“The vision of ‘One Family under God’ can inspire and motivate a spiritual movement of renewal here in Paraguay and throughout the Americas.”
Dr. Hyun Jin P. Moon
Paraguay, Global Peace Convention 2014
In November 2024, Paraguay hosted the National Forum “Towards an Inclusive Development of Indigenous Peoples,” an important gathering focused on fostering unity and cooperation across all sectors of society. Global Peace Foundation partnered with Global Peace Women (GPW) to organize the event, bringing together diverse voices from across the country to celebrate the shared mission of inclusion, respect, and unity for Paraguay’s indigenous communities.
The forum was a powerful example of how collaboration between government officials, indigenous leaders, international organizations, and civil society can help strengthen national unity. The gathering underscored the importance of working as one family under God to create a society where all people, regardless of their background, are valued and given opportunities to thrive. The Vice Minister of Social Development and President of GPW Paraguay shared that the forum raised awareness about the reality of the country’s Indigenous peoples, especially women, and was a call to Paraguayan society to work together towards achieving ‘Buen Vivir’ (Good Living) for all.
The event began with a culturally rich ceremony led by the Guaraní women’s group Zweitausendein, which highlighted the deep connection between indigenous peoples and the land they call home. As a member of the group shared, “Through our songs, we bring a blessing to life, to women, to the land that sustains us.” Their traditional songs and dances illustrated the harmony between human life and nature—a reminder that we are all connected as one family.
A Nobel Peace Prize laureate addressed the forum virtually and praised Paraguay for placing Indigenous issues at the forefront of national discourse. She emphasized that true change requires a fair and balanced relationship with justice, ensuring that Indigenous peoples are recognized and respected in all areas of society. Her message of unity echoed the theme of the forum, highlighting the need for collective action and shared responsibility in addressing Indigenous rights.
A major focus of the forum was the empowerment of Indigenous women, who are central to community life and development. Paraguay’s Ministry of Women shared its progress in reducing gender-based violence and promoting Indigenous women in leadership roles. The Minister of Women emphasized the importance of working closely with Indigenous communities to create tailored solutions that support women in their roles as pillars of their families and communities. She stated that together, they were training public servants to address violence against Indigenous women with an intercultural perspective, illustrating how respect for cultural diversity can foster stronger, more inclusive policies.
The Ministry of Education and Science highlighted efforts to improve educational opportunities for Indigenous children and combat high illiteracy rates. In parallel, the Ministry of Health is working to integrate Indigenous health practices into the national healthcare system, ensuring all citizens, no matter their heritage, have access to the care they need in a way that honors their cultural traditions.
A significant moment of the forum was the unveiling of the National Plan for Indigenous Peoples, a policy framework developed by Indigenous communities themselves. This plan reflects Paraguay’s commitment to ensuring that Indigenous peoples have equal access to resources, education, and healthcare, while also preserving the cultural richness of the nation’s 19 indigenous groups. The plan serves as a reminder that, as one family under God, all citizens deserve to live in dignity, with opportunities to grow and flourish.
The Global Peace Foundation and Global Peace Women continue to promote harmony, reconciliation, and inclusive development, with a special focus on empowering women in leadership and community roles. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, these organizations embody the vision of a peaceful, united world—one where all people, regardless of their background, work together in mutual respect to build a better future. As Paraguay moves forward on the path to ‘Buen Vivir,’ the forum served as a powerful reminder of the importance of collective action and sustained commitment to the idea of “One Family Under God,” united in our shared mission for peace and prosperity.
The original post appears on Global Peace Foundation. Global Peace Foundation is an international non-sectarian, non-partisan, nonprofit organization, which promotes an innovative, values-based approach to peacebuilding, guided by the vision of One Family under God. GPF engages and organizes a global network of public and private-sector partners who develop community, national, and regional peacebuilding models as the foundation for ethical and cohesive societies. Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon is the founder and chairman of the Global Peace Foundation.