'THIS is what our world needs today,' says Genie, 20, a student delegate for the recently held Global Peace Festival. 'The event helped us gain a holistic understanding of the issues we are facing today and a proactive mindset of how we can help flourish change in our own actions. After all, it is us, the youth, who will inherit the world.'

Genie is just one of over 15,000 Global Peace Advocates who gathered at the Global Peace Festival held in Clark, Pampanga from December 1 to 3.

Participants enjoyed a weekend of informative sessions, insightful discussions, and engaging activities which Genie found both useful and inspiring. 'Events like this ... where thousands of peace advocates gather are so rare ... that when you experience it for yourself ... the learnings you acquired will keep you pushing for change wherever field you opt to go in the future,' she says.

Delegates like Genie also enjoyed performances by local acts Bini and Autotelic. Korean pop group Kard also graced the event with a performance of their hit songs.

The participants include Philippine delegates and international multi-sector participants who are peace practitioners and experts, educators, student and youth leaders, religious leaders, civil society leaders, government stakeholders, NGOs, school administrators, and media representatives.

Carrying the theme 'One Family Under God: A vision for a world of freedom and peace,' various experts in government, corporate, NGO, and civil society partners address critical issues, aiming to develop innovative solutions in key strategic areas, including peacebuilding, youth leadership development, education, volunteerism and community-driven development.