The Global Peace Leadership Conference Indo-Pacific 2023 (GPLC 2023) brought more than 1000 students, ambassadors, and peacebuilders both virtually and in-person to the Le Meridien and Royal Plaza Hotels, New Delhi, India on April 11-13, 2023. The theme for the conference was VasudhaivaKutumbakam: Vision for Advancing Human Consciousness and Peace. 
“VasudhaivaKutumbakam is a goal but our process has four ingredients, 1. Youth involvement, build youth, build the nation. 2. Value education. Education is the key to solving most global problems, knowledge can be the connection. 3. Values-Based Peacebuilding. Peace is within us. How to become peaceful, build yourself, love, and provide service to others, 4. Environmental conservation. Be friendly to the earth do not be the enemy because nature has tremendous power, we will not be sustained without the earth, said Dr.Markanday Rai, Chairman, Global Peace Foundation India. These four ingredients will go towards advancing human consciousness and peace,” Dr. Rai added.
These ingredients were presented through four tracks of workshops held during the GPLC 2023. The goal of the Youth Empowerment track was to improve youths’ approach to solving problems, how to think from a global perspective, and become moral and innovative leaders – rethink, redefine, and transform. The second track, Transforming Education for the Future, analyzed new trends, ideas, and policies to prepare students to be successful in all aspects of their lives and contribute to overall peace. The Values-Based Peacebuilding Track examined effective models, best practices, practical tools, and how to apply peacebuilding to educational programs, youth leadership development, and community-based peacebuilding. The final track, Environmental Conservation promoted environmental conservation through caring for the environment, improving the quality of life by not compromising future generations, and protecting greenery by combatting waste.
International speakers and local ambassadors also spoke during High Plenary Session that included local dance performances, a meditation to promote peace and tranquility, and remarks from various speakers including Honorable Chair of the C20 Mata Armitanandamayi, the Hugging Saint who inspired participants to be selfless and compassionate in a world full of greed and injustice. She urged everyone to oppose evil ideologies and extend a helping hand to those in need.
‘I hope that each one of you will become Peacebuilders in your respective spheres of influence and join with us in the great movement for global peace,” said Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon, Chairman, Global Peace Foundation.Dr. Moonalso emphasized the importance of peace and how it can be achieved even in the face of conflicts and through freedom, as great leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., and Nelson Mandela demonstrated. as he closed the High Plenary Session.
Ambassador Virendra Gupta says the traditional methods of preventing wars have proven ineffective, and we must seek a robust and peaceful alternative. Ambassador Vijay Nambiar, C20 Sherpa provides a profound insight into the nature of conflict, highlighting how it is often used to conceal the truth. Swami Chidanand Saraswati focused on the true essence of the phrase ‘VasudhaivaKutumbakam’, stressing the need for inclusivity in the face of adversity in the 21st century, and encouraged everyone to walk together with love, peace, and harmony. Padma Shri Agus Indra shares the profound wisdom of Bali, Indonesia, with the world, providing a fresh and unique perspective. Rev. Father Joseph Muti is a devout preacher who emphasises spreading love through faith and religion.
President of the Global Peace Foundation, Mr. James P. Flynn, directs our attention toward the future and the necessary steps to be ready for it. He emphasises the need for bold and collaborative efforts that transcend artificial boundaries as we strive toward a future that lies beyond them. Dr.Vikarant Tomar emphasized the importance of cherishing our similarities rather than fixating on our differences, leaving a lasting impact on all fortunate enough to attend.
The GPLC 2023 kicked off with a Youth Sustainathon: Leap Hub Challenge 2023 Inauguration where students at Manav Rachna University presented Innovative solutions to preserve the environment. Mentors assisted the students as they identified problems and came up with solutions to present during the challenge.
On the final day, the New Delhi Declaration was presented and signed by attendees in person and virtually. The declaration includes at least nine specific action items to address, developing youth through peace mentoring, encouraging service-led practices for all, assisting with poverty, environmental conservation, youth development, and other key principles; and transforming education practices. The signed declaration will be presented to the Civil 20 India 2023 and the G20 which will be hosted in India in September.
The GPLC 2023 was presented by the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) and Co-Organizers Indian Council for International Co-Operation, Manav Rachna University, and Yuvsatta Youth for Peace in cooperation with Civil 20 India 2023. The last GPLC in India was held in 2014. GPF has held GPLCs in Malaysia, Philippines, Nepal, Indonesia, India, South Korea, Nigeria, Mongolia, Tanzania, Uganda, Northern Ireland, Brazil, and the United States.
