Youth in India participate in GPF peacebuilding programs.
In today’s complex and fast-changing world, the challenges facing young people are growing just as fast as their potential to solve them. Whether facing growing polarization, conflict in their communities, or global uncertainty, many young people are beginning to ask not just what careers they want to pursue, but how they can become leaders who build understanding, cooperation, and peace in the world around them. The Global Peace Foundation (GPF) India believes that the answer lies in nurturing a new kind of leadership: one that is grounded in strong values, driven by a sense of purpose, and committed to building peace in everyday life. Through its youth leadership and peacebuilding programs, GPF India is helping to shape a generation of thoughtful, ethical leaders ready to meet these times with courage and compassion.
At the heart of GPF’s approach is a belief that true leadership begins with moral clarity. This is captured in GPF’s model of moral and innovative leadership, which encourages young people to lead with vision, creativity, and a deep sense of responsibility and empathy. It’s a leadership style that values service, listens before acting, and prioritizes the common good. This framework is rooted in the universal principle that we are all part of ‘One Family under God, ’ a vision that echoes the Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the world is one family.
Across India, this vision is taking shape through a range of initiatives that actively engage youth. GPF India works with schools, colleges, and communities to equip young people with the skills and mindset to be peacebuilders in their daily lives. From Peace and Leadership Trainings to the formation of Youth Peace Clubs (YPCs), and interfaith and intercultural dialogues, the programs provide practical tools for character-based leadership and social impact.
One recent example that illustrates this approach is the Peace and Leadership Training Program held on April 5, 2025, at Lakshmibai College, University of Delhi. Organized in partnership with the Centre for Promotion of Human Rights, Constitutional Values, Global Citizenship and Peace Building, the one-day event brought together students, faculty, and guest facilitators under the theme “Empowering Youth as Peacebuilders.”
Youth in India participate in GPF peacebuilding programs.
The program was designed as a participatory learning journey. In the opening session, Ms. Shaivya Pathak introduced the students to GPF India’s mission and values, laying a foundation for the day and emphasizing that peace is not merely the absence of conflict but it’s the presence of empathy, cooperation, and active responsibility for others.
This was followed by an engaging session on peace and conflict resolution led by Ms. Anjali Tyagi, who encouraged students to examine how they handle disagreements in their own lives and communities. Students participated in an interactive quiz to reinforce their understanding and reflect on their experiences. Later, in a session titled “From Local to Global,” participants were encouraged to see themselves as global citizens, individuals whose local actions and leadership can contribute to a more peaceful world.
Youth in India participate in GPF peacebuilding programs.
A powerful hands-on activity involved a role-play case study around deforestation and the displacement of tribal communities. Students assumed the roles of stakeholders such as environmentalists, government officials, and local residents, examining the tensions between development and human rights. The exercise fostered critical thinking, empathy, and collaborative problem-solving.
The day also marked the official launch of the Youth Peace Club (YPC) at Lakshmibai College. Under faculty mentorship and in collaboration with GPF India, the YPC will serve as a platform for ongoing student-led initiatives, community service, and leadership development. It reflects GPF’s model of sustained engagement, in a bid to achieve long-term cultivation of peacebuilders.
The training concluded with a session titled “Viksit Bharat 2047: Plan for Further Action,” linking the students’ experiences with India’s broader national vision for inclusive and sustainable development by its 100th year of independence. Principal Prof. (Dr.) Pratyush Vatsala offered closing remarks that encouraged students to lead with integrity, compassion, and courage. Her words were a reminder that leadership is a daily practice, and youth have the power to shape the future starting now.
Through efforts like these, GPF India is preparing students for the future, empowering them to shape it. With more than 50 Youth Peace Clubs active across the country and thousands of young people trained in peacebuilding, the movement is growing. It is proof that when young people are given the right tools, guidance, and values, they can transform their lives and the world around them.
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