On February 11, a powerful question resonated in the United Nations Headquarters General Assembly Hall in New York, U.S.

“What does peace require of us today?”

The Pledge for Peace: Youth Empowerment Forum, co-hosted by the International WeLoveU Foundation and the Permanent Mission of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to the United Nations, began with this fundamental question. A total of 1,195 participants from diverse national and cultural backgrounds expressed a strong commitment to peace and shared in-depth perspectives on the role of youth in building peace in this age.

For a Global Family Where No One Is Left Behind

The forum opened with a keynote message from Zhang Gil-jah, Honorary Chairwoman of WeLoveU.

“When we truly love and serve, peace begins within us first. And then it expands to the community, to the nation, and further to the whole world.”

Chairwoman Zahng presented the “familial solidarity of all humanity” as the key to resolving the invisible pain and loneliness found throughout the world. She emphasized that love given unconditionally, just as a mother cares for her children, is the most fundamental force that makes peace possible.

Following this, the head of the WeLoveU Eastern U.S. Chapter, the Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda, and the Deputy Permanent Representative of Timor-Leste to the United Nations took the stage and shared their visions for sustainable peace.

Key Speaker Messages

“To achieve peace, our world needs the healing power of a mother’s love.”

Daniel Lee, Head of the WeLoveU Eastern U.S. Chapter

“The role of the youth generation is vital in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”

Sir Rodney Williams, Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda

“Peace is a shared responsibility, but it is also a shared opportunity to build a world where young people can contribute, thrive, and lead.”

Jesuino Alves, Deputy Permanent Representative of Timor-Leste to the United Nations

Youth as Agents of Action, Defining Peace

At the heart of the forum was a youth panel discussion. Moderated by Hariana Verás Vitória, White House correspondent to Africa, the discussion explored how young people define peace and emphasized the sense of responsibility it entails.

“To me, peace is a state in which love, rather than fear, guides us.”

Sandrine Amahoro, Product Designer and Researcher

“No one has more at stake in the future than today’s youth.”

Quinnten Silveira-Charbonnier, Systems Software Engineer

“We are not just the recipients of peace; we are also creators of peace.”

Bristol Gunderson, Corporate Counsel

Following the panel discussion, remarks that deepened the message of the event continued. Aryana Urbani from the United Nations Department of Peace Operations (UN Peacekeeping) affirmed that youth are “key partners in peace.” Rachel Frazer, WeLoveU Youth Representative, encouraged participants with the message, “Lead with dignity, act with compassion, and pass peace forward.”

Pledge for Peace: Personal Commitments Become a Promise for Humanity

The highlight of the event was the signing ceremony of the Pledge for Peace. A total of 12 key dignitaries and 929 participants pledged to practice peace in their daily lives.

At the heart of the pledge was a special promise: to achieve world peace by following the wisdom of a mother. Participants strengthened their commitment to peace by responding to the following prompt:

“My mother taught me to be a good person. Following that teaching, I will do my best to create a peaceful world.”

Dr. Denise Fernandez, President, Women Economic Forum

“My mother taught me patience. So I pledge for peace.”

Kosey, WeLoveU member

“My mother taught me the value of love. Only those with hearts full of love can create true peace.”

Jesuino Alves, Deputy Permanent Representative of Timor-Leste to the United Nations

“Beautiful News of Peace” Drawn With a Mother’s Love

The forum concluded with a cultural performance symbolizing harmony. It began with the powerful sound of traditional Korean drums, followed by the rhythm of African drums and the melody of a string quartet, creating a harmony that transcended borders. Participants sang together “Beautiful News of Peace,” the WeLoveU theme song, and pledged to become messengers of peace.

Kiara Brown, a WeLoveU member, said, “I was deeply inspired today. Peace must not remain only in words but must lead to action.” She added, “I will take action first so that peace can spread throughout the world.”

WeLoveU will continue to build sustainable peace for humanity through a mother’s love. Until a beautiful world where no one is left behind is realized, the organization will move forward with youth in strength and unity.