Following the UN General Assembly’s designation of 2025
as the “International Year of Peace and Trust,” a significant event
was heldat UN Headquarters in New York to mark the occasion.
On June 19, the International WeLoveU Foundation (hereinafter referred
to as WeLoveU) organized the Global Peace Forum to reaffirm the value
of peace and explore ways for humanity to live together in harmony.

The UNHCR’s Global Trends Report revealed that forced displacement
due to conflict and social issues surpassed 100 million people
for the first time in 2022.
By 2024, the number rose by 7 million to reach123.2 million
—a sobering reminder of the world’s urgent need for peace.

Since 2018, WeLoveU has been working as a UN DGC-associated NGO,
carrying out initiatives that advance the Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs). This year’s forum was held in partnership
with the Permanent Mission of Timor‑Leste to the UN,
with a focus on fostering partnerships to achieve global peace (SDGs 16 & 17).
A total of 408 participants—including experts in environment, culture,
education, history, and defense, as well as WeLoveU members
—gathered to envision a peaceful world free from conflict.

PEACE Begins With One Person

“With the love of a mother, we can create a world where no one feels lonely,
everyone respects one another, and people live together in peace.
One person’s positive mindset and actions can bring peace and happiness to
families, communities, nations, and ultimately brighten the future of humanity.”

The forum opened with a message from WeLoveU Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah,
introduced by the moderator, who set the tone and direction of the event.

Afterwards, Dionísio Babo Soares, Permanent Representative of Timor-Leste
to the UN, and Dr. Roselyn Akombe, Chief of the Peacebuilding Strategy and
Partnerships UN Dept of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs,
delivered keynote speeches. Ambassador Soares emphasized,
“Peace must flow endlessly like the sea.” Dr. Akombe added,
“When we educate, encourage, and unite people, peace will spread,”
underscoring the importance of building peace together.

Panel Discussions

The forum’s panel discussions were divided into three sessions,
each enriched by in-depth perspectives from experts across diverse fields.

Session 1

: The Power of Youth—Solidarity for a More Peaceful World
WeLoveU Hosts the Global Peace Forum at UN Headquarters
(From left) Moderator, Dr. Beth Fisher Yoshida, Dr. Lawrence Wittner, Gabriella Sorrentino

The first panel centered on how empowering young people
can help build a more peaceful and united world.
Panelists highlighted the importance of cultivating global citizenship
and supporting youth as future leaders of peace.

🎯 Highlights From the Panel Discussion

“Young people don’t have to do something huge to make an impact
—just spreading awareness can go a long way.”

Lawrence Wittner, Professor of History Emeritus,State University of New York at Albany-SUNY Albany

“Even if we’re not sure our efforts will work,
we still need to plant those seeds of peace.”

Beth Fisher-Yoshida, Program Director & Professor of Practice, Columbia University SPS

“We don’t need to work alone. By practicing love and sharing the message
‘You are not alone,’ we can cooperate with many others.”

Gabriella Sorrentino, Rhodes Scholar1,United States Military Academy at West Point

1 Recipient of the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship, granting full funding
for a two-year master’s degree at the University of Oxford.

Session 2

Stable Environments as the Foundation of Peace
WeLoveU Hosts the Global Peace Forum at UN Headquarters
(From left) Moderator, Emilie McGlone, Dr. Vincent Intondi, Jon Bowermaster

The second panel discussion addressed the importance of
environmental protection in building a more peaceful world.

🎯 Highlights From the Panel Discussion

“Achieving the SDGs requires structures that empower youth
and communities to take part directly and expand their impact.”

Emilie McGlone, Director, Peace Boat US

“Protecting our oceans is not only about the environment—it is essential
for humanity itself. Safeguarding marine ecosystems
is the starting point of peace. The ocean is our future.”

Jon Bowermaster, Director of the Oceans 8 Project and Journalist

“True change begins with passion. If we care deeply and act,
even the smallest step can lead to meaningful transformation.”

Vincent Intondi, Nuclear Disarmament Scholar & Historian

Session 3

From Home to the World: A Mother’s Love Leads to Peace
WeLoveU Hosts the Global Peace Forum at UN Headquarters
(From left) Moderator, Hon. Kathie Davidson, Tania Kinsella, Hitonori Nakao

The final session examined how the nurturing love of mothers can become
a powerful force for peace, security, and sustainable economies,
extending its influence into governance, public service, and finance.

🎯 Highlights From the Panel Discussion

“Peace is not something you meditate on
—you have to fight for it and get up every day.
From my childhood, my mother gave me the strength
and drive to show that peace begins at home.”

Kathy Davidson, Dean, New York State Judicial Institute

“My leadership in building peace has always been inspired
by my mother’s example. Community peace is rooted in that love.”

Tania Kinsella, First Deputy Commissioner, NYPD

“The foundation of my ethical approach to finance was laid in my childhood
through my mother’s teachings. Even in finance, peace can be realized.”

Hitonori Nakao, Vice President, Climate Credit Risk Management, HSBC

Participants noted that the forum offered guidance for global citizens
in a time of escalating conflict. They emphasized that the forum
was meaningful in engaging youth and uniting diverse expertise
to raise awareness of global peace and discuss solutions.

Building Partnerships for Global Peace

The reception following the forum provided an opportunity to highlight
WeLoveU’s ongoing initiatives and the vital role of partnerships.
Participants expressed deep agreement with the sustainability of
WeLoveU’s work and pledged to collaborate for global peace.

“I was touched by the story of how childhood experiences and a mother’s example shaped a panelist’s success. As a mother of two, I often worry about my children’s future. Today’s forum inspired me to begin with myself and work to influence my community in a positive way.”

Natalie Starr, Author

“I was amazed to see young people addressing international issues. I plan to share this with my team at FBI Houston, and I thought it would be great to collaborate. This gave me confidence that partnerships with nonprofits can drive real change.”

Torrence White, Supervisory Special Agent, FBI Houston

“I studied finance and sustainability in business school, but having the chance to discuss it directly in a panel was especially meaningful. I realized how important it is to ensure funds do not flow to those connected with crime.”

Avery Tussi Mahan, Consultant, Fair Value Measurement & Advisory, FTI Consulting

“My research focuses on peacebuilding, so it was very meaningful to gather with others who care about peace, to collaborate, and share resources. I hope many more people will join in so that together we can build a more peaceful world.”

Juan Camilo Lopez, Professor, Columbia University

The more fragile global peace becomes, the more we must act with love
toward our neighbors and work to resolve conflicts wherever we are.

Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first Black president
and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, once said,
“Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.”
Each act of peace, no matter how small, is a courageous choice.
The courage to love our neighbors may seem simple, but it brings
warmth to the world and ultimately paves the way for lasting peace.

The International WeLoveU Foundation remains committed
to the journey of building a peaceful world
where all people live in harmony.
From small changes to great transformations,
WeLoveU will continue to practice love in action until that day arrives.