Global Peace Leadership Conference Indo-Pacific 2023 Held in New Delhi, India

Global Peace Foundation

April 16, 2023

Delegates from Around the Globe Gather to Discuss Innovative Ways to Foster Peace

The Global Peace Leadership Conference Indo-Pacific 2023 (GPLC 2023) brought more than 1000 students, ambassadors, and peacebuilders both virtually and in-person to the Le Meridien and Royal Plaza Hotels, New Delhi, India on April 11-13, 2023. The theme for the conference was Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: Vision for Advancing Human Consciousness and Peace.

Dr. Markendey Rai, chairman of Global Peace Foundation India.

“Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam is a goal but our process has four ingredients, 1. Youth involvement, build youth, build the nation. 2. Value education. Education is the key to solving most global problems, knowledge can be the connection. 3. Values-Based Peacebuilding. Peace is within us. How to become peaceful, build yourself, love, and provide service to others, 4. Environmental conservation. Be friendly to the earth do not be the enemy because nature has tremendous power, we will not be sustained without the earth, said Dr. Markanday Rai, Chairman, Global Peace Foundation India. These four ingredients will go towards advancing human consciousness and peace,” Dr. Rai added.

These ingredients were presented through four tracks of workshops held during the GPLC 2023. The goal of the Youth Empowerment track was to improve youths’ approach to solving problems, how to think from a global perspective, and become moral and innovative leaders – rethink, redefine, and transform. The second track, Transforming Education for the Future, analyzed new trends, ideas, and policies to prepare students to be successful in all aspects of their lives and contribute to overall peace. The Values-Based Peacebuilding Track examined effective models, best practices, practical tools, and how to apply peacebuilding to educational programs, youth leadership development, and community-based peacebuilding. The final track, Environmental Conservation promoted environmental conservation through caring for the environment, improving the quality of life by not compromising future generations, and protecting greenery by combatting waste.

International speakers and local ambassadors also spoke during High Plenary Session which included local dance performances, a meditation to promote peace and tranquility, and remarks from various speakers.

Honorable Chair of the Civil20 (C20) Mata Armitanandamayi

A highlight was a special video message from the Honorable Chair of the Civil20 (C20) Mata Armitanandamayi, affectionately known as “Amma” the Hugging Saint. The Global Peace Leadership Conference Indo-Pacific 2023 was convened in cooperation with the C20. Amma inspired all the global delegates to be selfless and compassionate in a world full of greed and injustice. In her message she urged everyone to oppose evil ideologies and extend a helping hand to those in need.

‘I hope that each one of you will become Peacebuilders in your respective spheres of influence and join with us in the great movement for global peace,” said Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon, Chairman, Global Peace Foundation. Dr. Moon also emphasized the importance of peace and how it can be achieved even in the face of conflicts and through freedom, as great leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., and Nelson Mandela demonstrated. as he closed the High Plenary Session.

A dazzling performance, a medley of sight, sound, and spectacle, took over the stage to start the program. Dancers perform Kathak with grace and elegance. As an act of storytelling, Kathak’s dance form spreads the values of ‘ Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.’

From left to right: Dr. Binny Sareen, Padma Shri Agus Indra, Dr. Marsudi Syuhud, Swami Chidanand Saraswati and Dr. Vivkrant Tomar.

Dr. Binny Sareen’s expertise lies in utilising meditation to eliminate negative thoughts and emotions from the mind. Through a transformative meditation session, she guides individuals to discover inner peace amidst the chaos of everyday life. Her teachings empower the audience to derive happiness from the ordinary, build resilience during challenging times, and find illumination in the darkest moments.

Padma Shri Agus Indra shares the profound wisdom of Bali, Indonesia, with the world, providing a fresh and unique perspective. He has dedicated himself to studying the teachings of Shri Mahatma Gandhi and incorporating them into his well-known Ashram amidst the Indonesian mountains. He enlightened the audience at GPLC 2023 with his inspiring story of creating positive transformations in the lives of young people in Indonesia, with his message of “no deed is small.” His words left a lasting impression on those present, encouraging them to make a difference, no matter how small their actions may seem.

Dr. Marsudi Syuhud seeks to uphold the noble values of tradition in the modern world with the support of the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) and the passion of the youth. During his discourse, he reflects on the futility of conflict and emphasises the need to move beyond religious differences. He shares his relationship with religion, expressing his aspiration for a truly secular world where diverse populations unite. Dr. Syuhud underscores the importance of effective communication and peaceful conflict resolution to pave the way for a better future for Indonesia and the world.

Swami Chidanand Saraswati captured the audience’s hearts with a mesmerizing bhajan and then highlighted the remarkable qualities of India that have made it the focal point of the Eastern world. He focused on the true essence of the phrase ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, stressing the need for inclusivity in the face of adversity in the 21st century, and encouraged everyone to walk together with love, peace, and harmony. The Swami shed light on the issue of pollution and the importance of preserving nature for a better future.

Dr. Vivkrant Tomar masterfully transported us through time with the power of storytelling. From the mythical lands of gods to the captivating tales of our most significant leaders, he painted a vivid and powerful picture of our history. His presentation on peace and the nature of our world was bone-chilling and thought-provoking, culminating in a call to action to promote the concept of an integration commission. Dr. Tomar emphasized the importance of cherishing our similarities rather than fixating on our differences, leaving a lasting impact on all fortunate enough to attend.

Dr. Hyun Jin P. Moon, Chairman of Global Peace Foundation

Dr. Moon delivered a captivating tour de force on the critical aspects that the GPF focuses on. In light of ongoing global turmoil, he highlighted the failures of Western principles and urged us to fill the resulting moral vacuum with positive aspirations rooted in universal principles. Dr. Moon emphasized the importance of peace and how it can be achieved even in the face of conflicts and through freedom, as great leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., and Nelson Mandela demonstrated.

His “Korean Dream” initiative aims to reunite Korea, anchored in historical foundations and interwoven with progressive ideals. This initiative seeks to showcase that peaceful yet drastic actions can significantly impact and set an example for the world.

Dr. Moon also used the GLPC to launch the Indo-Pacific Forum, which aims to promote peacebuilding efforts and foster development in the Eastern world. He hopes to inspire the world to dream big and work towards peacefully achieving them by doing so.

Be ready to serve everyone without the boundaries of caste, creed, or religion.

Ambassador Virendra Gupta says the traditional methods of preventing wars have proven ineffective, and we must seek a robust and peaceful alternative.

From top to bottom: Ambassador Virendra Gupta, Ambassador Vijay Nambiar, and Mr. James P. Flynn.

Ambassador Vijay Nambiar, C20 Sherpa provides a profound insight into the nature of conflict, highlighting how it is often used to conceal the truth. Swami Chidanand Saraswati focused on the true essence of the phrase ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, stressing the need for inclusivity in the face of adversity in the 21st century, and encouraged everyone to walk together with love, peace, and harmony. Padma Shri Agus Indra shares the profound wisdom of Bali, Indonesia, with the world, providing a fresh and unique perspective. Rev. Father Joseph Muti emphasised spreading love through faith and religion.

President of the Global Peace Foundation, Mr. James P. Flynn, directs our attention toward the future and the necessary steps to be ready for it. He emphasized the need for bold and collaborative efforts that transcend artificial boundaries as we strive toward a future that lies beyond them. Dr. Vikarant Tomar emphasized the importance of cherishing our similarities rather than fixating on our differences, leaving a lasting impact on all fortunate enough to attend.

The GPLC 2023 kicked off with a Youth Sustainathon: Leap Hub Challenge 2023 Inauguration where students at Manav Rachna University presented Innovative solutions to preserve the environment. Mentors assisted the students as they identified problems and came up with solutions to present during the challenge.

On the final day, the New Delhi Declaration was presented and signed by attendees in person and virtually. The declaration includes at least nine specific action items to address, developing youth through peace mentoring, encouraging service-led practices for all, assisting with poverty, environmental conservation, youth development, and other key principles; and transforming education practices. The signed declaration will be presented to the Civil 20 India 2023 and the G20 which will be hosted in India in September.

Sri M, founder of Satsang Foundation

After the signing of the New Delhi Declaration, The GPLC Indo-Pacific 2023 was closed with a video message from Sri M, founder of Satsang Foundation. “As a member of the G20 Student Council, we welcome your findings and actions contributing to the G20 theme of One Earth. One Family and One Future Vasudhaiva Kumbatum. We look forward to receiving a report on the actions set forth in the New Delhi Declaration and serving together in this noble cause of peace and environmental conservation across Indo-Pacific.”

The GPLC 2023 was presented by the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) and Co-Organizers Indian Council for International Co-Operation, Manav Rachna University, and Yuvsatta Youth for Peace in cooperation with Civil 20 India 2023. Also present during the April high-level plenary on April 13th were Sayantin and Manoj Kumar Yadav, Public Relations Officers of President House, as representatives sent by the President’s Office. The last GPLC in India was held in 2014. GPF has held GPLCs in Malaysia, Philippines, Nepal, Indonesia, India, South Korea, Nigeria, Mongolia, Tanzania, Uganda, Northern Ireland, Brazil, and the United States.

Featured below is the media coverage from the Global Peace Leadership Conference Indo-Pacific 2023 event from India, Nepal and Indonesia news outlets.