“As faith has led in the discovery of the principles and values of the vision of One Family Under God, family is where we translate them into relationships. The family is sacred – the most basic human social unit where life begins and is nurtured, and where we form our primary relationships that define how we relate to ourselves and the world.”

Dr. Junsook Moon
Global Peace Convention, 2023

In the face of rapid urbanization, globalization, and the disintegration of traditional structures, families continue to play a fundamental role in nurturing moral and social growth. The African Renaissance Initiative, unveiled during the Global Peace Leadership Conference (GPLC) in Nairobi in June 2024, envisions a future where Africa’s rich cultural heritage serves as the foundation to drive a spiritual renewal that can serve as a model for the world.

The Family Track at the conference underscored the crucial role that families play in fostering ethical leadership, social cohesion, and peace. Faith leaders were recognized as essential partners in supporting parents in their critical roles in values education. Acknowledging this critical function, Global Peace Women (GPW) worked in collaboration with Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Kenya and other partners to launch The Parents’ Guide to Values Education in the Home Curriculum. This initiative aims to tackle the pressing moral and ethical challenges that children face while growing up in vulnerable environments.

Rooted in the values of Ubuntu, the curriculum highlights principles such as respect, compassion, responsibility, and integrity, which are core to African identity and values. It emphasizes the family as the foundational unit of society, where faith, culture, and tradition merge to shape character and build resilience. The guide provides practical tools for parents, caregivers, and faith leaders to initiate values-based education at home, including activities designed to support children’s moral, emotional, and social development.

This groundbreaking manual has been refined through two extensive review workshops held in Nairobi, Kenya, in November 2024 and January 2025. These workshops brought together faith leaders from Christian, Muslim, and Hindu communities, along with other curriculum developers, all of whom shared a commitment to value education as a tool to strengthen Kenyan families.

The curriculum draws on the strength of faith communities to address modern parenting challenges, such as absent parents, digital distractions, and the diminishing of cultural traditions. Encouraging the active involvement of both parents and extended family members seeks to restore the bonds that form the foundation of healthy, values-based societies.

More than just a manual, this guidebook represents a movement—a united effort to equip future generations with the moral and ethical foundations necessary for Africa’s transformation. By fostering collaboration and shared values, this initiative ensures that children will grow into individuals who embrace the principles of Ubuntu: collective responsibility, mutual care, and a belief in a common destiny.

Through this journey, the home becomes more than just a living space; it transforms into a learning environment where parents and caregivers are the first educators. The lessons of character and leadership imparted within these homes will shape Africa’s leaders of tomorrow. With this curriculum, Africa moves closer to realizing its renaissance—a continent where heritage and hope come together to build a prosperous and ethical future.

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 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.

“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.

“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.

“Peacebuilding requires more than just political solutions and ceasefires. It requires a fundamental shift in mindset, a recognition that we are all interconnected and share a common humanity.”

Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon

On September 21, 2024, the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) celebrated the International Day of Peace with impactful events around the globe, uniting diverse communities with the shared goal of fostering a culture of peace. This year’s theme, “Cultivating a Culture of Peace,” resonated deeply at various gatherings, emphasizing the importance of universal shared values as essential for human development and well-being.

GPF India: A Gathering in Ziro

The main celebration in India took place in the picturesque town of Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh, organized in collaboration with Indira Gandhi Technological and Medical Sciences University (IGTAMSU). The event commenced with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, followed by a peaceful prayer symbolizing the spirit of unity and hope. Cultural performances, including the Saraswati Vandana, reinforced the event’s message that peace is not merely a concept but a lived experience, akin to a prayer.

GPF Nigeria: Promoting Coexistence in Niger State

Meanwhile, in Nigeria, GPF commemorated the International Day of Peace with a one-day awareness campaign in the Agaie Local Government Area, Niger State. This event aimed to promote peaceful coexistence among diverse ethnic and religious communities, building on previous initiatives in the nearby Lapai area. Key community leaders spoke passionately about the critical role of peace in socio-economic development, highlighting the need for respect, tolerance, and cooperation.

The event featured local student performances and messages from law enforcement representatives, showcasing a collective commitment to fostering unity and harmony within the community.

GPF Japan: Peace Design Forums for Unity

In Japan, the Global Peace Foundation has been conducting regular Peace Design Forums, bringing together individuals from different nationalities and cultures living in the country. The most recent forum, held on September 21, 2024, celebrated the International Day of Peace with presentations on peacebuilding efforts from around the world. These forums serve as a vital platform for dialogue and collaboration, reinforcing the idea that peace transcends borders and is a collective responsibility.

Youth Engagement and Global Collaboration

In a vibrant display of youthful energy, GPF India also celebrated International Youth Day on August 12, 2024, under the theme “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.” This event brought together young changemakers and seasoned experts to explore how digital innovation can drive sustainability and peacebuilding.

Additionally, GPF Nepal and Global Peace Women (GPW) Nepal joined forces on September 18, 2024, to cultivate the mindsets of young people from Nepal and India through a workshop focused on the Korean Dream Campaign and the foundational idea that peace begins in the home.

In Brazil, the celebration included a youth sports competition as part of the GPF Shalom project. This project aims to instill values of peace and cooperation in young Brazilians and further expand the global network of peace initiatives.

A Collective Vision for Peace

The International Day of Peace 2024 served as a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to cultivate a culture of peace. Through the collaborative efforts of Global Peace Foundation and its partners worldwide, communities are coming together to build bridges of understanding, empathy, and respect. As we move forward, the vision articulated by leaders across these celebrations—of a harmonious world rooted in peace—remains a guiding principle for our collective journey as One Family under God.

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:

Lee Hyo-Jin of The Korea Times covered the Global Peace Leadership Conference Indo-Pacific 2023 held in New Delhi, India on April 11-13, 2023. Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon, the co-founder and chairman of the Global Peace Foundation, delivered the keynote speech on April 13 to the many prominent national and regional experts, politicians, as well as spiritual and civil society leaders that gathered in person and online.

You can read the original post here or read on below:

NEW DELHI, India ― India is a land of spiritual heritage, with its dynamic history and culture dating back to the beginning of human civilization. The South Asian nation now has a population of more than 1.3 billion, earning the title of the largest democratic country in the world.

On the global stage, India is raising its presence as a bridging nation between various power states. Holding presidencies of both the G20 and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) this year, much attention is paid to how the country will position itself as the leader of emerging and developing nations.

The rising geopolitical position of India served as a perfect background for the Global Peace Foundation (GPF), a Washington D.C.-based non-profit group, to host its 2023 Global Peace Leadership Conference in New Delhi, the capital of India. The forum was co-hosted with the Indian Council for International Cooperation, Manav Rachna University and Yuvsatta, a local civic group for the youth.

The event, which took place from April 11 to 13 at Le Meridien New Dehli, was held under the theme “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: Vision for Advancing Human Consciousness and Peace.” Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam is a Sanskrit phrase that means “the world is one family,” a mantra that provides a basis for global cooperation in resolving shared challenges and conflicts.

The three-day event brought together thousands of guests and delegates including spiritual gurus, scholars, civic activists, politicians and students from various countries including India, Indonesia, Korea, Japan, Mongolia, Kenya and Uganda.

Among some renowned guests were Markandey Rai, chairman of GPF India, Chidanand Saraswati, the president of the Parmath Niketan Ashram, a spiritual institution based in India, Marsudi Syuhud, vice general chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council and Daniel Juma, leader of GPF Kenya.

In his keynote speech, Hyunjin Preston Moon, the founder and chairman of GPF, highlighted the significance of hosting the conference in India, calling it “the cradle of ancient civilization in the heart of Asia.”

Hyun Jin Preston Moon, founder and chairman of the Global Peace Foundation (GPF), delivers a keynote speech during the 2023 Global Peace Leadership Conference held at Le Meridien New Dehli, India, April 13. Courtesy of GPF

“The world is in crisis,” he said. “There is an alarming cacophony of conflicting ideas about society and the human condition, from the nature of the state to individual identity and gender relations. The result has been widespread political and social instability, uncertainty, and moral confusion.”

He added, “In the realm of geopolitics, we are witnessing the rise of assertive statist powers that are prepared to impose their will on their neighbors, reminiscent of the actions taken by totalitarian regimes of the last century that led to two World Wars and the Cold War.”

Moon then highlighted the growing presence of India as a power state, saying, “This vast region will play a central role in determining the future direction of humanity and the prospects for peace and prosperity in the region. The tides of history are shifting from the Atlantic sphere to the Indo-Pacific.”

Rai, chairman of GPF India and senior advisor of U.N.-Habitat, said that Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the innate spiritual tradition in India, resonates with the peacebuilding movements carried out by the foundation. The chairman also stressed the importance of non-violent mass movements rooted in universal values.

“The global peace foundation’s mission ― one family under God ― is a very simple, yet powerful message that can unite the whole world and that is why I joined the movement from the beginning,” he told The Korea Times, saying that he is one of the founding members of the GPF since its establishment in 2009.

Rai also said India and Korea share a special relationship dating back to the 13th century, as told in the tale of the marriage of Princess Suriratna from India with King Suro of the Gaya Kingdom.

The conference, which was divided into four tracks ― youth empowerment, transforming education for the future, value-based peacebuilding and environmental conservation ― offered the participants an opportunity to share ideas on feasible solutions to pending global issues.

In the youth empowerment session, dozens of students from across India gathered for lectures given by Pramod Sharma, founder of Yuvsatta (youth for peace), a non-government organization based in India, Sharleen Tomobe, program development coordinator at GPF and Wouter Lincklaen Arriens, founder of Transformation First Asia, a consulting firm based in Singapore.

Shin Jin, a professor of political science and diplomacy at Chungnam National University in Korea, participated in the value-based peacebuilding track.

Meanwhile, in the environment conservation track, participants examined some of the best practices on environmental stewardship in India including preservation efforts for the River Ganges River and the Clean India Mission, a government-led initiative to raise public awareness on cleanliness and personal hygiene.