The Global Peace Leadership Conference Indo-Pacific was hosted in Delhi, India, under the theme “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: Vision for Advancing Human Consciousness and Peace” वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम् in cooperation with the C20, the civil society track of the upcoming G20. Civil, faith and national leaders from across the Indo-Pacific region convened to discuss peacebuilding, environmental conservation, transforming education, and youth empowerment.

India is at the heart of the Indo-Pacific region, bridges East Asia, Oceania, the Middle East and East Africa. It is also the birthplace and home to many faith traditions. Dr. Moon, chairman and founder of the Global Peace Foundation, visited spiritual sites and attended the Global Peace Leadership Conference Indo-Pacific 2023.

Visitation to spiritual sites in India. (Photos not permitted at some sites)

In his keynote address,  Dr. Moon called on regional and Indian leadership to advance peace in the Indo-Pacific region guided by universal principles found in time-honored spiritual traditions.

Dr. Moon with civil society, national and faith leaders at the Global Peace Leadership Conference Indo-Pacific.

Dr. Moon with civil society, national and faith leaders at the Global Peace Leadership Conference Indo-Pacific.Dr. Moon drew parallels to Korea and India’s spiritual legacy, as well as others around the world that have undergirded non-violent movements to uplift human dignity, freedom, and peace that have influenced the 20th century. “I believe that our destinies are intertwined. We have an even greater role to play in this century,” said Dr. Moon, calling on leaders to advance peacebuilding efforts to bring reunification to the Korean peninsula and regional peace.

Dr. Moon visits Raj Ghat to pay respects to Mahatma Gandhi. The Korean and Indian Independence movements had a significant influence on the 20th century.

In his work, Dr. Moon has always invested in empowering moral and innovative youth leadership. India’s 650 million youth, nearly 65% of the total population, has been a powerhouse for innovation and growth. Manav Rakna University hosted the award ceremony of the “Sustainathon,” a competition for solutions to development challenges. Dr. Moon encouraged the youth to dream big, urging them to invest in the dream of their parents and grandparents, who envisioned the end of war at the turn of the century. “Dream the biggest dream of all, the dream of One Family Under God. Let changes start within you and through your talents and through your ability, change the world.”

Dr. Moon addresses students and teachers at the “Sustainathon” hosted at Manav Rachna University.

The Global Peace Leadership Conference Indo-Pacific closed with the New Delhi Declaration, with action items including the launch of the Indian Leadership Council to advance regional peace and moral and innovative leadership, similar to the Latin American Presidential Mission launched in 2012. The New Delhi Declaration can be signed here.

For Dr. Moon’s full keynote address, read here and watch here.

To watch the highlights from GPLC Indo-Pacific 2023 keynote, view here.

For the speech given to youth at Manav Rachna University’s Leap Hubs Challenge final day, read here.