From August 9-18, 2024, some 100 young leaders met in South Korea for a transformative summer camp that cultivated a spirit of service, fostered international support for peace and Korean reunification, and advocated for the human rights of the North Korean people.

The program is part of the Global Peace Leadership Corps which aims to empower young leaders with peacebuilding skills and an ethic of service to resolve local and global issues in a way that advances sustainable peace.

The transformative experience deeply touched young leaders from around the globe who participated in the 10-day program. Here are some reflections:

The sharing from North Korean defectors was the highlight of today’s program for me as it was my first time meeting people from North Korea. I can feel her heart, which makes me really want to realize the reunification of North and South Korea. —Tya (Indonesia)

People from around the world write messages of support for One Korea.

It was fascinating to be a part of a program led by amazing people who want to create change. To be able to be in the same room with other people of different backgrounds gave me this inexplicable feeling and hopeful at the same time because my peers were able to gather and work together. Today we learned about Hongik Ingan, meaning “for the benefit of all.” It reminded me of “bayanihan,” which can mean communal unity and is the essence of Filipino culture. With this culture comes thinking and doing things with the intent of including the betterment of other people, too. This is why I think being a Filipino means helping and uplifting other countries, too. —Shai (Philippines)

GPY Camp goes to Gyeongbok Palace to learn about Korean culture.

We had an exciting trip to the historical Palace of Gyeongbok which allowed participants to get familiar with the Korean history closer by wearing traditional garments. It was my first time trying on the Hanbok and I immediately felt carried back to the 15th century.

My favorite part of the Day was the trip to the Korean War Memorial due to the history that I learned. The amount of war and sacrifices that have been made to achieve the freedom we enjoy now have been neatly handcrafted in each piece that I observed. This is an emotionally heavy place to visit, but I consider it a must-visit to see the reality of a brutal world and the price of the peace that was paid by our ancestors via blood and human lives. —Sanoat (Tajikistan)

Young leaders gather to watch a screening of a documentary on the human rights crisis in North Korea.

It was memorable to watch a movie documentary (Utopia) with everyone. What stood out to me was that a lady almost at the end said, “Which do you think is happier: being able to become a bird and see all the families’ situations but not being able to help, or knowing nothing at all?” This question shook me because of the very difficult, challenging, sad situation North Korean defectors are feeling. —Ryota (Costa Rica)

Participants engage in a model UN.

I am pretty sure GPY Summer Camp just altered my life course. Prior to joining this camp, I had no knowledge of GPLC, KDC, or the ongoing fight for the reunification of Korea; I had no interest in international relations or world history, let alone Mongolian history.

“What is an architecture student doing here amongst future diplomats?” I thought.

Regardless, I took a big leap out of my comfort zone and was met with such open arms. There was something to learn from everyone, and even if everyone was intimidatingly older, more knowledgeable, and more ambitious than me, they were also very kind and very happy to talk to anyone and everyone.

Each day, I heard these inspiring speeches about youth involvement, change, friendship beyond politics and met these people from all across the globe committed to this massive dream. I became a true advocate for the Korean Dream, despite not being Korean. But really, the dream transcended borders. I have faith that the Korean Dream will change the whole world; it is something every one of us must dream and fight for.

Moreover, I deeply admire the staff’s passion and sheer exertion, whether in advocating for peace or planning simple activities for us. Frankly, it taught me that I was not trying hard enough in life.

The love and empowerment I experienced in Korea have followed me all the way to Mongolia and my beginning year of university. By being a part of this journey to peace with such amazing people, I found a part of me that takes action and creates impact, a part of me that could speak my mind, share my ideas and feel valued. I found someone strong and capable, and for that I thank you all! —Jinka (Mongolia)