ACTIVITY REPORT
2020-2021
2021-2022 SPECIAL EDITION
This 2020-2021 Special Edition Activity Report summarizes the programs and initiatives of the Global Peace Foundation in the past two years, during which the world faced
an unprecedented time of uncertainty as the COVID-19 global pandemic disrupted everyday lives and the well-being of communities everywhere.
By early 2020, all of the Global Peace Foundation’s activities moved online and efforts globally were focused on providing support and aid during the pandemic. In 2021, most
activities continued virtually while some transitioned back to in-person gatherings or hybrid events.
During this same period, we saw people join together in common cause, to figure out how to adjust to challenging circumstances - with social distancing, zoom school,
tele-work, and home quarantines. We also witnessed remarkable human creativity to innovate new and unique ways to use various telecommunication platforms to continue
reaching out, communicating, collaborating, and connecting.
As our highly interconnected world was impacted as never before, it challenged all of us to work together to forge innovative solutions beyond borders and our many
differences. Throughout this time, we witnessed across the world ordinary people making heroic efforts with extraordinary compassion to help those in need. Indeed, we saw
the collective power of the human spirit at work.
At the Global Peace Foundation, like everywhere, the pandemic forced us to adapt to the virtual environment. Once we did, we discovered ways to expand our efforts on both
local and regional issues across all areas of our work, with increased participation both in total numbers as well in geographic reach and nations represented.
Of course, those programs and engagements were quite different from the past, as we have learned to connect virtually on platforms like Zoom, On24, YouTube Live, and
Facebook Live. We had webinars, online trainings, online policy forums, virtual volunteer camps, and virtual volunteer opportunities. We even hosted the 2021 Global Peace
Convention in a completely virtual environment, even including a virtual exhibition hall!
These experiences have only strengthened our capacity as a global organization to expand our reach and to impact more communities in the years to come. As our nations
re-open, we will certainly utilize these new capacities as we continue to work with our stakeholders and partners – both in-person and virtually - to implement effective
programs that address critical issues facing the human family.
On behalf of our Global Peace Foundation team, we extend our best wishes for health, safety and well-being to everyone in our global community.
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN
GLOBAL LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
OUR VISION
WHERE WE WORK
OUR WORK
FREEDOM OF CONSCIENCE AND RELIGION
•International Religious Freedom Roundtable
•Korea International Religious Freedom Roundtable
•U.S. Capital Area Coalition for Religious Liberty
•U.S. First Amendment Voice Alliance
ONE KOREA GLOBAL CAMPAIGN
•Building Global Support for a Free and Unified Korea
•Korean Dream: A Vision for a Unified Korea
•A Korean-Led Movement: Action for Korea United
•Korean Diaspora Support
WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP
•Message from the Chairwoman
•Peace Begins in the Home International Movement
•Advancing Women’s Leadership
•Local Initiatives and Projects
COMMUNITY-DRIVEN PEACEBUILDING
•Community-Driven Peacebuilding Campaigns in Nigeria
•Strengthening Democracy and Mitigating Election-Related Conflict
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
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07
08
09
10
12
16
26
32
•Advancing Social Cohesion
•Toward National Transformation in Latin America
•All-Lights Village
•Cross-Community Engagement Models
•Preventing Targeted Violence and Terrorism
•Creating PeaceHubs
•Japan’s Multi-Cultural One Family Festival
TRANSFORMING EDUCATION
•Developing Hybrid Education During the Pandemic
•Future-Ready Education
•Character and Creativity Initiative
•Teacher Training
•World Teacher Day
•Kenya’s ‘Great Places to School’ Initiative
YOUTH LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
•Global Peace Volunteers
•Youth Leadership
•Global Peacebuilder Practicum
•International Young Leaders Assembly
DEVELOPMENT AND SERVICE
•Community Development
•Emergency Relief and Aid
•Environmental Projects
•Health and Hygiene
INTERNATIONAL CONVENINGS
•Global Peace Convention
•Global Peace Leadership Conference
•Peacesharing Forum
BY THE NUMBERS
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46
50
56
02
64
Just as we understand that living in harmony with the laws of nature is necessary for sustaining life on our planet, so too aligning with the moral laws of the universe
is necessary for finding meaning and fulfillment. True freedom is to recognize and live by those principles through which genuine human value and dignity are
realized.
That is why freedom of conscience, the freedom to govern our existence and distinguish right from wrong, is so
essential. All other freedoms, such as freedom of religion and expression, are an extension of the freedom to live
according to one’s conscience, which is the essential foundation for a truly free and ethical society.
Today human rights are being violated in many parts of the world in ways that deny freedom of conscience, human
dignity, and innate value. North Korea is particularly notorious in this regard. Given the global ramifications of these
issues, promoting freedom of conscience and religion, and a comprehensive solution to the peace, security and
human rights issues on the Korean peninsula are key priorities of the Global Peace Foundation.
I have spoken and written of the Korean Dream, the dream of a country re-united on the foundation of universal
principles and values, and the shared heritage of all Koreans. The impact of the principled reunification of the
Korean people will benefit the peninsula and the East Asia region through greater peace, stability, and prosperity.
It will be a light to the world, showing how even the most extreme division and conflict can be overcome.
Thus, we stand today at a crossroads. What principles, which values, will direct our lives and guide us to a better
future? Our choices today will determine whether humanity takes the path to peace and prosperity or to further
conflict and chaos. We, collectively, are the authors of this chapter in human history. The choices we make, the
standards we set, and the leadership we exhibit will have far-reaching implications for the future.
Let us all commit to become the moral and innovative leaders who invest our passion, energy and talent to serve
the greatest good for the benefit of all humanity.
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MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN
MESSAGE FROM
THE CHAIRMAN
Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon
The global pandemic of 2020-2021 and beyond has reminded us of the uncertainties of human existence and our limitations in finding effective global solutions,
regardless of the myriad international organizations created for just such a crisis.
While globalization has benefited humanity greatly through trade, travel, and communications, it has also led to increasing fragmentation and antagonism in the
spheres of politics and, most importantly, values. Universal principles that guarantee human rights and freedoms are the foundation of a strong and resilient society.
Today, however, many have lost sight of those values and are turning to more extremist reactions, eroding liberty in significant ways. The cacophony of conflicting
ideas about human identity and society have resulted in widespread moral confusion. It is important that we recognize which ideas will lead to a peaceful,
harmonious future and which will dissolve social bonds, leading to chaos and anarchy.
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GLOBAL LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
GLOBAL
LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
Dr. Markandey Rai
President, Global Peace and
Development Service Alliance;
Senior Advisor, UN-HABITAT
Dr. Douglas Johnston
Founder and President Emeritus,
International Center for Religion
and Diplomacy
Hon. Lilian Samaniego
National Senator,
Republic of Paraguay (2004-Present)
H.E. Marco Vinicio Cerezo
President, Republic of Guatemala
(1986-1991); Secretary-General of
the Central American Integration
System (SICA) (2017-2021)
Bishop Dr. Manoel Ferreira
Presiding Bishop, National Convention
of the Assemblies of God, Brazil
Dr. Manilal Chandaria (OBE KBE)
Chairman and CEO,
Comcraft Group
Dr. Eva Latham
President, Human Rights
Teaching International
H.E. Amani Abeid Karume
President, Zanzibar (2000-2010);
Chairman, Africa Leadership Mission
Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon
Founder and Chairman,
Global Peace Foundation
Dr. Junsook Moon
Co-founder and Chairwoman,
Global Peace Women;
Co-founder, Global Peace Foundation
Dr. KH Said Aqil Siradj
Former Chairman, Executive Council,
Nahdlatul Ulama
Dr. Robert A. Schuller
Award-Winning Author,
Evangelist
The Global Peace Foundation (GPF) promotes an innovative, values-based approach to peacebuilding, guided by the vision of One Family under
God. We believe that this shared identity and our common aspirations as members of the human family establish the basis for sustainable
peace. We affirm the importance of universally recognized principles and shared values as essential to building social cohesion within nations
and the global community.
The Global Peace Foundation engages and organizes a global network of public and private sector partners who develop community, national,
and regional peacebuilding models as the foundation for ethical and cohesive societies and nations.
08
OUR VISION
OUR
VISION
Global Peace Foundation leadership, partners and supporters pose with Global
Peace Awards winners at the 2019 Global Peace Convention in Seoul, South Korea.
WHERE
WE WORK
• Brazil
• Guatemala
• Paraguay
• Uruguay
• United States
AMERICAS
• Kenya
• Nigeria
• Tanzania
• Uganda
AFRICA
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WHERE WE WORK
• Cambodia
• India
• Indonesia
• Japan
• Malaysia
• Mongolia
• Nepal
• Philippines
• Republic
of Korea
• Thailand
ASIA
• Iraqi Kurdistan
• Ireland
• United Kingdom
EUROPE/MIDDLE EAST
Peacebuilding Practicum
in the United States.
Character education in Nepal.
Engaging village leaders in Nigeria on the
International Day of Peace.
Development projects in Malaysia.
One Korea Global Campaign.
VALUES-BASED
PEACEBUILDING
The Global Peace Foundation applies a values-based approach to peacebuilding that emphasizes universal principles and shared values as
a basis to address conflict, promote equitable and sustainable development, and engage all members of the human family as necessary and
valuable contributors to building a culture of peace.
GPF field work is advanced in four key areas of focus, each supported by the conviction that all people belong to one human family with a
shared origin.
SOCIAL COHESION AND PEACEBUILDING
GPF fieldwork brings together diverse stakeholders to further cross-
community reconciliation, prevent violent extremism, and develop
community-driven models of peacebuilding. This approach:
• Emphasizes principles and shared values to foster connection between
different groups
• Furthers dialogue and engagement to build trust and understanding
• Equips community members with skills for problem solving and conflict
management
• Promotes peace as a basis for investment and economic development
• Develops conflict management skills to further mutual understanding and
common ground
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OUR WORK
CHARACTER AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
GPF places special importance on engaging youth and leaders in civil society,
the private sector, educational systems, and government to provide moral and
innovative leadership to meet complex social, political, and environmental
challenges. GPF leadership projects and training:
• Build awareness of core leadership values: live for the greater good, dream
big, take ownership, and teamwork
• Promote holistic growth and good character as integral to education and
leadership development
• Transmit skills that cultivate character, creativity, and excellence
• Demonstrate high ethical standards and model good behavior in leadership
roles
• Develop and apply effective and creative solutions to local, regional, and
national issues
Peacebuilding Practicum
in the United States.
Peacesharing Forum in Ireland.
FOSTERING CIVIC VIRTUE
GPF supports responsible, informed citizenship and works
to strengthen the underlying values that foster social
cohesion, promote robust civic engagement, and respect
for essential rights and freedoms, including freedoms
of conscience and religion. Through education, expert
convenings of political and civil society leaders, and cross-
cultural service initiatives, GPF works to:
• Increase recognition of our interconnectedness, inherent
human dignity, and the need to respect essential human
rights and freedoms
• Empower civil society, especially faith communities, to
engage as active citizens and participate in the public
square at local and national levels
• Cultivate service and volunteerism throughout all levels of
society
• Advance public understanding and protection of essential
rights, including freedom of conscience and religion
• Secure higher levels of sustainable peace, tolerance, and
interreligious cooperation
PATHWAYS FOR NATIONAL TRANSFORMATION
All people are subject to national sovereignty in the modern world order. This includes the
utilization of public resources and the authority to promote the general welfare through state-
level action. GPF works to facilitate the growth of ethical societies and sustainable peace on
a national level in collaboration with public, private, and civil society partners. Through these
partnerships GPF works to:
• Increase recognition of universal principles and shared values as essential to an ethical nation
• Create family-friendly policies and a social environment that supports strong families as the
basis for nurturing ethical citizens
• Promote healthy civic discourse toward the ideal of unity in diversity throughout society
• Foster multi-sector collaboration to solve problems and build peace, stability, and prosperity
• Establish pathways to peace and sustainable development on a national level
• Foster greater civic engagement and participation in advancing shared national goals
• Expand successful, holistic practices of peace and sustainable development to other nations
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OUR WORK
Former Latin American presidents discuss good governance and development
priorities at the Organization of American States in Washington, D.C.
FREEDOM OF
CONSCIENCE AND RELIGION
Freedom of conscience and religion is the most essential of all human rights, the deepest expression
of human dignity and freedom. If this primary freedom is not respected, other human rights will not be
respected.
Through its Freedom of Conscience and Religion Initiatives, the Global Peace Foundation has championed
and executed a range of multilateral initiatives that provide education, awareness, and advocacy in
addressing international religious freedom violations and domestic religious liberty infringements. Some
of these initiatives include a dynamic series of virtual forums and roundtable sessions hosted during the
2021 Global Peace Convention; Meet4Peace, a Middle East educational peace initiative for faith leaders;
and the forthcoming “Did You Know: Your Faith Under Attack” podcast series, which aims to highlight the
acute persecution of various religious groups around the world through engaging audiovisual storytelling.
As a staunch advocate for religious freedom around the world, the Global Peace Foundation is an active member of the International Religious Freedom
Roundtable. GPF Vice President Dr. Paul Murray serves as the Roundtable co-chair, on the Roundtable’s steering committee, and in the executive leadership
level of the International Religious Freedom Secretariat.
The International Religious Freedom Secretariat and its Roundtables are comprised of representatives from non-governmental organizations who gather
regularly to discuss international religious freedom issues on a non-attribution basis and propose joint advocacy actions to address the protection and promotion
of freedom of religion, conscience, and belief around the globe.
The Washington, DC Roundtable convenes weekly virtual meetings which include senior staff from the U.S. State Department, the U.S. Commission on
International Religious Freedom, the U.S. Helsinki Commission, the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, the International Religious Freedom Caucus,
Members of Congress, and foreign embassies. With approximately 83 percent of the world’s population now living in countries with high government restrictions
on religion according to the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, the goal of the Roundtable is to reverse the rising tide of restrictions on religious freedom
that is spreading globally.
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INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM ROUNDTABLE
FREEDOM OF CONSICENCE AND RELIGION
Leaders of international religious freedom efforts and representatives of the world’s faiths
discuss threats to freedom of conscience and religion at a roundtable in Washington, D.C .
FREEDOM OF CONSICENCE AND RELIGION
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KOREA INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM ROUNDTABLE
U.S. CAPITAL AREA COALITION FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
The Korea International Religious Freedom
Roundtable was launched in Seoul, South Korea in
2019. Protections for religious freedom are virtually
nonexistent in North Korea. As noted in the 2014
UN Report of the Commission of Inquiry on Human
Rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of
Korea, “There is almost complete denial of the right
to freedom of thought, conscience and religion as
well as the right to freedom of opinion, expression,
information and association.” The UN inquiry noted
that the regime in North Korea continued to arrest,
physically abuse, and execute individuals engaged
in almost any religious activities. The inaugural
roundtable included high-level defectors from
North Korea and previously incarcerated pastors,
university professors, government representatives
and civic leaders. A second Korea International
Religious Freedom Roundtable was held in 2021 as
part of the virtual Global Peace Convention.
Through its active participation in the Capital Area Coalition for Religious Liberty, the Global Peace
Foundation brings its diverse network of faith and civic leaders to the table to strengthen the vital work
being done to address religious liberty issues in the U.S. Capital Area. GPF Vice President Dr. Paul
Murray serves as the Coalition’s Co-Chair.
This coalition is a growing network of faith leaders and organizations within the District of Columbia,
in collaboration with partners from the greater Maryland and Virginia areas, with a distinct mission to
identify, address, and lead efforts to combat the encroachment of state and federal courts into the
religious freedom of houses of faith and faith-based organizations.
In addition, the Coalition came together as a faith-based community to lead the distribution of more
than 40,000 pounds of donated food through various houses of worship and food banks across D.C.
and Maryland to feed those in need at the height of the coronavirus pandemic.
Korea experts and human rights advocates discuss abuses by
the North Korean regime at a roundtable in Seoul, South Korea.
Capital Area Coalition for Religious Liberty organizes food drive
to provide for those in need during the coronavirus pandemic.
FREEDOM OF CONSICENCE AND RELIGION
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U.S. FIRST AMENDMENT VOICE ALLIANCE
The First Amendment Voice Alliance seeks to encourage Americans to understand and exercise their First
Amendment rights and responsibilities as self-governing citizens through a collaborative campaign of
education, awareness, and advocacy. The Global Peace Foundation served as an incubator for the First
Amendment Voice Alliance and continues to work with the Alliance on its vital programs.
The First Amendment Voice Alliance has launched a comprehensive national campaign that reaffirms
and promotes U.S. First Amendment rights and responsibilities. Through education, awareness, advocacy,
network development, and the promotion of grassroots solutions, the Alliance hopes to address issues
and policies affecting First Amendment rights; to build a broad pluralistic constituency of citizens,
regardless of religion, race, culture, or socio-economic background; and to demonstrate through
grassroots solutions the power of self-governing ethical citizens engaged in solving problems facing our
communities.
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM PROTECTIONS
GPF leaders have served as vocal advocates engaging with the White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships for guaranteeing religious
freedom protections in the public square, and have participated in a non-partisan capacity throughout the last three U.S. administrations.
Among the principal functions of the Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships is partnering with civil society to organize more effective efforts to
serve people in need across the country and around the world and optimizing the efforts of faith-based and other secular communities to do so.
In addition, the Office works to ensure that policy decisions and programs throughout the federal government is consistent with the policy set forth in
the Executive Order with respect to faith-based and other community initiatives, and to bring concerns, ideas, and policy options to leaders for assisting,
strengthening, and replicating best practices and partnerships, with faith-based and other community organizations.
Global Peace Foundation served as an incubator for the First Amendment
Voice Alliance, which advances public awareness of fundamental freedoms.
2021 GLOBAL PEACE CONVENTION – INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM TRACK
The 2021 Global Peace Convention organized panels over three days covering Government Restrictions on Religious Freedom,
Religious Freedom as a Human Right, and a convening of the South Korea Religious Freedom Roundtable. High levels of religious
freedom promote peaceful democracies, tolerance, and interreligious cooperation. Despite the importance of religious freedom,
it is denied or abridged in many countries. These interactive sessions brought together thought leaders representing academia,
NGO’s, government, and the faith community. The expert panels affirmed that freedom of religion and freedom of conscience are
fundamental human rights and the foundation for peace in the world.
ONE KOREA
GLOBAL CAMPAIGN
The current conflict on the Korean peninsula has impacted security, development, and stability not only for
North and South Korea but also Northeast Asia and the world. How the Koreans and the global community
approach the peaceful reunification of the Koreas and build sustainable solutions for peace and prosperity
in this region can serve as a model for other nations and regions.
Since 2010 the Global Peace Foundation has been promoting international support for Korean-led
peaceful unification, envisioning a free and unified Korea that is nuclear-free and upholds freedom,
democratic values, the rule of law, and human rights as an urgent, not a distant goal, based on the shared
identity and cultural heritage of the Korean people.
International dignitaries celebrate hopes for Korean reunification
at a 2019 rally commemorating the 100th anniversary of the
Korean Independence Movement in Seoul, South Korea.
ONE KOREA GLOBAL CAMPAIGN
17
Global Peace Foundation has co-convened international conferences on the
challenges and opportunities of Korean unification, as well as supported
diverse public education, humanitarian campaigns and civil society
partnerships to bridge divisions and raise awareness of approaches to, and
significant implications of a free and unified Korea.
Given the global pandemic’s impact on in-person events everywhere, in 2020
GPC continued its support of Korean reunification through the Virtual Forum
Series: International Forum on One Korea. Convenings of prominent scholars,
policymakers, journalists, and civil society leaders from Korea and the global
community examined the new circumstances, identified new opportunities
and developed a more specific roadmap for a free and unified Korea
predicated on the ideals embodied in the ancient Korean ethos of Hongik
Ingan, or “Living for the Greater Benefit of All Humanity.”
BUILDING GLOBAL SUPPORT FOR A FREE AND UNIFIED KOREA
2020 INTERNATIONAL FORUM ON ONE KOREA
VIRTUAL SERIES
• Realignment Amid Global Changes: New Opportunities for a Free and
United Korea (August 2020)
• Free and Unified Korea: Northeast Asia Regional Collaboration
(September 2020)
• Free and Unified Korea: Challenges and Opportunities Amid Dynamic
U.S.-China-Korea Relations (November 2020)
• Free and Unified Korea: International Cooperation on Human Rights
and Religious Freedom (December 2020)
Korea experts examine Korean reunification as an approach to advance
peace, security, and shared prosperity in the Northeast Asia region.
ONE KOREA GLOBAL CAMPAIGN
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CONGRESSIONAL ROUNDTABLE AND POLICY FORUM:
FREE AND UNIFIED KOREA: INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
ON HUMAN RIGHTS AND RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
An online forum was convened concurrently in Washington D.C. (February 24)
and Seoul (February 25), 2021. Legislators from both sides of the aisle in
the U.S. Congress and South Korea’s National Assembly called for bipartisan
efforts to support a reunified Korea and to strengthen U.S.-ROK relations.
Leading officials from the Clinton and Bush administrations, as well as Korean
policy and grassroots leaders, explored critical issues and prospects of the
U.S.-Korea policy under the newly elected U.S. administration.
Special Remarks by Heritage Foundation Founder Dr. Edwin Feulner
underscored the essential role of a vibrant civil society in building a free and
united Korea. In his keynote address, Global Peace Foundation Chairman Dr.
Hyun Jin Preston Moon affirmed, “A unified Korea, aligned with fundamental
freedoms and human rights, should become the clearly stated and actively
pursued policy of the U.S., South Korea, their allies and the UN. This would
provide a clear end goal for Korea policy and a framework for all negotiations
with the North. Focus on this end goal naturally requires a comprehensive
approach that no longer compartmentalizes the nuclear issue from
other issues such as human rights, governance concerns, and economic
development.”
MONGOLIA FORUM ON NORTHEAST ASIAN
PEACEFUL DEVELOPMENT AND KOREAN UNIFICATION
Mongolia has played a unique role in the work for Korean reunification. It
has diplomatic relations with both North and South Korea and experienced
a peaceful transition in the early 1990s into the nuclear-free, democratic
nation it is today. Since 2011, it has convened important Global Peace
Leadership Conferences and International Forums on One Korea focused
on security, development, and the peaceful resolution of the conflict on
the Korean peninsula. In October 2021, Mongolia hosted a six-part forum
focused on advancing strategies for peace in Northeast Asia and discussions
on the denuclearization and reunification of the Korean peninsula.
GPF Chairman Dr. Hyun Jin P. Moon (left) and Heritage Foundation Founder
Dr. Edwin Feulner (right) give special remarks during a virtual forum.
Virtual forums on a Free and Unified Korea engaged U.S. and ROK
Congressional Representatives and internationally renown Korea experts.
First democratically elected Mongolian President Ochirbat Punsalmaagiin (left) and Former Mongolian
Ambassador to UN Dr. Jargalsaikhan Enkhsaikhan (right) discuss Northeast Asia peace and security.
GPF Chairman Dr. Hyun Jin P. Moon published Korean Dream: A Vision for a Unified
Korea in 2014. The book presents the division of Korea in historical context and
outlines a groundbreaking approach for reunification that transcends the Cold War
division, and places Korea’s destiny not as a struggle of great powers but in the hands
of the Korean people. The Korean Dream looks to the ancient Korean ethos of Hongik
Ingan, or “living for the greater benefit of humanity,” as a guiding principle to build a
Korea that can benefit the world.
In 2020, a Centennial Edition of the Korean Dream was published in English and
Korean, updated with a new section chronicling the ongoing work around the world
since the publication of the first edition. The Global Peace Foundation applies this
comprehensive, vision-based approach to the resolution of long-standing Korean
peninsula issues.
KOREAN DREAM: A VISION FOR A UNIFIED KOREA
ONE KOREA GLOBAL CAMPAIGN
19
Forums discuss the role of civil society for Korean reunification.
While Koreans will need the support of the international community to
achieve unification, the process must be Korean-led, as it is the Korean
people themselves who must determine what type of nation that will be.
“Korean-led” involves the efforts of the two Korean governments but, more
importantly, the active engagement, participation, and leadership of the
Korean people. The Korean people – in the South, North and diaspora – that
are the most important stakeholders and should be the driving force in the
movement for unification.
Global Peace Foundation Korea is a founding member of Action for Korea
United (AKU), a grassroots coalition of more than 1,000 NGOs committed to
advancing a vision for a peaceful reunification of the Korean peninsula.
Unification is increasingly being examined, not as a distant dream for future
generations, but as a realistic and a strategic approach to promoting regional
stability, economic growth, and denuclearization of the peninsula. The brief 73-
year span of political division cannot overshadow the five millennia of shared
history, heritage and aspirations for unity and peace shared by all Koreans.
A KOREAN-LED MOVEMENT:
ACTION FOR KOREA UNITED
ONE KOREA GLOBAL CAMPAIGN
20
Leaders of Korean society commit to
active participation in the work for a
free and unified Korea.
GPF Chairman Dr. Hyun Jin P. Moon addresses a
gathering of civil society leaders and activists.
BUILDING A GRASSROOTS MOVEMENT
FOR KOREA’S PEACEFUL REUNIFICATION
The 1919 Samil movement was a peaceful, people-led movement calling for
Korean independence and the formation of a new nation that would be free,
independent, democratic, and rooted in the Hongik Ingan ethos.
The Korean independence movement appealed to Wilsonian ideals of
freedom and self-determination and profoundly influenced twentieth-
century popular movements including India’s movement for independence
from British colonial rule, the U.S. civil rights movement, and South Africa’s
peaceful anti-apartheid movement.
The Global Peace Foundation commemorated the centennial of the Samil
movement in 2019 with policy forums and celebrations over three days,
culminating in a One Korea concert on the grounds of Korea’s National
Assembly. In August of 2019, more than ten thousand civil society leaders
and activists packed a Kintex Hall for the Action for Korea United Assembly.
AKU has taken on the unfinished cause of Korean self-determination and
formed a unified nation that is true to its history, heritage and ideals.
AKU has continued its vital work amidst the pandemic, adapting to limitations
on in-person gatherings throughout 2020-21. Virtual and hybrid meetings,
forums, and trainings were organized to maintain the momentum of this vital
popular movement.
In 2021, AKU sponsored retreats and a Korean Dream lecture series for South
Korea’s opinion leaders. Sessions were convened every week throughout
2021. Other new initiatives were launched including the founding of the
Action for Korea United Professors Association.
We claim independence in the interest of the eternal and free
development of our people and in accordance with the great
movement for world reform based upon the awakening conscience
of mankind.”
— Korean Declaration of Independence (1919)
ONE KOREA GLOBAL CAMPAIGN
21
Engagement of Korean citizens. The Korean Dream emphasizes that the
future of the Korean peninsula must be decided by the Korean people.