root causes of conflict, upholding rights of faith and conscience, and enhancing community resilience. They also emphasized the importance of women and youth’s active roles in decision-making.

🔹 In-Person Events: Participants in the Philippines experienced the vibrant Global Peace Youth Festival, the insightful International Forum on One Korea, the impactful Educators’ Congress, the prestigious Global Peace Awards Gala, and the main feature – the Convention Plenary.

Join us as we reflect on these transformative discussions and celebrate the collective effort toward a harmonious global community.

Watch the highlights below:

The culminating events of the 2023 Global Peace Convention were held in Manila, Philippines from December 10-14, 2023. The Main Plenary was on December 13th, during which Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon delivered the keynote address.

In 2023, the bi-annual Global Peace Convention was held as a series of interactive events, forums, and programs under the theme, “One Family Under God: Vision for National Transformation and a Civilization of Peace.” Unlike previous Conventions, the program’s concurrent sessions were held in an hybrid online and in-person format, which allowed for wider global engagement over a six-week period spanning from November 1 to December 14.

Find a transcript of Dr. Moon’s speech below.

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.

Mabuhay!  Thank you for joining us here in Manila, Philippines for this very significant Global Peace Convention, our first with an in-person gathering since the COVID pandemic. How much the world has changed in the meantime!

I want to thank all our partners and stakeholders here and from around the globe who are adding their insights and expertise in the key issue areas that we are tackling together. And I especially want to express my great appreciation to our Filipino hosts, colleagues, long-time friends and volunteers for their spirit, sincerity and dedication to the cause of building One Family under God.

The theme for this Global Peace Convention – as well as for every one of our Conventions going forward – is “One Family under God: Vision for National Transformation and a Civilization of Peace.” I ask you all to pause for a moment and reflect upon the scope and significance of that theme. Some might think it far too ambitious, but the world is in crisis and calls for a great vision to chart a path forward.

The Cold War and Loss of Spiritual Roots

Ladies and gentlemen, we see confusion and conflict all around us today, in domestic and international politics, economics, religion, and the realm of ideas. Old certainties are being called into question everywhere, and the methods of the past are proving incapable of meeting the challenges of the present. The world of peace and harmony that we hoped would emerge in the last decade of the 20th century with the collapse of the Soviet Union has failed to appear.

The roots of this confusion lie in the over-simplified framework of the Cold War. It was framed as an ideological war between two competing political and economic systems – democracy and free markets on the one side and tyranny and communism on the other. The West proclaimed the end of the Cold War as the triumph of their systems over its rivals, often over-emphasizing their merits.

However, those victorious voices had forgotten the spiritual foundations upon which westerndemocracy stood. There is no inherent virtue in either democracy or capitalism, for they are systems. It is the aspirations, principles and values that one pours into them that instills theirunique quality. In the case of the West, it was its Judeo-Christian heritage that defined its unique character.

In the absence of an overarching and unifying moral vision, democracies and free markets simply become an arena where competing interest groups game the system and vie for an advantage at the expense of their rivals. The potential for “mob-rule” and the tyranny of the majority had always been a weakness of democracy going all the way back to the ancient Greeks and later the Roman civilization. There have been many examples in the modern era where democratically elected governments have gradually extended their power and became autocratic regimes, most notably the rise of the Nazi party during the Weimar Republic in Germany.

The American Founding and God’s Sovereignty

The American Founders understood that the success of any political system was intimately tied to the moral character of its citizens. John Adams, the second U.S. president, famously said,“Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” The 4th U.S. president, James Madison wrote that the Constitution requires “sufficient virtue among men for self-government,” otherwise, “nothing less than the chains of despotism can restrain them from destroying and devouring one another.”

Such views were the common understanding among that generation who were heavily influenced by Enlightenment philosophers. They find their clearest expression in the second paragraph of the United States Declaration of Independence, in which America’s Founding Fathers sought to assert their freedoms in the face of an obdurate British monarchy.

There they explained the foundation of their claim, declaring that all human beings are “endowed by the Creator with certain unalienable rights” among which are “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” These immortal words articulated a fundamental truth: that our essential rights and freedoms come from a transcendent Creator, and that no human institution or government can revoke or restrict them.

Without recognizing a transcendent source for these ideals, imperfect human beings and their institutions will inevitably curtail them, citing some greater collective purpose decreed by the almighty state. The American founders clearly understood such flaws in human nature; they countered human claims to ultimate authority with the “sovereignty of God.”

The United States thus became a new type of nation, founded upon an idea, rooted in the Judeo–Christian principles that permeated the culture. That founding idea was the political expression of a deeper understanding of the relationship between God and human beings – that we are created in the image of God, who is the Source of our value and unalienable rights.  The American aspiration to become One Nation under God, and thus be the “land of the free,” was directly linked to the understanding that freedom is the God-given right of all people.

God and the universal principles He created must be at the center of human existence. Recognizing and living by those principles creates true human value and dignity. That is the attainment of true freedom, and the meaning of living under the sovereignty of God. 

The Current State of Conflict and Confusion

Assertive statist regimes such as China and Russia clearly reject this framework and actively challenge it. Despite the end of the Cold War and dissolution of the Soviet Union, both governments uplift the power of the state above all else, with little regard for the rights of their own citizens or even of their neighbors.

Such systems cannot be sustained indefinitely. In the end they undermine their own authority by exercising it with total disregard for their citizens. Nevertheless, they remain a constant threat to peace and freedom, and their advances make it more important than ever for democracies to affirm the source of true freedoms and rights.

“One Nation under God” was meant to be a model on the national level of the world God desires—where people of all religions, nationalities, races, cultures and ethnicities could live together as one. In America today we are witnessing what happens when “under God” is taken out of daily life. Society loses its moral compass, as well as its sense of absolute values rooted intruth, righteousness and goodness. Losing its unifying center, it fragments and devolves into different identity groups fighting each other for power.

The same phenomenon is happening on the global level. Globalization promised to deliver a future of peace and prosperity, but it was focused purely on material values and needs. Understandably, it faced a serious backlash, because it failed to recognize the importance of the moral and spiritual dimension necessary for an ethical and cohesive global society.  As a direct result, religiously framed extremist and reactive nationalist movements have sprung up among groups who fear that globalism will erase their cultural traditions and local identities. That is why the world is fragmenting around us, lacking any overarching, harmonizing vision.

One Family under God: Forging a New Global Identity

Clearly, we need to forge a new global identity that can embrace and harmonize the positive elements of more localized identities. Such an identity must be rooted in the universal principles that all the great spiritual and ethical traditions share.

The world’s great cultural spheres stand upon the foundation of the major faith traditions such as Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism and Confucianism. The elements of truth which they express was a cohesive force that bonded local societies to have civilizational impact.  The time is ripe for a movement that can unite these traditions on universal principles and values and establishes a similar civilizational impact on a global scale; that builds on the American ideal of One Nation under God and expands it to build One Family under God on the world level.

We all share common DNA. Beyond our external differences, we are, essentially, all members of one human family who share the same origin, the Creator God. Our Convention theme is bold. It is visionary. It is challenging. It can be a powerful catalyst for what humanity needs today: A transformative movement aligned with universal principles that renews hearts and minds, inspiring vibrant new and lived experience of how we relate with each other – to our fellow human beings, to the varied cultures of the human family, to the natural world that sustains us, and, ultimately, to the One God who is the source of our being and in whose image we are made.

All of these aspirations are contained in our simple yet profound vision statement “One Family under God.”  The pursuit and achievement of these aspirations can lead to the transformation of nations, guided by transcendent principles and the values grounded in them, and the emergence of a civilization of peace. The vision of One Family under God shows us the pathway to true global unity in diversity and is the basis for future peace and prosperity.

Building Models for National Transformation

Realizing such an auspicious dream is no simple task; it takes concerted action by those who embrace the dream and make the cause their own. Already the work is underway, through the initiatives of Global Peace Foundation and our many partners, developing effective models to transform communities and nations. Those initiatives are engaging moral and innovative leaders and utilizing a multisector, values-based approach with remarkable impacts, demonstrating that the vision of One Family under God can indeed be the catalyst to transform nations.

Here in the Philippines, GPF has long worked with the Department of Education and other stakeholders to infuse character education, youth leadership development, and service learning into the educational experience of Filipino students. Philippines is becoming a global leader in transforming education. Just yesterday here at the Global Peace Convention, key educators announced the launch of Transforming Education 2050, a new global initiative promoting a practical plan for equipping the new generation to become moral and innovative citizens.

On the divided Korean peninsula, tremendous momentum is building for major breakthroughs for peaceful reunification, based on the Korean Dream framework as outlined in my book of that name. The Korean Dream movement that I am guiding is spearheaded by Action for Korea United (AKU), a coalition of civil society activists, organizations, NGOs and associations that represents millions of South Koreans. To date, we have more than a thousand partners united in the largest grassroots movement for unification in the history of South Korea.

Central to our work around the world is engaging youth and building character, and I have always stressed the importance of learning through experience. At our first Global Peace Convention in 2009 held here in Manila, I called for the creation of a Global Peace Corps. And I am very happy to announce that today we are launching that Global Peace Corps to be an important force in transforming nations and addressing global challenges.

The goal for Global Peace Corps is to tap into the idealism of youth and give it the tools to become the moral and innovative leaders who can promote social transformation through service, development, and peacebuilding projects.

As a first major initiative beginning in 2024, I am calling for Global Peace Corps volunteers to support the Korean Dream campaign for building a new Korea that is free, unified and a global model for peace. Imagine if young leaders from throughout Asia and around the world go to Korea and join with Korean youth in this great cause; amazing breakthroughs are possible, with enormous positive impacts for peace and prosperity for the region and entire world.

A unified Korea in which the vision of the Korean Dream is given practical expression will be a new nation of high ideals.  It will be a powerful witness to the fundamental principles expressed in the U.S. Declaration of Independence as well as being deeply rooted in its own historic cultural identity. In short, it will draw on the best lessons from the West while also looking to the ancient wisdom of Asia for new insights in the 21st century.

Conclusion

Today we stand at a crossroads that will impact the future in profound ways. The choices we make today about the principles and values that will direct our lives, societies and nations, will determine whether humanity takes the path toward peace and human flourishing, or to further conflict and chaos.

In particular, the true spiritual leaders among the great faith traditions should take up this charge as a divine commission. I challenge such leaders to come out of their separate religious boxes and work together to make the world of God’s original ideal a reality.

The work of the Global Peace Foundation, motivated by our compelling vision and rooted in universal principles and values, is more needed today than ever before. We have made important strides in our foundational work so far. Now I urge you to redouble your commitment to building a future where the ideals and principles we uphold are put into living practice. The time is short. The need is great. Let us take up our tools and get to work.

Thank you and may God bless you and your families.

Global Peace Foundation (GPF) has worked since 2009 to build models of peacebuilding around the world. This has connected people across race, nationality, religion, and social divides to recognize shared values and invest in a future together. This is what it means to really embody the vision of One Family under God.

A project by GPF India called the SMILE program demonstrates this peacebuilding model. By providing a platform for youth to break past traditional identities of religion and caste, the program helps them affirm their common humanity through education and engaging group activities.

Global Peace Foundation India’s SMILE initiative brings together parents, children, and mentors in the community to engage in activities that uplift the family and promotes community service. SMILE is designed to educate young people in setting examples of compassion, love, and kindness across different segments of society. 

In June, GPF India brought together twenty-three underprivileged children from the Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam Learning Center and provided them with an opportunity to visit the renowned National Science Centre in New Delhi. The field trip aimed to broaden their horizons and spark curiosity about science and technology.

The Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam Learning Center, located in Karawal Nagar, a low-income neighborhood, caters to children who face socio-economic challenges. Many of them come from families that struggle to make ends meet. The center strives to provide quality education and holistic development opportunities to empower young minds and brighten their future.

Accompanied by teachers and volunteers, the enthusiastic group embarked on a journey of exploration and discovery at the National Science Centre. The museum, known for its interactive exhibits and engaging displays, proved to be an ideal platform for these kids to delve into the fascinating world of science.

The students eagerly participated in various hands-on activities and interactive demonstrations, gaining valuable insights into scientific principles. From learning about space exploration and astronomy to discovering the wonders of physics and biology, the young visitors were captivated by the immersive learning experiences offered by the museum.

It was their first time stepping into a science museum of this magnitude. Their eyes sparkled with excitement as they explored the exhibits and experimented with the interactive displays. The field trip not only provided them with exposure to a world beyond their immediate surroundings but also instilled a sense of wonder and ignited their passion for learning.

GPF India was grateful to partner with the National Science Centre to provide such an immersive experience for the students. Such experiences play a vital role in shaping the educational journey of the underprivileged, exposing them to new possibilities and inspiring them to dream big.

This heartening initiative serves as a reminder of the power of education and community support in creating equal opportunities for all children, regardless of their socioeconomic backgrounds. By nurturing curiosity and expanding our horizons, we pave the way for a brighter future where every child can realize their full potential.

The SMILE Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam Learning Center hopes to continue collaborating with various institutions and organizations to provide enriching experiences for the students, empowering them to break the cycle of poverty and build a better tomorrow.

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 peace building models as the foundation for ethical and cohesive societies. Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon is founder and chairman of the Global Peace Foundation.

Global Peace Foundation Indonesia is striving to help diverse communities build understanding and peace, starting with youth from all walks of life. As part of this effort, the UGen seminars explore Indonesia’s founding principles (Pancasila) and national motto (Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, meaning “unity in diversity”) to facilitate a rich discussion on balancing faith, patriotism, and peaceful coexistence in communities across the nation. As an archipelago nation made up of thousands of islands, Indonesia is home to people from countless cultural backgrounds, religious beliefs, and traditions.

Students filled Muhammadiyah University Tangerang’s General Soedirman Hall on June 15, 2023, for a UGen Seminar and Focus Group exploring Indonesia’s founding principles as the foundation for fostering peace in the country.

The event was made possible through the collaboration of the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Indonesia, Citra Institute, and the Faculty of Law at the University of Muhammadiyah Tangerang. The forum’s theme, “Implementation of Pancasila as Darul Ahdi wa al-Syahadah,” brought a diverse group together to foster a deeper understanding of Pancasila’s role in promoting world peace and harmony. Pancasila, the official, foundational principles of Indonesia, is derived from Sanskrit “pañca” (five) and “śīla” (principles or precepts).

The dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Muhammadiyah Tangerang and Ms. Tokuda Yorching Poon, a representative of GPF Indonesia, opened the UGen Seminar with encouragement to those present to network and collaborate following the experience. Their sentiments were followed up with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between GPF Indonesia and the University of Muhammadiyah Tangerang, bolstering their commitment to furthering peacebuilding initiatives at the university.

The forum allowed students to delve into topics that balance faith, love of country, and the essential need to coexist and thrive with people of different religious beliefs.

The main event of the day featured two distinguished speakers who enriched the audience with their insights. Ingill Ra, the Regional Representative of GPF Asia Pacific, expounded on the practical implementation of Pancasila’s principles for supporting global peace. According to him, the Pancasila philosophy can even become a role model in other efforts to achieve peace, such as peace on the Korean Peninsula.

The second speaker was a professor who provided an in-depth explanation of Darul Ahdi wa al-Syahadah, which is a guide for Muslims to prevent violent extremism if there is an exchange of ideologies on a global or national scale. He provided valuable perspectives on incorporating these Islamic values and Pancasila into everyday life, which could therefore nurture harmonious relations. The seminar was followed by an engaging question and answer session where participants eagerly interacted with the speakers, fostering an atmosphere of collaborative learning and open dialogue.

After the speeches, the seminar provided extra time to delve deeper into the topic with focus groups for 30 selected students to exchange ideas and propose strategies to promote peace both locally and globally.

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.