Global Peace Foundation launched the Global Peace Leadership Corps (GPCorps) 2024, a major initiative that trained over 2,500 young leaders in 17 locations across the Philippines. The program aimed to equip these young people with the skills and knowledge needed to tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges.
The GPCorps 2024 focused on important areas like conflict resolution, cultural understanding, and sustainable development. Through a variety of activities, including workshops, seminars, and hands-on projects, participants learned how to lead efforts that promote peace in their communities. The program’s goal was to help these young leaders become capable of addressing global issues with both confidence and creativity.
Participants of the Global Peace Leadership Corps 2024 in the Philippines.
Each of the 17 GPCorps locations alongside this year’s Global Youth Summit was linked to one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These goals cover a range of global issues, including poverty, inequality, and environmental sustainability. By focusing on these goals, the GPCorps ensured that participants not only learned about peacebuilding but also how to address these crucial global problems.
A major feature of the GPCorps was the chance for participants to work with both local and international experts. These collaborations were meant to spark new ideas and solutions for the challenges faced by communities around the world. By learning from experienced professionals, participants developed a deeper understanding of their chosen issues and created effective strategies to make a positive impact.
The GPCorps 2024 took place in various locations throughout the Philippines, representing the country’s diverse cultures and regions. This thoughtful planning made sure that young people from all parts of the nation could take part in the program. It allowed them to engage in peacebuilding and sustainable development efforts right in their own communities.
Participants included members of well-known youth organizations like the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of the Philippines, student council leaders from universities, and other enthusiastic young individuals. The program encouraged a lively exchange of ideas and perspectives, which helped participants grow as leaders and learn from each other.
Many participants shared their positive experiences with the GPCorps:
“The GPCorps taught me how understanding different cultures can help in peacebuilding. I realized that our differences can actually bring us closer together and make our communities stronger,” said Andrea Santos from Iloilo City.
“This training gave me the confidence and skills to handle conflicts in my community. I now feel ready to step into a leadership role and make a real difference,” commented Mark Reyes from Cebu City.
“Through the GPCorps, I met many inspiring people who share my passion for creating change. This network will be a great support as I continue my work in peacebuilding,” noted Karen Cruz from Davao City.
“The GPCorps opened my eyes to the importance of sustainability in everything we do. I’m excited to use what I’ve learned to boost my environmental advocacy,” said John Santiago from Baguio City.
The success of the GPCorps was largely due to the hard work of its volunteers. These dedicated individuals shared their time and expertise to ensure that the program ran smoothly. Many of them had experience from previous summits, which was invaluable in making this year’s program a success.
Among the 2,500 trained leaders, 150 outstanding youth leaders will be selected for further specialized training. This group will include 50 leaders from Luzon, 50 from Visayas, and 50 from Mindanao. These selected individuals will receive extensive training with both international exposure and local project implementation, enhancing their ability to drive impactful change in their respective regions.
The Global Peace Leadership Corps 2024 was more than just a training program; it was a movement to empower young people to play an active role in creating a peaceful and sustainable future. By addressing real-world problems and aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, GPCorps 2024 provided a crucial platform for young leaders to develop the skills they need to make a lasting difference. As the world faces growing challenges related to conflict, inequality, and environmental issues, the need for skilled peacebuilders has never been more urgent. The GPCorps 2024 has risen to this challenge by preparing the leaders of tomorrow to build a better future for everyone.
