Dr. Markandey Rai’s Participation at the 2nd Asia-Pacific Family Peace Leadership Conference, Thailand

By Anjali 

The 2nd Asia-Pacific Family Peace Leadership Conference, held from 17 to 21 July 2025 in Pattaya, Thailand, gathered distinguished educators, faith leaders, policymakers, and peace advocates from across the region under the theme “One Family Under God in Our Time: A Platform of World Peace for a New Civilization.” Organized by the Family Peace Association, the conference provided a unique platform for dialogue, cultural exchange, and collaborative engagement, all rooted in the vision of building a unified and peaceful civilization. 

Among the invited speakers was Dr. Markandey Rai, Chairman of the Global Peace Foundation India, who participated as a Guest Speaker in the Educators’ Plenary. His intervention centered on the transformative role of education in nurturing character-centered leadership and cultivating values of integrity, service, and responsibility. Drawing upon his extensive global experience in peacebuilding and international cooperation, Dr. Rai highlighted the indispensable role of educators as catalysts of moral leadership and as guides for the younger generation in advancing a culture of peace. 

The conference’s goals were realized through a dynamic blend of plenary sessions, cultural and interfaith exchanges, and community service initiatives such as coral cultivation and marine ecosystem conservation. These activities not only deepened appreciation for interdependence and stewardship but also translated the ideals of “living for the sake of others” into practical action. Within this context, Dr. Rai’s contribution amplified the vision of social cohesion and peacebuilding, underscoring how education serves as a foundation for unity, civic virtue, and sustainable transformation. 

In the course of the visit, Dr. Rai engaged in constructive discussions with Mr. Kwak of the Family Peace Association. Both leaders acknowledged the complementary nature of their organizations, with FPA focusing on grassroots engagement and GPF operating at the global level. This synergy, they agreed, opens new pathways for strengthening peace initiatives across scales. Dr. Rai further advised the establishment of a structured framework for FPA, including a clear reporting line, a functional secretariat in a capital city, and its formal registration to ensure stability and effective coordination. 

The significance of this visit lies not only in the exchange of ideas but in the forging of practical strategies for institutional strengthening and global collaboration. Dr. Rai’s presence brought depth and direction to the deliberations, reminding participants that peace begins with values-based education, cohesive family structures, and committed leadership. His participation reaffirmed the conviction that when moral vision is coupled with organizational clarity, the dream of a harmonious and united civilization becomes a tangible pursuit.