Dr. Markandey Rai Strengthens Indo-Pacific Collaboration at International Forum on One Korea 2025

By Anjali  

Dr. Markandey Rai, Chairman of the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) India and President of the Indo-Pacific Peace Forum (IPPF), participated in the International Forum on One Korea 2025 in Seoul, Korea, held in conjunction with the Korean Dream Festival commemorating the 80th Anniversary of Korea’s Liberation. The forum, convened by Action for Korea United, gathered distinguished policymakers, civil society leaders, academics, and faith representatives to deliberate on the theme “Regional Solidarity for Korean Unification: Mobilizing the Asia-Pacific for Peace.” 

Dr. Rai began his engagements on 13 August by attending the Advisory Council Meeting of the Indo-Pacific Peace Forum (IPPF) at Kookmin University, organized by Mr. Ingill Ra. The meeting brought together representatives from across the Indo-Pacific region to review ongoing initiatives and strengthen cooperative frameworks for peace and security. 

On 14 August, Dr. Rai held a high-level meeting with Dr. Ban Ki-moon, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, at the Ban Ki-moon Foundation. The discussion was marked by mutual commitment to strengthening collaboration, and as an outcome, Dr. Rai invited Dr. Ban to visit India and proposed the establishment of a branch office of the Foundation in New Delhi. Later that day, Dr. Rai attended the keynote address of Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon, which he described as one of the most powerful and inspiring speeches of the event, followed by a Gala Dinner with distinguished delegates. He also met with Mr. Nishi Kant Singh, Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of India in Seoul, to strengthen India’s diplomatic engagement with the Korean Dream initiative. 

On 15 August, Dr. Rai delivered his remarks at the plenary session, summarizing the outcomes of the forum and reiterating India’s commitment to Korean unification and Indo-Pacific peace. He also met with Mr. H.P. Moon at his residence, presenting his books Towards One Korea, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: Vision for a Peaceful and United World, and Peace and Security in the Indo-Pacific Region, which were well received. The visit concluded with his participation in the Liberation Day Grand Celebration at the Han River, a symbolic and historic gathering that reflected the aspirations of peace and unity. 

Through his interventions, Dr. Rai highlighted the vital role of education, youth, women, and families in advancing peacebuilding and moral leadership. He emphasized India’s grassroots contributions to the Korean Dream 10 million Signature Campaign, which has mobilized students and civil society across the country, creating young ambassadors for peace and unification. He also showcased IPPF’s strategic contributions, including the New Delhi Declaration on Peace and Security in the Indo-Pacific (March 2025) and ongoing work on Track II dialogues, Blue Economy initiatives, and regional cooperation frameworks. 

Dr. Rai’s visit generated meaningful outcomes that deepened Indo-Pacific collaboration and expanded India’s role in the Korean Dream movement. His successful engagement with Dr. Ban Ki-moon opened the pathway for the latter’s future visit to India and the proposed establishment of a Ban Ki-moon Foundation office in New Delhi. Through his interactions with Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon and the leadership of GPF Korea, Dr. Rai reinforced mutual commitment to advancing peace and unification. At the diplomatic level, his meeting with Mr. Nishi Kant Singh at the Indian Embassy in Seoul strengthened India’s official linkage with the initiative. Additionally, by presenting his publications to Korean leaders and participating in the Liberation Day celebrations, Dr. Rai fostered goodwill, intellectual exchange, and cultural solidarity, thereby reinforcing the goals of the forum. 

Dr. Rai’s Korea visits not only underscored India’s solidarity with the Korean Dream but also positioned the Indo-Pacific Peace Forum as a critical platform for advancing dialogue, cooperation, and leadership for peace. His engagements bridged grassroots mobilization with high-level diplomacy, reaffirming the shared vision of building “One Family Under God” and contributing to a peaceful and unified Korea as a cornerstone for regional and global stability.