“The impact of the principled reunification of the Korean people, artificially divided for way too long, will be enormously significant. Not only will it benefit the peninsula and the East Asia region through greater peace, stability, and prosperity. It will be a light to the world, showing how even the most extreme division and conflict can be overcome.” -Dr. Hyun Jin P. Moon (2021 Global Peace Convention, Keynote Address)

The dream of a unified Korea is a moral and human calling shared by people across the world. From the halls of Japan’s National Diet to youth forums in Tanzania and Indonesia, a growing international chorus is calling for peace and reunification on the Korean Peninsula. This global wave is not driven by governments but by students, activists, and citizens who believe that the division of Korea is not just a regional issue, but a human one.

Korea’s division after World War II left deep scars that still affect millions of families. But the movement to reunite the peninsula is now powered by a vision that transcends geopolitics—the belief that all people deserve peace, freedom, and dignity.

At the heart of global efforts for reunification lies the Korean Dream—a vision that draws on Korea’s ancient spiritual heritage to inspire a peaceful, values-based unification. This dream envisions a Korea rooted in its founding ideal of “Hongik Ingan”—to live for the benefit of all humanity—and positions reunification not as a political outcome, but as a moral awakening with global relevance. Supporting Korean reunification, then, becomes a step toward a more principled, peaceful world.

Around the globe, young people and civil society are making this dream their own, breathing new life into the call for peaceful reunification.

In Tanzania, the Korean Dream inspired a surge of grassroots engagement. Students, faith leaders, and youth organizations united under the One Korea Global Campaign, collecting thousands of signatures and sharing messages of solidarity. Through virtual conversations with Korean students and signature drives, Tanzanians reaffirmed a simple truth: peace in Korea is peace for the world.

As one Tanzanian student leader said, “We believe the reunification of Korea will be a symbol of hope for divided peoples everywhere.” Their efforts exemplify how shared values—not shared borders—are what truly connect us.

Meanwhile, in Tokyo, over 200 youth leaders from 25 countries gathered for the Japan Young Leaders Assembly, advocating for peace and reunification. The forum featured North Korean defectors, international scholars, and activists who encouraged youth to become “peace creators” in their own communities.

What stood out was the power of story—young leaders using digital media, art, and public speaking to share the message of reunification. Their participation showed that global youth are not bystanders but stakeholders in shaping a more peaceful East Asia.

One speaker noted, “This isn’t just about Korea—it’s about how the world handles division, conflict, and reconciliation.”

In Indonesia, 600 youth came together to reflect on Korea’s March 1st Movement—an early 20th-century struggle for independence that resonates with Indonesia’s own anti-colonial history. The virtual gathering wove together narratives of national identity, peace, and interfaith cooperation.

Indonesian speakers highlighted how principles like Pancasila—the country’s philosophical foundation—align with the Korean Dream’s emphasis on unity and human dignity. This cross-cultural connection deepens global empathy and commitment to Korea’s peaceful future.

Reunification is not just a Korean dream—it’s a global hope. From Africa to Asia and beyond, young people are answering the call for peace with clarity and conviction. Their message is clear: unity is possible when we act with courage, compassion, and shared purpose.

Original posts appear 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is a deliverance moment of providential proportions.

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

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

Won’t you come along?

“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.

“When we practice a lifestyle of service, truly living for others, we exemplify the highest ideals of human character.”

Dr. Hyun Jin P. Moon (Global Peace Convention, Philippines, 2009)

The holiday season is often seen as a time for reflection, gratitude, and giving. It’s a time when communities come together, whether through family gatherings, charity events, or volunteer work. Yet, it’s also a moment to reflect on something deeper: the role that service plays in building peace around the world.

One inspiring example of this principle in action during this last holiday season comes from Candelaria, Quezon, where the Global Peace Foundation Philippines (GPF Philippines) and local partners launched an impactful initiative that not only lit up homes but also brightened the futures of many residents.

Light as a Symbol of Hope and Innovation

In a heartwarming display of community service, GPF Philippines handed over 100 solar lanterns and 10 solar street lights to the residents of Candelaria as part of the All-Lights Village initiative. This project, which serves as both a Christmas gift and a year-round solution to rural electrification, underscores the significance of moral leadership and innovative thinking in addressing some of the world’s most persistent challenges.

The project’s impact extends beyond its practical benefits. Solar-powered lanterns and streetlights don’t just provide light; they offer hope and security, transforming the way communities live and thrive. This act of service represents the powerful intersection of sustainability, renewable energy, and social impact—all essential elements of a brighter, more equitable future.

Developing Moral Leadership Through Service

At the heart of every service project lies the opportunity for moral leadership. Leaders in the project understand that true leadership goes beyond authority or decision-making—it is about creating positive change and inspiring others to act with compassion and responsibility. The executive director of GPF Philippines talked about the symbolic role of light—representing hope, unity, and progress—and highlighted how service can lead to transformative leadership.

Such leadership is about much more than solving immediate problems. It’s about cultivating values like integrity, compassion, and selflessness. By actively engaging in service, leaders demonstrate their commitment to improving the well-being of others, which in turn fosters a culture of empathy and collaboration. Whether it’s through giving resources, time, or expertise, leaders who embrace service as a core tenet of their mission create ripple effects of positive change.

Innovative Solutions to Real-World Problems

The All-Lights Village initiative doesn’t just address an immediate need for light; it embodies an innovative approach to tackling long-term issues. In rural areas like Candelaria, access to reliable electricity is often limited. Solar-powered lanterns and streetlights are a sustainable solution that enhances safety and mobility and reduces dependency on conventional energy sources.

This is where the power of innovation intersects with moral leadership. By harnessing renewable energy to provide light, this initiative is helping to break the cycle of poverty while also addressing environmental concerns. It showcases how out-of-the-box thinking—in this case, solar technology—can offer practical, scalable solutions to global challenges like rural electrification and climate change.

The program’s success is due, in large part, to the collaborative efforts of multiple partners. A leader of a local organization eloquently captured the essence of this partnership by highlighting how collective action can result in lasting change. “True progress begins when we come together, with compassion and commitment, to light the way for others,” she said. This statement exemplifies the power of community-based solutions, where each partner brings unique strengths to the table for the greater good.

The Role of Service in Building Stronger Communities

The All-Lights Village initiative is a reminder that sustainable development requires more than just financial investment or technology. It requires a commitment to the well-being of others and an acknowledgment that progress is not just about improving infrastructure—it’s about improving lives. As GPF Philippines continues to lead such initiatives, they reaffirm their commitment to fostering self-reliant and resilient communities, guided by the principle of “living for the greater good.”

This concept of service-driven leadership is crucial in the 21st century, where challenges like environmental sustainability, poverty, and inequality continue to test our collective ability to innovate and collaborate. It is through service—whether it’s bringing light to a rural community, helping those in need, or offering new solutions to persistent problems—that we unlock the true potential of leadership and innovation.

Conclusion: Leading by Example

The Global Peace Foundation’s initiative in Candelaria exemplifies the profound impact of service in moral leadership and innovative solutions. It serves as a powerful reminder that true leadership doesn’t reside only in boardrooms or decision-making offices. Sometimes, it’s in the simple, everyday acts of service that leaders show the world what it means to care, innovate, and build a brighter future for all.

As we face the world’s most pressing challenges, let us take inspiration from these acts of giving. Let us embrace service as a core value in leadership, always seeking new and better ways to solve problems and uplift communities. When we lead with compassion and a commitment to the greater good, we not only solve problems—we ignite the light of hope that can guide others toward a brighter, more sustainable 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.

“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.

The Korea Times published an article about the Korean Dream Unification Action March, which drew roughly 30,000 people near the Demilitarization Zone (DMZ), the border between North and South Korea.

You can read the original article on The Korea Times website here or read it in full below: Citizens rally near DMZ in support of Korean unification

Korean Dream Unification Action March draws 30,000 participants

By Lee Hyo-jin

Around 30,000 people, including North Korean defectors and international experts on Korean Peninsula affairs, participated in the Korean Dream Unification Action March near the Demilitarization Zone (DMZ) separating the two Koreas on Saturday.

The event, aiming to create a new nation that contributes not only to unification but also to global peace, was organized by the civic group Korean Dream 10 Million Campaign’s citizen organizing committee, which includes the Committee for 10 Million Separated Families and People Practicing Unification. It was sponsored by the Ministry of Unification, the Paju city government and the Global Peace Foundation (GPF).

According to the organizers, the marching event aimed to highlight the vision of Korean unification as a grassroots movement rather than a political ideology.

As participants marched down the 2-kilometer route around Imjingak Peace Nuri Park, they chanted slogans such as “Unification through the power of citizens” and “Realizing free unification and world peace.”

Notable participants included Hyun Jin Preston Moon, founder and chairman of the GPF, Edwin Feulner, chairman of the Asian Studies Center of the Heritage Foundation and Rep. Park Choong-kwon of the ruling People Power Party.

Edwin Feulner, chairman of the Asian Studies Center of the Heritage Foundation, gives a congratulatory speech during the Korean Dream Unification Action March in Imjingak, Paju, Gyeonggi Province, Saturday. Courtesy of Global Peace Foundation

In his congratulatory remarks, Feulner said, “The construction of a free, unified Korean Peninsula based on liberal democracy is an inalienable right granted by our Creator as part of the pursuit of happiness. Let us all move forward together for the unification of the Korean Peninsula.”

The American scholar also expressed his support for the citizen-led unification movement under the vision of the Korean Dream, which unites a diverse global community including North Korean defectors, overseas Koreans and foreigners.

In his keynote speech, GPF Chairman Moon said, “Just as my father visited North Korea, I am also ready to visit North Korea. Let’s cherish this opportunity and rise together to become the masters who reclaim the destiny of our Korean people and restore our national identity.”

Moon is the third son of the late Rev. Moon Sun-myung (1920-2012), the founder of the Holy Spirit Association for the Unification of World Christianity, also known as the Unification Church. The older Moon visited North Korea in 1991.

The chairman further suggested that the unification ministry should be restructured as a non-partisan organization involving representatives from all sectors of society, rather than being merely a government ministry.

Rep. Park, a lawmaker who defected from North Korea, emphasized the significance of the march in light of Pyongyang’s rising belligerence.

“The current international situation surrounding the Korean Peninsula is more urgent than ever, and the reckless provocations of North Korea and the oppressive tyranny of the Kim Jong-un regime are reaching their limit,” he said.

“At such a critical time, the hosting of the Unification Action March, where all citizens have gathered to wish for the peaceful unification of a free, unified Korean Peninsula, holds significant meaning.”

During the event, seven citizens representing different countries, including South Korea, the United States, Japan and India, read the Global Citizen Declaration for Unification in various languages, symbolizing the participation of global citizens in the Korean Dream Unification Movement.

“Korean unification is not solely the responsibility of governments and societies. Historically, monumental events have always been achieved through bottom-up changes driven by the voluntary interest and participation of the citizens themselves,” said Shreya Sahey, an Indian national.

Japanese national Keiko Kobayashi said, “A unified Korea under the Korean Dream will resolve the various challenges we face today and build a truly global community. This will mark a great turning point, opening up a new world of international peace and prosperity unlike anything we have experienced before.”

The event also included cultural performances such as singing by North Korean defectors, who sang a range of songs and music that both South and North Korean residents could enjoy together, as well as a taekwondo performance.

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