Advancing Peace and Unification Through Dialogue, Youth Leadership and Shared Values at Mongolia Forum 2025

By Anjali 

Meeting with Acting Ambassador and Cd Affairs of India to Mongolia Mr Sanjeev Kumar in Indian Embassy in Ulasnbaatar, Mongolia

Dr. Markandey Rai, Chairman of the Global Peace Foundation India and President of the Indo-Pacific Peace Forum, recently participated in the Mongolia Forum on Northeast Asian Peaceful Development and Korean Unification, held from June 20 to 24, 2025, in Ulaanbaatar. His presence at the forum symbolized not only India’s enduring commitment to regional peace and reconciliation but also the growing role of civil society in facilitating a new paradigm of cooperation grounded in shared values and people-led initiatives. 

The initial part of Dr. Rai’s visit was spent in the scenic outskirts of Ulaanbaatar, where a two-day retreat was held in traditional Mongolian gher accommodations. Far from formal diplomacy, this setting allowed for meaningful informal exchanges among global delegates and local youth. These conversations centered on alternative strategies for the peaceful unification of the Korean Peninsula and the socio-economic upliftment of Northeast Asia. The retreat included a series of cultural and community-building activities—most notably, traditional horse riding, storytelling, and a symbolic gathering under Korea’s principle of Hongik Ingan—"to live for the benefit of all humanity." The idea was to create a value-aligned global team, one that could work together across borders in the years to come. The retreat culminated in a group photograph at Chinggis Khan Square, marking the unity of vision that had taken shape during those two days. 

Dr. Markandey Rai representing India at the Mongolia Forum alongside global leaders in Track 2.0 dialogue on Northeast Asian peace and Korean unification.

One of the significant highlights of this segment was Dr. Rai’s active participation in an environmental initiative—a tree plantation drive organized in collaboration with “My Club” and other youth-led Mongolian organizations. This initiative was part of Mongolia’s ambitious One Billion Tree Plantation Program. Dr. Rai planted trees in the Cobi Desert Peace Park, reaffirming his commitment to climate action as an integral part of peacebuilding. His participation underlined the role of civic partnerships in addressing environmental challenges and promoting ecological harmony as a pathway to long-term regional stability. 

Following the retreat, the formal proceedings of the forum commenced at the Best Western Premier Tushin Hotel, where international delegates gathered for two days of structured discussions, tributes, and strategic planning. The forum opened with a moving tribute to the late President Punsalmaagiin Ochirbat, Mongolia’s first democratically elected leader. His vision for democratic values and regional peace was remembered as a guiding light for the work undertaken at the forum. 

In his keynote address, Dr. Rai delivered a powerful message on the theme of "Dream and Challenges." He emphasized the crucial interplay between vision and action, offering a four-point reflection that resonated deeply with the audience: “Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision is a waste of time. Where there is no action, dreams remain wishful thinking. But vision with action can transform the world.” His words served not only as philosophical insight but also as a call to urgent and coordinated global efforts for peace. 

Dr. Rai further contributed to the academic depth of the forum by presenting a paper titled “Role of India in the Peaceful Unification of Korea.” In this comprehensive presentation, he traced the deep civilizational and diplomatic links between India and the Korean Peninsula—from the legend of Queen Heo Hwang-ok of Ayodhya to India’s balanced relationships with both North and South Korea. He emphasized India’s unique position as a trusted neutral partner that has historically supported dialogue, humanitarian aid, and people-to-people diplomacy over coercion and isolation. His presentation illustrated how India’s cultural diplomacy, technological capacity, and principled foreign policy could meaningfully support a peaceful and democratic reunification process in Korea. 

Dr. Rai also played an important role in engaging with the forum’s youth delegates. Drawing from decades of experience in global peacebuilding, he conducted a focused session on “How to Become a Peace Ambassador.” This training was deeply rooted in Indian values and Gandhian ethics. He spoke of moral leadership as the foundation of lasting peace and called upon the youth to lead with courage, compassion, and character. Referencing qualities like Dhriti (steadfastness), Kshama (forgiveness), and Indriya-Nigrah (self-mastery), he challenged participants to view peace not merely as the absence of conflict but as the ongoing work of building understanding, restoring dignity, and leading by example in their communities. His session drew inspiration from Indian legends such as Nachiketa and Abhimanyu, invoking a sense of cultural continuity in modern leadership. 

Dr. Rai participates in a tree plantation drive with “My Club” under Mongolia’s One Billion Tree Plantation Program.

Several key outcomes were finalized at the conclusion of the forum. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Global Peace Foundation and the Government of Mongolia, committing to long-term collaboration for peace and environmental sustainability. Additionally, Dr. Rai confirmed GPF India’s support for two major upcoming initiatives: It was decided that the next edition of the Mongolia Forum would take place in conjunction with COP 17 around 17-24 August 2026, and the 10 million Walk for Korean Unification, which aims to mobilize civil society across the globe. Dr. Rai also announced that a book authored jointly by GPF India and its partners—focusing on Peace and Security in the Indo-Pacific—would be officially released on 15 August 2025, marking Korea’s Independence Day with a message of unity, resilience, and regional cooperation. 

Dr. Markandey Rai’s engagement in Mongolia stood out as an embodiment of integrated leadership, where environment, diplomacy, youth engagement, and moral conviction intersected in a shared global endeavour. His presence was not just diplomatic—it was deeply personal, human, and hopeful. Through his words and actions, he reasserted the belief that peace is not merely a policy—it is a commitment lived each day, nurtured through relationships, and rooted in values that transcend borders.