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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

“Religious people must work together within their communities to solve common social problems. The issue of the divided Korean peninsula should be viewed in this light. When you reach out and help those who suffer, they will meet God through you. This is how true missionary work can be done.”

-Bishop Sunday Ndukwo Onuoha

Bishop Sunday Ndukwo Onuoha has seen the power of interfaith cooperation first hand in his home country of Nigeria.

In 2009, an average of 300,000 people died from malaria. Studies concluded that the challenges were not for lack of knowledge or resources, but getting individuals and families to implement preventative measures into their daily life.

Nigeria Inter-Faith Action Association recognized that faith leaders played an important part in addressing the health epidemic. NIFFA calls it the “faith effect.” Faith leaders have the trust of their congregation, in turn, they can teach and enforce changes in mindset and behavior. Muslim and Christian leaders have worked together with NIFFA to take the message and practices of malaria prevention to their congregation. In Kaduna state, a year later, bed net usage has increased by 60%. Nigeria continues its battle against Malaria, but the casualties are falling.

Civic and religious leaders collaborate for grassroots efforts for reunification on the Korean peninsula

In a recent visit to Korea, Bishop Sunday called on faith leaders to work together to bring the “faith effect” into action to address the crisis on the Korean peninsula.

Bishop Sunday has also been active in promoting the Global Peace Foundation’s One Family Under God campaign that has brought communities in conflict in Nigeria together to build peace based on shared values and an affirmation that they are connected as children of God.

He cited other historical examples where faith leaders working together in pursuit of a common vision to ignite popular movements that transcended racial, cultural and religious bounds, to bring about significant social transformation, including Korea’s March First Independence Movement of 1919. Key to the public protests were faith groups that had laid the groundwork for years in their congregations, casting the vision of an independent Korea, articulating the principles and values of this new nation, and igniting a fire to lead to action.

Gandhi (center) with other peaceful protestors in the Salt March

Bishop Sunday brought forward other historical examples of social movements around the world such as Mahatma Gandhi, who reached out to people beyond the Hindu faith to advocate for India’s independence from colonial rule. He also noted that Nelson Mandela was able to embrace all people, no matter the color of their skin while endeavoring to end apartheid in South Africa. He also mentioned the example of the civil rights movement in the United States, which under the leadership of Martin Luther King Jr., was able to attract the support of people from all different religious, racial and political backgrounds.

Though the March First Movement did not lead to a free, independent and united Korea, the independence leaders who came from different faiths including Christianity, Buddhism, and Cheondoism, were able to unify millions of Koreans to peacefully protest colonial rule. Nearly 100 years later, Action for Korea United is drawing on the spirit of the March First Movement to drive towards the reunification of the two Koreas. Bishop Onuoha resolutely stated his belief that through people coming together, “reunification of the Korean Peninsula will happen.”

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.

The following story shows the real impact of the Global Peace Foundation’s values-based approach to community-driven peacebuilding. The One Family Under God campaign brings together community and religious leaders, including women and youth, based on shared values to foster trust and stand in solidarity for tolerance and moral and innovative models of development.

Grace has lived in Nigeria’s Dutsen-Wai most of her life. She has watched her village in Northern Kaduna grow more and more fragmented as it has suffered from wave after wave of violence, rumor-mongering, and suspicion towards “others.”

The rise of radical religious groups such as Boko Haram and Ansaru had deepened mistrust and hate between existing tribal and religious communities. These growing political and religious tensions have caused common disputes over land, politics, and family to break out in violence.

Still, Grace remembers a time when the violence wasn’t so prevalent. “In those days, schools used to be combined for children from both faiths.” But the persisting crisis has led many families to stop sending their children to religiously mixed schools. “It led to the establishment of separate schools for pupils of different faiths.”

With less and less opportunities to engage with children of other faiths, distrust of other groups was spread into the next generation.

In was into this environment that the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) team entered Dusten Wai. They began working with local elders and leaders to implement community-driven peacebuilding programs. The local leaders quickly embraced the message of “One Family under God,” acknowledging their shared values and common humanity. In their places of worship, communities, and day to day interactions, the faith and community leaders modeled the message.

The process has brought renewed hope and commitment to rebuild trust beyond religious and tribal differences and has begun to yield tangible changes.

Today, some Christian and Muslim children have begun attending school together. For Grace, this change is immensely hopeful. “If we can revive the culture of combined schools, we can also restore our peaceful coexistence,” she said.

Margret, another resident of Dutsen Wai, described a parallel process of community engagement beyond religious and tribal lines. “As a result of GPF’s intervention, Fulani children during holidays visit me at home while I also send my children to them as well,” she said proudly.

Following the GPF intervention, the youth of different faiths have joined together to form an interfaith youth football club for the village.

Even beyond lines of religion, the intervention has encouraged people to reach others from different tribes to create new bonds of trust and gradually move towards cooperation.

Suleiman Aliyu, Chief Imam, Sutsen-Wai Juma’At Mosque said, “If I am asked to assess the campaign, I can say we have really achieved peace now.” Neighboring villages have reached out GPF to ask that the program is implemented in their communities, and the success has multiplied. Today, a pilot of the program is being implemented in Uganda.

The peacebuilding approach introduced by GPF begins with establishing a consensus over a shared vision for the community among local leaders. The vision of a shared future then translates into shifts in attitudes towards members of different races, tribes, and religious affiliations, and is expressed in new behaviors and collective initiatives like shared schools and home visits among neighbors who previously did not speak with one another.

The GPF Nigeria team shared lessons learned and best practices at the Global Peace Leadership Conference in Uganda on August 1-3, 2018.

The event was hosted by Honorary Chair H.E. General Yoweri K. Museveni, President of Uganda, and co-convened by the Government of Uganda, the Global Peace Foundation, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, Inter-religious Council of Uganda, and the Private Sector Foundation Uganda.

Come join the conversation – share your own stories, insights, ask questions, build new collaborations; be a part of building peace and advancing development across Africa and the 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 founder and chairman of the Global Peace Foundation.

In its earliest stages, the One Family Under God Campaign in Nigeria started out as somewhat of a puzzle. The campaign initially started out of an initiative following the 2013 Global Peace Leadership Conference (GPLC) in Abuja.

“We had the pieces, that was for sure, we just needed to figure out how they fit together,” reflected John Oko, the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Nigeria Country Director. Though Nigeria faced many challenges, it had certain very powerful resources, found most especially in the deeply rooted faith of its people, already noted for being one of the most religious peoples in the world. It was in the challenge of unlocking this potential into a force for positive social transformation that GPF’s partnerships became essential. For this and many other such reasons, the Global Peace Leadership Conference played an important role in providing a values-based platform, bringing together a wide, multi-sector network of people and organizations to work for the cause of peace and development.

Drawing both lessons and inspiration from the Nigerian Interfaith Action Association (NIFAA), one of the largest Christian-Muslim collaborations in history, GPF began to work with faith and traditional rulers of local communities. NIFAA is a local grassroots collaboration to utilize the basic social infrastructures of the various faith communities to curb and prevent malaria in rural communities. To do this successfully, NIFAA collaborated with both Muslim and Christian faith leaders and traditional rulers to educate their constituents on practical ways to prevent malaria.

Bishop Dr. Sunday N. Onuoha (left) and Rev. John Hayab (right) attending the Global Peace Leadership Conference 2018 in Uganda to share best practices of Nigerian peacebuilding efforts.

Put simply, faith and traditional rulers play an inimitable role in Nigeria as well as many other societies. Oko notes, “Faith and traditional rulers are in it for the long haul; they have the authority and role in the community that simply isn’t to be found elsewhere.” Every faith community relies and depends on its faith leaders to play the role of trusted spiritual advisor. Even while we rarely associate mundane, everyday actions and behaviors with that of faith leaders, faith leaders play a practical role in the way one’s faith is lived out in the community.

To this point, when medical or healthcare workers began to try to persuade local people to use insecticide-treated nets to prevent the spread of malaria, they were met with skepticism and suspicion, despite their expertise and experience in health and medical fields. In contrast, when NIFAA began to engage faith and traditional rulers to spread this same message, people were then quick to take up both the message and the use of the nets. The reason for this kind of success is simple: local people trust their faith and traditional leaders, even in matters regarding health.

It was this understanding and GPF’s vision and values-based platform that allowed GPF to develop an effective strategy to work towards greater peace and social cohesion in Nigeria. In the process of engaging with many different kinds of people with different needs and perspectives, the GPF team continued to garner lessons to improve their focus and delivery of the message. With additional exchanges between Co-Operation Ireland in Northern Ireland, GPF Nigeria was able to learn from others and share their own insights in what is referred to as “peace sharing” – sharing and spread the lessons of peace, which led to important breakthroughs. The initial interfaith peacebuilding retreats developed into peacebuilding and capacity building programs and began to include youth and women leaders. Today, the campaign continues to develop and adapt to the changing needs of the communities.

Bishop Dr. Sunday N. Onuoha, Executive Director of NIFAA, delivers message from former president of Nigeria Olusegun Obasanjo.

Most recently, GPF’s grassroots community peacebuilding efforts led to the recognition that its approach could address the violent conflict between the migrant Fulanese herdsman and local natives in Southern Kaduna. While violence and hot conflict continues in and across Nigeria, peace has continued to hold among the communities that GPF has engaged in its peacebuilding efforts. A shared vision between all members of the community and the cooperation of both Muslim and Christian faith leaders have been critical to bringing peace to these communities in conflict. Undoubtedly, they will also play a critical role in moving from community peace to community empowerment.

Executive Director of NIFAA, Bishop Dr. Sunday N. Onuoha, acted as a special advisor to GPF in its earliest efforts and continues to bring much needed attention to critical issues between faith and tribal communities and how they might be resolved. He noted, “In Nigeria, there are equal numbers of Christians and Muslims. We can utilize this to be a positive asset for the country by enjoining them to work for the good of all people. The One Family Under God Campaign in Nigeria has brought much hope in response to the pain and suffering experienced most recently by those in Southern Kaduna. Our prayer is that they are able to continue their good work well on into the future.”

In the most recent Global Peace Leadership Conference in Uganda, key leaders of the GPF Nigeria One Family Under God Campaign continued to share the lessons learned and best practices they’ve developed in the course of working to build peace and social cohesion in Nigeria. These included discussions of both private and public sector partnerships, discussions on community-driven development, key learnings from dealing with issues related to security, conflict, mediation, media and more.

And so, the process of peace sharing continues on around the world.