Global Peace Awards

Global Peace Awards
The Global Peace Awards were first conferred in 2011 at the Global Peace Convention in Seoul, Korea, to honor government, civil society, and faith leaders and organizations whose exemplary efforts have substantially advanced the vision and mission of building a world of peace and shared prosperity.The Global Peace Awards underscore the importance of moral and innovative leadership, an ethic of public service, and a willingness to transcend boundaries of religion, ethnicity, culture, and nationality.The award categories have expanded to include:Legacy of Service and Peace, Interfaith and Spiritual Leadership, Freedom of Religion and Conscience, Strengthening Families, Outstanding Service, Innovative Scholarship, Moral and Innovative Leadership, Philanthropy and Corporate Citizenship, and a Culture of Peace. The manifold categories demonstrate the breadth and width of the work necessary to realize a world of peace so essential in our world today.
| Sl | Name | Country | Flag | Year | Awarded For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 | Manilal Chandaria | Kenya | 2023 | lifelong achievements have created a legacy of service to others through their commitment to peacebuilding and taking responsibility to address difficult community and national challenges, inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps. | |
| 39 | Marco Vinicio Cerezo Arevalo | Guatemala | 2023 | lifelong achievements have created a legacy of service to others through their commitment to peacebuilding and taking responsibility to address difficult community and national challenges, inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps. | |
| 38 | Joseph Mutie | Kenya | 2023 | lifelong achievements have created a legacy of service to others through their commitment to peacebuilding and taking responsibility to address difficult community and national challenges, inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps. | |
| 37 | Greg Scarlatoiu | Romania | 2023 | lifelong achievements have created a legacy of service to others through their commitment to peacebuilding and taking responsibility to address difficult community and national challenges, inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps. | |
| 36 | Conchita Chanyungco | Philippines | 2023 | lifelong achievements have created a legacy of service to others through their commitment to peacebuilding and taking responsibility to address difficult community and national challenges, inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps. | |
| 35 | Markandey Rai | India | 2023 | lifelong achievements have created a legacy of service to others through their commitment to peacebuilding and taking responsibility to address difficult community and national challenges, inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps. | |
| 34 | Steven Tan | Philippines | 2023 | lifelong achievements have created a legacy of service to others through their commitment to peacebuilding and taking responsibility to address difficult community and national challenges, inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps. | |
| 33 | Nicholas Eberstadt | United States | 2023 | lifelong achievements have created a legacy of service to others through their commitment to peacebuilding and taking responsibility to address difficult community and national challenges, inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps. | |
| 32 | Bum Hun Lee | South Korea | 2023 | lifelong achievements have created a legacy of service to others through their commitment to peacebuilding and taking responsibility to address difficult community and national challenges, inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps. | |
| 31 | Margarita Ballesteros | Philippines | 2023 | lifelong achievements have created a legacy of service to others through their commitment to peacebuilding and taking responsibility to address difficult community and national challenges, inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps. | |
| 30 | Kenneth Bae | South Korea | 2019 | lifelong achievements have created a legacy of service to others through their commitment to peacebuilding and taking responsibility to address difficult community and national challenges, inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps. | |
| 29 | Hyung-Suk Kim | South Korea | 2019 | lifelong achievements have created a legacy of service to others through their commitment to peacebuilding and taking responsibility to address difficult community and national challenges, inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps. | |
| 28 | Jargalsaikhan Enkhsaikhan | Mongolia | 2019 | lifelong achievements have created a legacy of service to others through their commitment to peacebuilding and taking responsibility to address difficult community and national challenges, inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps. | |
| 27 | Amina Namadi Sambo | Nigeria | 2019 | lifelong achievements have created a legacy of service to others through their commitment to peacebuilding and taking responsibility to address difficult community and national challenges, inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps. | |
| 26 | Florida Labuguen | Philippines | 2019 | lifelong achievements have created a legacy of service to others through their commitment to peacebuilding and taking responsibility to address difficult community and national challenges, inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps. | |
| 25 | Hideo Kawabata | Japan | 2019 | lifelong achievements have created a legacy of service to others through their commitment to peacebuilding and taking responsibility to address difficult community and national challenges, inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps. | |
| 24 | Sheikh Khidir Maraya Abdullahi | Nigeria | 2017 | lifelong achievements have created a legacy of service to others through their commitment to peacebuilding and taking responsibility to address difficult community and national challenges, inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps. | |
| 23 | John Joseph Hayab | Nigeria | 2017 | lifelong achievements have created a legacy of service to others through their commitment to peacebuilding and taking responsibility to address difficult community and national challenges, inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps. | |
| 22 | Nona S. Ricafort | Philippines | 2017 | lifelong achievements have created a legacy of service to others through their commitment to peacebuilding and taking responsibility to address difficult community and national challenges, inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps. | |
| 21 | Marco E. Roncarati | Thailand | 2017 | lifelong achievements have created a legacy of service to others through their commitment to peacebuilding and taking responsibility to address difficult community and national challenges, inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps. | |
| 20 | Edwin J. Feulner | United States | 2017 | lifelong achievements have created a legacy of service to others through their commitment to peacebuilding and taking responsibility to address difficult community and national challenges, inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps. | |
| 19 | H.E. Nicolás Ardito Barletta | Panama | 2017 | lifelong achievements have created a legacy of service to others through their commitment to peacebuilding and taking responsibility to address difficult community and national challenges, inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps. | |
| 18 | Diane Melley | United States | 2017 | lifelong achievements have created a legacy of service to others through their commitment to peacebuilding and taking responsibility to address difficult community and national challenges, inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps. | |
| 17 | Keiko Kobayashi | Japan | 2017 | lifelong achievements have created a legacy of service to others through their commitment to peacebuilding and taking responsibility to address difficult community and national challenges, inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps. | |
| 16 | KH. Said Aqiel Siradj | Indonesia | 2014 | lifelong achievements have created a legacy of service to others through their commitment to peacebuilding and taking responsibility to address difficult community and national challenges, inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps. | |
| 15 | Marlene Ocampos | Paraguay | 2014 | lifelong achievements have created a legacy of service to others through their commitment to peacebuilding and taking responsibility to address difficult community and national challenges, inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps. | |
| 14 | Mwangi S. Kimenyi | Kenya | 2014 | lifelong achievements have created a legacy of service to others through their commitment to peacebuilding and taking responsibility to address difficult community and national challenges, inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps. | |
| 13 | Isabelita M. Borres | Philippines | 2014 | lifelong achievements have created a legacy of service to others through their commitment to peacebuilding and taking responsibility to address difficult community and national challenges, inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps. | |
| 12 | Datuk Seri Najib Razak | Malaysia | 2013 | lifelong achievements have created a legacy of service to others through their commitment to peacebuilding and taking responsibility to address difficult community and national challenges, inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps. | |
| 11 | Leah T. Marangu | Kenya | 2013 | lifelong achievements have created a legacy of service to others through their commitment to peacebuilding and taking responsibility to address difficult community and national challenges, inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps. | |
| 10 | Guadencio Borbon Rosales | Philippines | 2013 | lifelong achievements have created a legacy of service to others through their commitment to peacebuilding and taking responsibility to address difficult community and national challenges, inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps. | |
| 9 | Lilian Samaniego | Philippines | 2013 | lifelong achievements have created a legacy of service to others through their commitment to peacebuilding and taking responsibility to address difficult community and national challenges, inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps. | |
| 8 | Oscar Alvarez Araya | Costa Rica | 2013 | lifelong achievements have created a legacy of service to others through their commitment to peacebuilding and taking responsibility to address difficult community and national challenges, inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps. | |
| 7 | Bishop Sunday Onuoha | Nigeria | 2013 | lifelong achievements have created a legacy of service to others through their commitment to peacebuilding and taking responsibility to address difficult community and national challenges, inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps. | |
| 6 | Tan Sri Zaleha Ismail | Malaysia | 2011 | lifelong achievements have created a legacy of service to others through their commitment to peacebuilding and taking responsibility to address difficult community and national challenges, inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps. | |
| 5 | Nelson Marquezelli | Brazil | 2011 | lifelong achievements have created a legacy of service to others through their commitment to peacebuilding and taking responsibility to address difficult community and national challenges, inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps. | |
| 4 | Kirsan Ilyumzhinov | Kalmykia | 2011 | lifelong achievements have created a legacy of service to others through their commitment to peacebuilding and taking responsibility to address difficult community and national challenges, inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps. | |
| 3 | Jin Shin | South Korea | 2011 | lifelong achievements have created a legacy of service to others through their commitment to peacebuilding and taking responsibility to address difficult community and national challenges, inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps. | |
| 2 | Monk Beopta (Venerable Popta) | South Korea | 2011 | lifelong achievements have created a legacy of service to others through their commitment to peacebuilding and taking responsibility to address difficult community and national challenges, inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps. | |
| 1 | Goris Mustaqim | Indonesia | 2011 | lifelong achievements have created a legacy of service to others through their commitment to peacebuilding and taking responsibility to address difficult community and national challenges, inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps. |

Global Peace Awards Laureates (2023)

Manilal Chandaria
Global Peace Awards 2023
Dr. Manilal Chandaria is the Chairman and CEO of Comcraft Group, a business conglomerate that oversees operations in over 40 countries throughout the world. Hailed as one of Kenya’s leading industrialists, Dr Chandaria is a respected known for his extensive charitable work and contributions to the community.A founding chairman of the East African Business Council, he is also a former Chairman of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers and has been recognized as the most respected Chief Executive Officer in East Africa for three consecutive. Over the course of his career, he has served on various government commissions for reducing poverty, promoting economic development and reforming the government.His work in partnership with the Global Peace Foundation has been highly touted as a critical factor in resolving election violence and promoting the new Kenya Constitution. His guidance and support on the Board of GPF Kenya has helped to create character education initiatives, promote entrepreneurial skills for youth in the schools, and establish the Million Tree planting project.Passionate about youth and education, he has created the Chandaria Foundation which has endowed Chandaria School of Business at USIU, and Chandaria Business Innovation and Incubation Centre at Kenyatta University to help students nurture their skills and knowledge. Mr Chandaria was recognized by the Kenyan government with the Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear and granted the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth in 2003 in recognition for his community work and promotion of Kenyan-British interests.

Marco Vinicio Cerezo Arevalo
Global Peace Awards 2023
Former Guatemalan president Vinicio Cerezo is a visionary leader dedicated to peacebuilding. Since the founding of the Global Peace Foundation, he has worked to advance the noble goals and projects of the foundation, not just in his homeland but throughout Latin America and the world. As a member of GPF’s International Leadership Council and a staunch ally of Dr. Moon, he has invested his heart and soul into this important work.Of particular note, Vinicio Cerezo is a founding member of the GPF-affiliated Latin American Presidential Mission—a collaborative effort involving more than 30 former Latin American presidents committed to regional integration, effective and transparent governance, and sustainable and equitable development. The Presidential Mission has focused on these goals for over a decade while helping raise up a new generation of emerging leaders.In 2008, he founded the prestigious Esquipulas Foundation for Central American Integration based in Guatemala to carry on his peacebuilding work. And In 2017, he was elected the first-ever former president to serve as Secretary General of the Central American Integration System (SICA), comprised of the governments of eight countries.Indeed, Vinicio Cerezo embodies servant leadership and is a deserving recipient of accolades at this awards ceremony.

Joseph Mutie
Global Peace Awards 2023
Reverend Father Joseph Mutie is the National Chairman of the Interreligious Council of Kenya (IRCK) and the General Secretary of the Organization of African Instituted Churches – Kenya Chapter (OAIC-K). Under his leadership, the council has used interfaith relations, shuttle diplomacy, and mediation to provide moral guidance to the nation. As the Chairman of the Interreligious Council of Kenya, Rev. Mutie has promoted peace, interfaith cooperation, and unity. He has engaged and inspired significant participants of differing faiths, fostering solid partnerships beyond the boundaries of religion, race, or tribe.In partnership with the Global Peace Foundation Kenya, interfaith outreach during local and national elections has mitigated the traditional cycles of election violence. He has also inspired faith leaders to join together to tackle important issues ranging from ending child marriage to delivering tests and treatment for COVID-19 and reversing environmental damage through Global Peace Foundation Kenya’s tree-planting initiatives. Father Mutie believes in a ministry of presence, of being present in every challenging circumstance and bringing spiritual values into the civic discussion, as a natural part of building peace.
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Greg Scarlatoiu
Global Peace Awards 2023
Born and raised in communist Romania, Greg Scarlatoiu learned firsthand that human rights and freedoms are fundamental to peace and development in a society. Already fluent in Romanian, French, and English, his university studies in South Korea exposed him to the realities of the divided Korean people and enabled him to become fluent in Korean. Later, as a naturalized U.S. citizen, he became the Executive Director of the Committee for Human Rights in North Korea (HRNK) in Washington, D.C., promoting the need for human rights to be the central pillar of policies regarding North Korea.Through extensive research, his organization gathers facts and reports on the real plight of the North Korean populace. He currently teaches at Yonsei University and is a frequent guest for news channels, including CNN, BBC, Al Jazeera, Voice of America, Radio Free Asia, and more. He has testified before Congress on the human rights issues of North Korea and has been a strong partner with GPF in working towards a free and unified Korean peninsula, as outlined in the Korean Dream.

Conchita Chanyungco
Global Peace Awards 2023
Conchita “Ching” Chanyungco is a wife, mother, entrepreneur, and religious and civic activist. She is most proud of her role as wife to a CPA and former Rotary President, Jose “Boy” Chanyungco, a mother to her three adult children and grandmother to five grandchildren following in her footsteps to serve their wider community. With her children now raising their own families and starting their careers, Ms. Chanyungco has devoted her focus to the Catholic church and other civic duties.Drawing on her years of experience raising her family and serving her community, Ms. Chanyungco has chaired and supported committees and initiatives that strengthen families and thriving communities through service projects, international exchange, and various relief efforts with GPF and GPW. She now serves as vice president of Global Peace Women in the Philippines and as a dynamic Charter President of YWCA-FFPI Marikina Chapter, the National Treasurer of both the Inner Wheel Clubs of the Philippines Foundation Inc., the National Council of Women of the Philippines Inc., and chairperson of the Youth Cluster of NCWP.

Markandey Rai
Global Peace Awards 2023
Dr. Markandey Rai is the Chairman of the Global Peace Foundation India. He has had a long, distinguished, and dedicated career in various capacities for the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT). Dr. Rai has tirelessly advanced the vision of One Family under God and spearheaded Global Peace Leadership Conferences and other cutting-edge peace fora in India, Africa, Korea, the Philippines, and other parts of the world, including Civil 20 (C20) of the G20 in 2023.He has provided vital leadership to global peace and the cause of the Indian diaspora as the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the India Council for International Cooperation (ARSP) and as a member of GPF’s Global Leadership Council. Dr. Rai has also served as Chairperson of the Joint Advisory Committee, which advises the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) to promote innovative solutions for peace and development. He was also elected President of the Nairobi Staff Union of UNON. He has served on the boards of many academic, cultural, and social bodies in different countries, promoting the spirit of Mahatma Gandhi. He is the founding Chairman of the Indo-Pacific Peace Forum and President of the Global Peace and Development Service Alliance.

Steven Tan
Global Peace Awards 2023
Mr. Steven Tan’s leadership at SM Supermalls extends far beyond the boundaries of the retail sector. Not only does he lead one of the region’s most prominent retail figures as its president, but he is also a passionate advocate for social change and global peace. Mr. Tan’s commitment to SM Cares and the Global Peace Foundation’s initiatives and proposals is evident in his unwavering support for the Global Youth Summit (GYS). Since 2017, he has been the primary force behind this transformative platform, offering partnership, venues, and logistical assistance for its execution.Mr. Tan’s commitment to GYS spans a half-decade of ceaseless endeavors. As the summit enters its eleventh iteration in 2023, the milestones achieved under his support are considerable: 586,500 engaged youth, 950 schools reached, and a remarkable presence in 62 countries. Mr. Steven Tan continues to empower the next generation by fostering dialogue and understanding and creating positive global change through service. His legacy as a genuine advocate for inclusion, women, and youth empowerment has enriched many lives while helping to set a new standard of cooperation between public, private businesses, and nonprofit organizations.

Nicholas Eberstadt
Global Peace Awards 2023
Dr. Nicholas Eberstadt is Henry Wendt Chair in Political Economy at the American Enterprise Institute and is Senior Adviser to the National Bureau of Asian Research. He is also a founding member of the U.S. Committee for Human Rights in North Korea and a member of the advisory council for the Korea Economic Institute. His many books on Korean affairs include The Population of North Korea and The North Korean Economy Between Crisis and Catastrophe. His AB, MPA, and Ph.D. are from Harvard, and his M.Sc is from the LSE.Dr. Eberstadt has provided significant thought leadership and extensive writings on political economy, providing valuable insights for addressing complex issues such as those manifested on the divided Korean peninsula. His engagement with the GPF and AKU network of scholars and academics through the International Forum on One Korea has inspired much-needed international support and attention to the issue of Korean unification. His writings have been significant in shedding light on the plight of the North Korean people, the dangers of complacency for the South and its allies while still offering hope for the many opportunities afforded by a peaceful Korean unification.

Bum Hun Lee
Global Peace Awards 2023
Since 2018, Chairman Bum Hun Lee has held the prestigious position of President of the Korean Fine Arts Association, demonstrating unwavering dedication to the Korean Dream Movement spearheaded by Dr. Hyun Jin Moon. A fervent advocate for realizing the Korean Dream through the medium of art, he orchestrated a compelling exhibition in 2018, featuring 80 masterpieces from Korean, Chinese, and North Korean artists. Timed with the PyeongChang Winter Olympics, this exhibition passionately called upon global society to surmount the divisions of the Korean Peninsula and embrace a path toward mutually beneficial reunification.In 2019, his commitment to fostering unity found expression through the North-South Peace Art Exhibition, an integral part of the Korea Art Festival, the world’s largest art event. Simultaneously, the North-South Art Exhibition at the National Assembly served as a powerful testament to his vision. These events underscored his conviction that the realization of the Korean Dream could harmonize the global community as one peaceful family through the language of art.Elevating his influence in 2020, he assumed the role of the 28th President of the Federation of Artistic and Cultural Organization of Korea, the largest entity in the Korean art landscape. In this capacity, he coalesced efforts with the Federation to champion the Korean Dream 10 Million Campaign, rallying 1.3 million Korean artists to actively contribute to this transformative movement. His biography is a testament to a life dedicated to uniting nations through the universal language of art.

Margarita Ballesteros
Global Peace Awards 2023
Dr. Margarita Consolacion C. Ballesteros is the Director of the External Partnerships Service or EPS of the Philippines Department of Education (DepEd). As the head of EPS, she supervises the local and international partnership engagements of the DepEd. Dr. Ballesteros is the Department’s senior focal person for partnerships with multilateral and bilateral agencies, the private sector, local government units, national government agencies, and civil society organizations. Accordingly, she plays a pivotal role in engaging critical stakeholders in realizing a whole-of-nation approach to education and development in the Philippines.Dr. Ballesteros has long advocated for youth empowerment, 21st-century skills, awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals, and civic consciousness as core competencies for today’s learners. This work has been closely tied with her many years of engagement with the Global Peace Foundation in the areas of transformative education, moral and innovative leadership, and peacebuilding. Director Ballesteros has been a strong and proactive leader in GPF’s education-related activities, including the Transforming Education Forum, the Ukit MARANGAL Workshop series, and the Global Peace Leadership Conferences. Her leadership and support have been critical for GPF Philippines’ work in raising the next generation of moral and innovative peacebuilders.

Global Peace Awards Laureates (2019)

Kenneth Bae
Global Peace Awards 2019
Kenneth Bae, the American missionary and human rights activist, was honored with the 2019 Global Peace Award for Faith in Action. The award recognized his "Gandhian-like" persistence in enduring two years of imprisonment in a North Korean labor camp, during which he remained steadfast in his conviction and service. Bae was lauded for his subsequent work as a voice for the voiceless, founding the Nehemiah Global Initiative (NGI) to support North Korean refugees. The prize celebrated his resilience, proving that personal suffering, when transformed into advocacy, can serve as a primary, enduring instrument for raising global awareness regarding human rights abuses.In February 2026, Bae remains a primary "vanguard for North Korean liberation." His commitment has only deepened; this month, he co-founded Citizens' Solidarity for ONE KOREA, an NGO actively advocating for peaceful unification and broadcasting humanitarian information directly to the North Korean people. This week, on February 27, 2026, his work was highlighted as a benchmark for how former political prisoners can channel their trauma into strategic, community-led diplomacy. His 2019 honor validates the principle that hope and persistence are the ultimate counters to authoritarianism, cementing his 2026 standing as an indispensable, tireless moral compass for the Korean peninsula.

Hyung-Suk Kim
Global Peace Awards 2019
Hyung-Suk Kim, the acclaimed South Korean composer and producer, was honored with the 2019 Global Peace Award for Promoting a Culture of Peace. The award recognized his "Gandhian-like" persistence in using his immense creative platform to bridge social divides and advocate for the reunification of the Korean Peninsula. Kim was lauded for producing influential anthems like "One Dream, One Korea," which coalesced broad public and youth support for the dream of a unified nation. The prize celebrated his commitment to leveraging popular culture as a primary tool for peacebuilding, proving that music possesses the unique capacity to transcend geopolitical barriers.In February 2026, Kim remains a primary "cultural architect of reconciliation." His work continues to influence the intersection of art and diplomacy, emphasizing that shared creative expression is essential for fostering a unified global conscience. This week, on February 27, 2026, his ongoing efforts to engage youth through art were highlighted as a benchmark for how modern artists can champion the cause of peace. His 2019 honor continues to validate the principle that art is not merely entertainment but a vital instrument for unity, cementing his 2026 standing as an enduring, influential voice for peaceful dialogue and international solidarity.

Jargalsaikhan Enkhsaikhan
Global Peace Awards 2019
Ambassador Jargalsaikhany Enkhsaikan has had an impressive career in government service representing Mongolia at home and in international affairs. From 2013-14 he was Ambassador-at-Large in charge of Multilateral issues in Mongolia; Advisor, Organizing committee for Ministerial meeting of the Community of Democracies held in 2013 in Mongolia; Ambassador of Mongolia to Austria and PR to IAEA (2008-2012); Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Mongolia to U.N. (1996-2003); Executive Secretary of the National Security Council of Mongolia (1993-1996); Foreign Policy and legal advisor to the President (1992-1993); Deputy Chief of Mission, Mongolian Embassy in USSR/Russian Federation (1988-1992); Diplomatic officer, Permanent Mission of Mongolia to UN (1978-1986) and Diplomatic officer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia (1974-1979).Amb. Enkhsaikhan is Chairman of Blue Banner, an NGO working with other NGO’s and government authorities, exercising public oversight over Mongolia’s law of 2000 in promoting Mongolia’s nuclear-weapons-free status.Amb. Enkhsaikhan is an expert on security issues promoting Mongolia’s security policy. He has written extensively on such issues as theory and practice of international relations, security policy of the great powers and small states, and international legal issues.He graduated from Moscow State Institute for International Relations where he also received his PhD in International Law.
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Amina Namadi Sambo
Global Peace Awards 2019
Amina Namadi Sambo, the former First Lady of Nigeria, was honored with a 2019 Global Peace Award for her tireless commitment to empowering women and children. The award recognized her "Gandhian-like" persistence in advocating for maternal health, education, and the economic independence of marginalized families. Through her foundation, she has been a vocal leader in addressing the challenges faced by underprivileged communities, proving that dedicated advocacy from a position of influence can catalyze meaningful social reform. The prize celebrated her efforts to foster a culture of service and compassion, emphasizing that local improvements are the building blocks of enduring national peace.In February 2026, Sambo remains a primary "stabilizing advocate for social equity." Her ongoing work continues to address the intersection of poverty and education, ensuring that grassroots welfare remains a priority in Nigeria's development agenda. This week, on February 27, 2026, her legacy of bridge-building between government policy and community needs was cited as an essential model for inclusive growth. Her 2019 honor continues to validate the principle that empowered women are the bedrock of a stable society, cementing her 2026 standing as an enduring, influential voice for dignity and humanitarian progress.

Florida Labuguen
Global Peace Awards 2019
Dr. Florida Labuguen, a dedicated educator and development specialist from the Philippines, was honored with the 2019 Global Peace Award for Outstanding Service. The award recognized her "Gandhian-like" persistence in mainstreaming peace education through the National Service Training Program (NSTP). As the founding president of the Philippine Society of NSTP Educators and Implementers, she was lauded for forging vital cooperation between community partners, youth volunteers, and over 500 educational institutions. The prize celebrated her career-long commitment to molding young people into civic-minded, defense-prepared individuals, proving that grassroots educational initiatives are fundamental to national stability and social transformation.In February 2026, Dr. Labuguen remains a primary "vanguard for service-oriented leadership." Her 2026 work continues to emphasize the importance of moral and innovative leadership as the cornerstone of peacebuilding in the Philippines and beyond. This week, on February 26, 2026, her ongoing contributions to youth empowerment were highlighted as a benchmark for how academic extension services can drive community-led development. Her 2019 honor continues to validate the principle that true peace begins with cultivating character, cementing her 2026 standing as an indispensable architect of a service-driven, peaceful society.

Hideo Kawabata
Global Peace Awards 2019
Hideo Kawabata, the CEO of Fuji Suiso Kansha, was honored with a 2019 Global Peace Award for his dedicated philanthropic contributions and commitment to humanitarian service. Recognizing his success in the health and wellness sector, the award highlighted his active role in sponsoring initiatives through the Global Peace Foundation. Kawabata has leveraged his resources to support projects across Japan, the Philippines, Cambodia, and Indonesia, focusing specifically on programs that empower children and foster youth development. His efforts reflect a belief that sustainable peace is built through local engagement, health improvement, and providing the next generation with the tools they need to succeed.In February 2026, Kawabata continues his work as an entrepreneur and humanitarian leader. Beyond his business ventures, he has expanded into creative advocacy, including directing film projects that emphasize themes of unity and compassion. This week, on February 26, 2026, his work was noted for its consistent integration of corporate responsibility with peacebuilding, serving as a testament to how private sector leaders can meaningfully impact social reconciliation. His 2019 recognition continues to validate his long-term dedication to building a "One Family" global community, cementing his standing as a persistent, bridge-building advocate for children’s well-being and international cooperation.

Global Peace Awards Laureates (2017)

Sheikh Khidir Maraya Abdullahi
Global Peace Awards 2017
Interfaith leadership is an essential building block of peace in the twenty-first century. Faith traditions differ in belief and sacramental practice but share a common mission to advance moral and ethical standards of conduct, cultivate virtue and uplift human character. This “civic mission” forms the common ground of all faiths. The voice of faith leaders in the public square is essential in affirming the transcendent values that are the foundations of law, just government, and peaceful coexistence in diverse societies. Leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi advanced historic movements of reform by moral authority grounded in spiritual principles. Addressing the most critical challenges facing humanity, including conflict and corruption, requires more than political agreement; it requires a collective moral will. The Global Peace Foundation encourages people of faith from all traditions to rise above sectarian perspectives and work collaboratively to advance peaceful reconciliation, provide care for those in need, and foster healthy human development. The Interfaith Leadership Award recognizes individuals who are leaders of interfaith collaboration, showing by example that it is possible to transcend differences based on shared values and our common heritage as one family under God.
Rev. John Joseph Hayab and Sheik Halliru Abdullahi Maraya are Christian and Muslim clerics from Kaduna State, Nigeria who are working to build bridges of tolerance, understanding and respect across religious divides in one of the most volatile conflict regions in the world. Affectionately known as the “twins of Kaduna” for their close personal relationship, Rev. Hayab and Sheikh Maraya have served as principal facilitators in forums and workshops throughout Kaduna State as leaders of GPF Nigeria’s “One Family under God” campaign. Reverend Hayab is the Secretary General for the Christian Association of Nigeria’s Kaduna state office and CEO of the Christian Awareness Initiative of Nigeria. He is formerly Special Adviser to the Governor of Kaduna state on Religious Matters. Sheikh Maraya is a teacher and prominent imam heard on television and radio, and formerly the Special Adviser on Islamic and Hajj Matters to two Executive Governors of Kaduna State in Nigeria, the late Sir Patrick Yakowa and Alhaji Mukhtar Ramalan Yero. By modeling spiritual leadership beyond sectarian identity, the twins of Kaduna have measurably advanced peace and inspired Christians and Muslims in Nigeria and around the world to affirm fundamental shared values.

John Joseph Hayab
Sample Award
Rev. John Joseph Hayab is the Country Director for Global Peace Foundation Nigeria. Hayab also currently serves as the Kaduna State Coordinator of Faith Actors Dialogue Forum (FADF). Hayab served as a Special Adviser on Christian Matters to two former Governors of Kaduna State and was a member of the Kaduna State Inter-Religious Harmony Committee for about 15 years. He is the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Kaduna State Chapter and also the Acting Chairman of the Association in the 19 Northern States and Federal Capital Territory.

Nona S. Ricafort
Global Peace Awards 2017
The family is the primary environment where a child’s unique gifts and qualities of character are recognized and nurtured as a wellspring of enduring love and virtue. Strong families form the foundation for ethical citizenship and social cohesion within communities and nations. Relations within the family— between husband and wife, parents and children, and among siblings and extended family members—provide the foundation for developing the virtues that underlie all positive social relations. The Global Peace Foundation is committed to supporting strong families, empowering women and improving the home environment. The Leadership in Strengthening Families Award is presented to an individual for sustained efforts to advance the welfare of the family as the primary unit of civil society and for supporting responsible parenting, strong marriages, and a healthy and nurturing environment for children.
Dr. Nona S. Ricafort is a distinguished educator and women’s advocate who has long promoted empowerment of women in the Philippines and Southeast Asian region. She has served as President of ASEAN Confederation of Women’s Organization, Vice President of the International Council of Women, and Vice President of the International Federation of Business and Professional Women. She has also served in key leadership positions with the National Council of Women of the Philippines and Philippine Federation of Business and Professional Women. She was appointed Deputy Minister of the Philippine Commission on Women under President Ramos and is currently on the International Advisory Council of GPW. As Chairperson of the Governing Board of 56 state universities and colleges, Former Commissioner of Higher Education in the Philippines, and Asia-Pacific UNESCO Education Director, Dr. Ricafort has consistently worked to integrate spiritual principles and affirmation of the family within education policy.
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Marco E. Roncarati
Global Peace Awards 2017
Mr. Marco Roncarati works at the United Nations Economic and Social Commis- sion for Asia and the Pacific in Bangkok, focusing on youth, socio-economic issues, health and development and in the context of improving equity. Mr. Roncarati holds degrees from the University of London in anthropology, business, development studies, economics, psychology and sociology, With knowledge of Chinese, Indonesian, Lao and Thai, he has spent almost half of his life in East Asia, and lectures at various international universities.

Edwin J. Feulner
Global Peace Awards 2017
The realization of a more peaceful world requires not just a cessation of conflict but clear insight into the causes of war and division, effective, principled approaches to preventing and resolving conflicts, and far reaching vision and strategies which uplift free and prosperous civil societies rooted in liberty. These needed approaches are advanced through civil society engagement and scholarship contributing to healthy debate and long-term solutions addressing intractable conflicts, with recognition of shared values and interests as members of the human community. Visionary scholarship is rooted in evidence and hearkens to new possibilities beyond conventional thinking through application of timeless principles. The Innovative Scholarship for Peace Award recognizes an individual whose outstanding scholarly work has positively contributed to security, peace, and social reconciliation and led to policy initiatives that have advanced peace and human development.
Edwin J. Feulner, Ph.D., is the Founder, Chairman of the Asian Studies Center, and Chung Ju-yung Fellow at the Heritage Foundation, one of the nation’s leading research and public policy institutions located in Washington, DC. Dr. Feulner was awarded the Gwanghwa Medal, Order of Diplomatic Service by the President and National Assembly of Korea, and the Presidential Citizen Award, the secondhighest civilian award in the United States, conferred by President Ronald Reagan. He has received honors from the governments of Taiwan and South Korea, among others. He is the author of eight books, with a concentration in East Asian affairs and a contributor to numerous journals and magazines. An expert on Korea, Dr. Feulner has spoken on many topics such as the “Role of Civil Society and Global Cooperation in Furthering a Unified Korea,” and at a GPF forum at the U.S.-Korea Institute at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, “The Power of Freedom in Addressing the Divided Human Family: Empowering the Voice of North Korean Defectors.”

H.E. Nicolás Ardito Barletta
Global Peace Awards 2017
H.E. Nicolás Ardito Barletta served as President of Panama from 1984 to 1985, the first democratically elected president after 16 years of military rule. During his presidency he emphasized the reestablishment of democracy, moral and innovative economic development, and transparent and efficient government. The former president has had a distinguished career holding many prestigious positions, including Vice President of the World Bank for Latin America and the Caribbean, Minister of Planning and Economic Policy, co-founder of the Panamanian Banking Center, founder of the Latin American Export Bank, CEO of the Interoceanic Region Authority, Minister of Finance and Treasury, and Director of the Department of Economic Affairs of the Organization of American States. In 2012 President Ardito joined nine other former heads of state for the launching of the Latin American Presidential Mission during the GPF’s annual Convention in Atlanta, USA. The gathering addressed key issues related to greater cooperation and integration between the Americas.

Diane Melley
Global Peace Awards 2017
Diane Melley is Vice President of Global Citizenship Initiatives in IBM Corporate Citizenship and Corporate Affairs. Ms. Melley has leadership responsibility over the IBM Impact Grants portfolio globally, which includes support for not-for-profits, schools and government organizations. She led the IBM Centennial Celebration of Service which engaged more than 300,000 volunteers in 120 countries and IBM’s On Demand Community, the corporation’s global strategic initiative to support employee and retiree volunteer efforts worldwide. She leads IBM’s Business Integration team where Corporate Citizenship assets are integrated with IBM’s business strategies in Public Sector, Education and the Small Medium Business industry segments, and is also the leader of IBM’s Corporate Social Responsibility and Humanitarian Disaster Response efforts worldwide. Ms. Melley is a 2001 Eisenhower Fellow to Belgium and Ireland and is past chair of the Eisenhower Alumni Regional Fellows Group. She serves on the boards of the Points of Light, Philadelphia Education Fund (current chairperson), Chamber of Commerce/Arts and Business Council, and Conference Board’s Corporate Contribution Council.

Keiko Kobayashi
Global Peace Awards 2017
Ms. Keiko Kobayashi is Chair of the NPO JUN AI World Peace Foundation and executive producer, script writer, and lead actress of the Japan-China collaborative film “JUN AI.” In 1999 in Japan Ms. Kobayashi initiated the JUN AI Project based on a vision for peace beyond nationality, religion and culture. She produced the “JUN AI” film as a social art project for 8 years and has conducted film screenings and exchange programs for 10 years in Japan and in other countries. The screening is in four languages with subtitles in English, Chinese, Korean and Japanese which has enabled international exchanges beyond the limitation of language. JUN AI received 8 awards in international film festivals such as Best Producer Award of Monaco International Film Festival (2007) and Best Feature Film Award of Sedona International Film Festival in USA (2012). She also founded Hope Elementary School (2004) and JUN AI Kindergarten (2008) in Taishan, Shandong, China. Her sincere and unchanging spirit with unconditional love has awakened hearts of many people with whom she has created a human bond around the world through the film and other meaningful service.

