GPF focuses on three areas of endeavor: interfaith partnerships, strengthening marriage and family, and fostering a culture of service. Together interfaith, family and service form the trifold platform of GPF, like the legs of a tripod providing essential elements and a balanced approach for effective peace-building. These three “pillars” are imbedded into all GPF-related programs.

Interfaith Partnerships

We live in an unsettled world. At times, mere differences in perspectives can lead to devastating conflict. Therefore, rather than dwelling on the doctrinal differences among religions, GPF focuses on the essential principles that are affirmed by all major faith traditions. The true interfaith experience is rooted in the universal principles, values and aspirations that bind all people together as one family.

GPF promotes interfaith partnership and collaboration based on the common purpose to serve the greater good. GPF encourages mutual respect, constructive dialogue and joint action inclusive of all cultures and traditions as essential components to peace building.

Strengthening the Family

The family is the most fundamental human institution. The family has been called the “school of love and peace”, because it is in the family that individuals learn lessons of love and interdependence. The lessons of love and relationship learned in the family should be extended to all humanity in its richness and diversity.

The GPF sees “family” as the immediate three-generational family we grow up in, as well as the global family that includes all people from all nations. The “three generational family” is our first social environment that includes grandparents, parents and children. Ideally it is in the extended family that we grow and learn to relate with people of diverse personalities, with the family bond being more essential and enduring than differences or disagreements.

All people – regardless of culture, nationality, religion, race or ethnicity - are members of one human family created by God, the ultimate reality. Through understanding and acknowledging this essential common identity for all people, we lay the foundation for transcending differences and resolving conflicts.

Culture of Service

Service is the essential building block of peace

Serving others is not only an expression of care and concern for others, but can also be a transformative experience for those who serve. Service builds character and helps to engender one’s ability to love and respect others. Therefore, the Global Peace Festival promotes volunteerism and the lifestyle of service as the best way to substantiate the vision of One Family Under God.