Every generation faces a defining question. For today’s youth, it might be this: Can we still choose unity in a world divided by conflict?

GPY Camp goes to Gyeongbok Palace to learn about Korean culture.

We often look to leaders or governments for answers, but maybe the most honest insights come from those quietly living the question. In conversations with young people, from Korea to Costa Rica, from campus halls to the edges of the DMZ, a deeper truth emerged: unity and peace are in the everyday choices we make to listen, to serve, to care. These voices don’t claim to have all the answers. But in their stories, you’ll hear something unmistakable: a generation searching for meaning, for connection, and for a kind of peace that starts close to home and in everyday life. They see unity and peace as essentials for their community, country, and even for a divided Korea, which they’ve come to care deeply about.

Global Peace Foundation had these meaningful conversations with the participants gathered during the 2024 International Forum on One Korea. These voices offer more than opinions; they share honest, emotional, and, at times, unexpected lived experiences. Whether Korean or not, each story reveals how the dream of peace and unity has taken root deeply in hearts around the world.

One such voice is Ryoto from Costa Rica, a participant in the Korean Dream Crew. Inspired by the idea of Hongik Ingan, meaning “for the benefit of mankind,” he reflected on his parents, who “try to serve every day to other people,” and how it was meant for him to be “interested in volunteer work and the vision of living for the benefit of all mankind.” He also expressed how a service mindset is important in a community that expands to nations and the world.

On the issue of Korean division, he said, “Splitting one original nation is very sad and unfortunate,” and expressed his support for unification: “I believe it is a great example of reminding and uniting people based on common shared values and shared identity. That’s why I think reunification is very important as a great example for the world.”

Youth in the Philippines show their support for One Korea.

Sanoat from Tajikistan, also a participant in the Korean Dream Crew, came to Korea for her graduate studies in sustainable development and is interested in South Korea’s transformation from poverty to prosperity in a very short time. She spoke of the powerful idea that inspired her: One Family under God, which looks at all humanity as one, despite our differences. She added, “Just being kind to each other, no matter what the background is. Being kind to each other and spreading love can do so much more than we can imagine.”

From India, Shreya shared her journey into the Korean Dream Crew and the opportunities it opened, including forums, the Unification Academy, and the United Nations. She is inspired by the unwavering hope of Koreans for reunification. “I think Korea was just a victim of agendas of two different countries with two different ideas,” she said, reflecting on the history. She believes that a unified Korea would not only be a powerhouse economically but also inspire countries like India and Pakistan, with a history of partition, to work towards reconciliation and peace.

Naomi from the USA shared that she came to Korea to be a part of the Korean Dream and the grand march for a unified Korea. The event at the DMZ moved her deeply, knowing that North Korean soldiers could hear their message. “What was really moving to me were the stories from North Korean escapees,” she shared. “They had to endure so much hardship, and yet, they still have the strength to be there, so close to their suffering past—from a country they still love—and they miss their family. But they wanted their voices to be heard to help free others left behind.”

Social media booths set up for participants to show support for One Korea

Naomi reflected, “Peace means being understood and feeling comfortable to express who I am and being around people who care about me, being around my family, and being in that safe place.” She practices peace by striving to listen and understand others, admitting that it is an ongoing and sometimes difficult process. “It’s really important to just listen,” she said, and explained how oftentimes, instead of understanding and listening to others, people tend to push their own ideas and views. Showing her support for One Korea, Naomi stressed that Korean unification should matter to everyone, as it is about “having inalienable rights” for all people. She added, “ People in North Korea don’t have that right. No matter where you are in the world, you should be able to have that. You should be able to take care of your family and believe what you believe in…It’s an issue for everyone and not just the Korean people.”

These reflections carry more than just personal statements. They carry hope, efforts, and a quiet determination for peace at a time when differences and conflict have torn the world apart. In their voices, we hear the beginnings of something transformative. We hear conviction shaped by service and empathy, a testament of the enduring human spirit that seeks connection even in the most divided of times.

As the Global Peace Foundation continues its peacebuilding work, especially through the One Korea Global Campaign, these voices act as fuel to move forward and reaffirm GPF’s commitment to work for the benefit of all humankind. We are indeed One Family under God.