From left to right: Chutamas (Ying) Phanyapornsuk, Ikali Karvinen, Venerable Napan, Matthias Wevelsiep, Divya Moorjani, Kopila Thapa at Saket temple, Bangkok, Thailand.

In a weeklong mission in Bangkok, leaders from FCA and the Peacemakers Network held discussions with long-standing members and prominent international organisations dedicated to peacebuilding and humanitarian assistance. These meetings and dialogues highlighted the critical need for collective and united action when facing the critical issues prevalent in the region, ranging from human right concerns to the engagement of women and youth in mediation and peacebuilding processes.  

Established in September 2021, the FCA Thailand Foundation plays a central role in promoting peaceful coexistence and harmony.  The Peacemakers Network fosters relationships with peacebuilding actors throughout Asia, bolsters advocacy for peacemaking at regional and international levels, championing equal participation in community discourse, and works in partnership with charitable and public welfare organizations. The Peacemakers Network, with its Secretariat hosted by FCA, represents a global alliance of over 100 members, primarily religious and traditional actors, women, and youth, working across 40 countries worldwide to achieve peace through mediation and dialogue. Click here to learn more.

In Thailand, the members and supporters of the Peacemakers Network have been instrumental in enhancing the involvement of religious and traditional actors, along with civil society groups, in peacebuilding and mediation.  During the mission, the leadership engaged with local members including the International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB) and the Institute of Buddhist Management for the Happiness and Peace Foundation (IBHAP Foundation).  These meetings reaffirmed the mutual commitment of to advance the Sustainable Development Goals through a whole–of–society approach.

FCA and Peacemakers Network meet with Network member, Institute of Buddhist Management for the Happiness and Peace Foundation (IBHAP).

“In years marked by escalating global complexities and conflicts, the imperative for collaboration with the Network’s members and partners throughout Asia has never been greater. Harnessing the unique influence of religious and traditional peacemakers, the Network aims to tackle pressing challenges across Asia while also cultivating a peace aligned to local and broader Asian contexts. Our collective efforts aim to foster a sustainable harmony through dialogue and understanding.”

Divya Moorjani, Asia Regional Manager, the Peacemakers Network

FCA and Peacemakers Network meet with Network member, International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB).

Discussions between the Embassy of Finland, FCA and the Peacemakers Network focused on imperative actions to support and protect vulnerable communities and foster inclusive development. Engagements with international partners in Bangkok, such as the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) underscored common objectives of enhancing democracy, fostering inclusivity, and upholding human rights across the region.  

Collaborative partnerships are essential to effectively address the nuanced challenges prevalent in the region. FCA and the Peacemakers Network deeply value the enduring relationships with civil society, governmental bodies, and international organizations in efforts to create positive change and advance shared goals of sustainable peace.

H. E. Ambassador Jyri Järviaho, Ambassador of Finland to Thailand with members of the Peacemakers Network and FCA.