“Peacebuilding requires more than just political solutions and ceasefires.
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.