GLOBAL PEACE CONVENTION 2017: New Models for Peace and Development

“I feel the urgency for a new generation of global leaders to make their mark in history. We believe that the starting point is a vision for a shared future that uplifts universally recognized principles and values as essential tools for building a cohesive global economy of genuine peace, freedom and high ideals. Moral and innovative leadership, first, has to promote a ‘greater good’ that can benefit the larger society, nation and world. Secondly, it has to harness mankind’s natural creative need to advance and develop the human condition. Extraordinary men and women have propelled humanity forward by surmounting the religious, societal, and legal constraints of their time, and has thus brought greater advances and freedoms to the modern world. Global Peace Convention 2017 will respond to the urgent realities of underdevelopment and through the engagement of leaders and resource persons from the government and private sector, tap into the creative process of the peace-loving global community to unleash innovative approaches towards true peace and development. It’s good to back this time in Manila packed with earned wisdom and best practices that should raise the pursuit of . global peace and development to a whole new level. As a rising Southeast Asian nation with unique geographic, cultural and historic connections, the Philippines is ideally positioned to play an important role for peace in this region and the world.” ~Dr. Hyun Jin P. Moon, Chairman and Founder, Global Peace Foundation

The Global Peace Convention 2017 from February 28 to March 3, 2017 at the Marriott Hotel in Pasay City brought together business leaders, government officials, NGO and student leaders, and entrepreneurs to examine the role of business in poverty reduction, sustainable development, regional stability, particularly highlighting emerging markets in South-East Asia. A combination of plenary and concurrent sessions that offered an opportunity for participants to contribute, learn and collaborate towards a collective impact for sustainable peace and development.

Attended by foreign dignitaries, leading global experts, thought leaders, and practitioners who shared their best practices and developed multisector partnerships for sustainable peace and development and the achievement of the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. It is almost ten years when the GPC first started in Manila.  

March 2, 2017 is the “One Dream One Korea” a star-studded K-pop concert held at the MOA Arena. This campaign, was launched in 2015, is part of a popular movement for Korean unification and contributes to a larger effort to advance regional peace and global security.

On the final day of GPC, the 2017 Global Youth Summit draws thousands of inspired young delegates to Manila to participate in sessions that address themes and issues that impact the youth like technology, environment, public policy advocacy and education. The Summit will provide a space for the youth to develop a leadership skills had provided sets that is globally-oriented and innovative.

This year’s supporting partners are:

• Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (CCPI)
• European Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (ECCP)
• Department of Education (DepEd)
• All Nations Women Group
• Commission on Higher Education (CHED)
• Hands On Manila
• SM Cares

The Global Peace Foundation is an international non-sectarian, non-partisan, non-profit organization, which promotes an innovative, values-based approach to peace-building.  Its work in 23 countries is progressing with support from government, business, the faith, community, educational institutions, industry and commerce and a corps of committed volunteers. Each year, GPF’s strong field network reaches more than 235,000 people through programs and projects across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas. 

The convention is multi-sectoral assembly organized by Global Peace Foundation (GPF), an international non-sectarian, non-partisan, non-profit organization, which promotes an innovative, values-based approach to peace building. 

Global leaders in the Convention 

In her opening remarks, the former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and incumbent deputy speaker of the 17th Congress and a member of the House of Representative representing the 2nd District of Pampanga said she was happy to have the Global Peace Convention back to the Philippines. The first Global Peace Convention was held in 2009 during incumbency of Arroyo.  

“Despite the differences, we should build bridges, not walls, build solidarity, because we are but One Family Under One God.” ~Vinicio Cerezo, the former president of Guatemala

During his term as President, Cerezo established respect for human rights, economic recovery and sustainable development. Today, he promotes the process of regional integration through the Latin American Presidential Mission, an association of former heads of state committed to greater regional integration, effective and transparent governance, and sustainable and equitable development.

Other global leaders attending this Convention are Dr. Amani Abeid Karume, former president of Zanzibar; H.E. Nicolas Ardito Barletta, former president of Panama; Hon. Jacob Oulanyah, Deputy Speaker of Parliament of Uganda and Honorable Jin Pyo Kim, member of the Korean National Assembly and former Deputy Prime Minister.

Why the Philippines?

With more than 600 million people, the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) represents one of the most dynamic economic blocs in the world.

“We at GPF have been learned many lessons from our many initiatives around the globe and want to share these best practices that will enrich participants to think globally, act locally.” ~Flynn

Interested parties can participate in the ongoing online conversations on the Global Peace Convention thru #GlobalPeace 

“It is natural that we are convening here because of the God-centered, family-oriented heart of the Filipino people, as reflected in the Philippines national motto: “Maka-Diyos, maka-tao, maka-kalikasan, at maka-bansa – For the love of God, people, nature and country.” ~Dr. Hyun Jin P. Moon, Chairman and Founder, Global Peace Foundation