Global Peace Festival Home

Ottawa, Canada - The Global Peace Festival is bringing together people of passion and insight who share the vision of creating “One Family Under God.” The idea of being part of a larger global community of peace is obviously particularly attractive in nations that are still developing, or that are coping with recent challenges of violence and conflict. But what about nations of the First World that are perhaps more settled, perhaps even satisfied with the way things are?

These were among the challenging questions to be debated at the Canadian Leadership Conference on the theme “Educating for Peace.” It takes place October 2-5 in Ottawa, the seat of Canadian government and home to 126 embassies and high commissions, along with universities, high-tech industries, news media, and NGOs from around the nation and the world.

Mindanao, Philippines - Amidst the ceaseless struggle between the government and the radical Islamic groups in the Philippine island of Mindanao, a new hope for peace and unity has dawned in this "Promised Land," as the Philippines is often called. On September 19-21, 2008, the Mindanao leg of the Global Peace Festival was held in the city of Cagayan de Oro, culminating a series of conferences, service projects, and other initiatives all organized for the cause of bringing peace in the island and making its people owners of the vision of “One Family Under God.” Co-chaired by Dr. Haja Esnaira Estrella Abid-Babano, Regional Director of the Department of Education-Region X, and Hon. Constantino G. Jaraula, Mayor of Cagayan de Oro, this Global Festival was a big step towards the realization of peace in Mindanao and the entire nation of the Philippines.

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia - In a moving and dramatic display of national pride and unity, the citizens of Mongolia made a clear commitment to peace and prosperity at the Global Peace Festival in Ulaanbaatar. Just a few short weeks after disputed elections threatened to bring this historic Asian nation to the brink of civil war, Sukhbaatar Square was once again filled with a huge crowd. This time, they sang and danced for peace.

The Festival marked the culmination of several days of activities including a city-wide service effort, a youth arts competition, speaking, dancing and song contests and an International Leadership Conference drawing delegates from Asia, Europe, and Oceania.

Tokyo, Japan - A kick-off banquet for the Global Peace Festival in Japan was held September 3, 2008 at the Hilton Tokyo in Shinjuku with Dr. Hyun Jin Moon as the keynote speaker for the gathering of ambassadors and diplomats. The Philippine delegates to the event included officials from the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo: the Labor Attaché, Mr. Danilo Cruz; the Welfare Officer, Ms. Luz Talento; and the Armed Forces and Defense Attaché, Col. Danilo Estropia. Also present was Mrs. Angelita Obara, President of the Filipino Japanese Movement for Global Peace and co-chair of the GPF Japan Filipino Community National Steering Committee.

The Prime Minister of Kenya, the Hon Raila Odinga MP and his wife Ida Odinga, joined by an international delegation that included seven former heads of state and over 120 members of parliament, spiritual leaders and representatives of civil society were warmly welcomed by a crowd of over 10,000 enthusiastic Kenyans to the Global Peace Festival (GPF) in Nairobi, Sunday, August 31st. The GPF is the third this year in a series that started in Asunción, Paraguay and Washington DC, US.

“This is an important day for Kenya and for Africa,” said Odinga, “It is a new beginning in the quest for our nation to be once again known as a nation of peace and security.” The Prime Minister came to office earlier this year after a historic power-sharing agreement with political rival President Mwai Kibaki ended a period of post-election violence.