We are proud to announce the successful completion of the first annual Global Peace Convention held in Manila, Philippines from December 10 – 14, 2009. Hundreds of committed leaders and peacemakers from twenty-eight nations and six continents gathered together to share wisdom and best practices and to launch the Global Peace Festivals of 2010. Twenty-seven conference sessions were held over three days, with a fourth day devoted to a trip to the island of Mindanao in the south of the Philippines to observe and experience the local peace projects of that region.

Two especially noteworthy initiatives that came to the fore during the convention were the Mindanao Peace Initiative (MinPI) and the launching of a global service initiative. MinPI brings together Filipino educators, politicians, celebrities, and other leaders to bring an end to the history of conflict in that particular region. The initiative was featured in a conference session and experienced first-hand by convention participants during a one-day trip to Mindanao. International leaders in service, volunteering, and philanthropy launched a global initiative to break down the barriers of race, religion, and culture through service. The Global Peace Service Alliance will serve as an international networking hub for service activities and partnerships in 2010 and beyond.