In a world increasingly burdened by environmental challenges and resource scarcity, the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) is advancing a compelling model of development and service that integrates environmental stewardship with peacebuilding. Through its initiatives across countries like Mongolia, Kenya, and Uganda, GPF is mobilizing youth and communities to restore ecosystems, create sustainable livelihoods, and foster unity across cultural and political divides.
Mongolia: Trees of Peace and Hope
Volunteers set out to water 8,000 trees.
Mongolia, facing rapid desertification with over 25% of its land turning to desert in the past three decades, stands at the frontline of environmental urgency. GPF Mongolia has responded with bold and symbolic actions under the “Peace Through Trees” initiative, engaging local youth in large-scale tree planting campaigns. Through “My Club-GPF,” young volunteers, many from GPF’s associate programs like the Global Peace Leadership Corps (GPLCorps), have planted thousands of trees, including at high-profile locations like the North Korean embassy. These acts serve a dual purpose: combating desertification and promoting regional peace under the broader vision of the Korean Dream, a vision of a unified and peaceful Korean peninsula.
Additionally, GPF Mongolia is strategically positioning itself on the global stage. Its involvement with Blue Banner, a civil society partner of the Mongolian Presidential Office, highlights its commitment to international collaboration. GPF Mongolia is preparing for COP 17 in 2026, a summit focused on combating desertification, further highlighting its environmental leadership.
Kenya: Greening the Nation, Strengthening Communities
Participants plant trees during the GPLC Africa 2024 Kenya National Tree Growing Campaign
In Kenya, GPF is contributing to the country’s ambitious goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032. Partnering with the Chandaria Foundation and other stakeholders, GPF has helped establish 15 tree nurseries across 11 counties. This initiative isn’t just about tree planting, but rather, about transforming lives and building a culture of environmental responsibility from the ground up.
The key to the success of this campaign is youth involvement. Through school partnerships and the potential integration of the GPLCorps model, GPF is ensuring that young people are not just participants but leaders in Kenya’s environmental movement. GPF Kenya has also signed memoranda of understanding with institutions like the Kenya Forest Service to promote green credit and tree adoption schemes.
Moreover, GPF Kenya is a recognized civil society actor in national climate policy. Its Environment Manager, Mr. Japheth Ouda, is among 100 civil society representatives shaping the implementation of the Financing Locally Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) program, an effort aimed at grassroots climate resilience.
Uganda: Youth Innovation for Sustainable Impact
Global Peace Foundation in Uganda
Uganda’s contribution to GPF’s environmental portfolio showcases the power of youth-driven innovation. Members of GPLCorps, Daniel Kayemba and Sinan Kitagenda, won the 2024 Social Enterprise Award for their “Waste Plus” initiative, a recycling project that turns environmental waste into opportunity. This entrepreneurial spirit is complemented by community-based activities such as clean-up campaigns, which involve local youth groups like the Global Star Soccer Academy.
These efforts not only beautify communities but also instill shared values and civic responsibility among the youth. Uganda is now preparing to host a major environmental and youth summit, signaling its growing role in advancing GPF’s vision of peace through sustainable development.
A Global Model of Development through Service
At the heart of GPF’s work is a belief that development and service are powerful vehicles for peace. Environmental challenges often exacerbate social divisions and fuel conflict, particularly over scarce resources. By addressing these root causes through collaborative, community-driven initiatives, GPF is promoting sustainable development that supports both people and the planet.
Environmental stewardship also offers an opportunity to transcend societal divides. Tree planting, clean-up drives, and waste management efforts bring diverse communities together, creating a shared sense of purpose. In turn, these efforts foster social cohesion, reduce tensions, and build more resilient societies.
GPF’s model of engaging youth and local communities as agents of change is particularly critical. These initiatives equip young people with leadership skills, environmental awareness, and a strong sense of civic duty, qualities essential for shaping a more peaceful and sustainable future.
From the deserts of Mongolia to the forests of Kenya and the vibrant communities of Uganda, the Global Peace Foundation is planting more than trees; it’s cultivating hope, unity, and resilience. These environmental initiatives exemplify how development and service can be harmonized to promote peace, demonstrating a path forward that others around the world can emulate. In this shared pursuit, GPF reminds us that a sustainable world is achievable when we serve together as One Family under God.
