“Toward a Shared Future, Founded on Our Common Dignity”

As I assume the role of Representative of PEACE., I would like to respectfully extend my greetings to you all. The world is now entering a time of profound transition. In addition to challenges related to conflict, poverty, disasters, education, healthcare, and the foundations of daily life, structural changes in society and the economy, as well as technological innovations including AI, are making the world more complex and more deeply interconnected than ever before. It is precisely in times like these that I believe we need to return once again to the fundamental principle of human dignity. Regardless of differences in nationality, race, language, religion, culture, or position, the dignity of each and every person is equal. And we are also people living in the same era, entrusted with passing this world on to the next generation. To recognize and respect one another’s differences, and to continue engaging in dialogue. And to take responsibility together for the future we share. I believe this is the foundation upon which a peaceful and sustainable society can be built.

PEACE. is not an organization that seeks to become the primary actor in solving challenges in communities around the world. The future of each community rests with the people who live there, think, and take action themselves. Every community has its own history, culture, and wisdom, as well as the will and capacity to build its own future. Our role is to respect their agency and walk alongside them on their journey. To connect those in need with those seeking to respond. To connect communities with the world. To connect different cultures and values. And to connect knowledge, technology, people, and resources. I believe PEACE.’s role is to serve as a “bridge” that brings together the strengths and potential each person possesses, leading to new forms of collaboration.

To achieve this, I will place great importance on the “power of the private sector.” The private sector has the ability to transcend the boundaries of countries, systems, organizations, and fields, and to build flexible connections based on trust between people. Governments, international organizations, businesses, educational and research institutions, nonprofit organizations, and local communities. While respecting the roles and expertise of each, we seek to stand between them and create opportunities for dialogue and collaboration. Rather than creating the future on behalf of others, we connect people, think together, and walk alongside them so that each can fully exercise the strengths they inherently possess. I believe this is a role that the private sector is uniquely positioned to fulfill.

We also tend, at times, to view things from two separate positions: “those who provide support” and “those who receive support.” What matters, however, is not a relationship in which one side simply gives something to the other. We respect the experience, wisdom, and culture of local people, as well as their determination to build their own future, while those from outside who possess knowledge, technology, and resources each contribute their own strengths. Learning from one another, complementing one another, and moving together toward the same future. PEACE. seeks to be a “connector” that brings such relationships together, and a “partner” that walks alongside people on that journey.

Even today, as AI and data are profoundly transforming the way society functions, what we value remains unchanged. To use information and technology not to divide people, but to connect them. For people in diverse positions to engage in dialogue, develop shared understanding, and bring together their respective wisdom and strengths. Precisely because we live in an era of technological advancement, I believe the value of trust and dialogue between people will become even greater.

There are still many challenges in the world. Yet at the same time, the wisdom, technology, experience, and human capacity to overcome these challenges exist throughout the world. What matters is that we do not allow them to remain disconnected. Connecting people with people. Connecting communities with communities. Connecting countries with countries. Connecting cultures with cultures. Connecting wisdom with technology. And connecting the aspirations of each individual to the possibilities of the next generation. PEACE. seeks not to stand at the center, but rather to be a presence that stands “in between.” To build bridges between people in different positions, create dialogue, foster trust, and support an environment in which each can exercise their own strengths. Toward a shared future, founded on our common dignity. Valuing the trust that can be built precisely because we are part of the private sector, we will connect people across national borders and different positions, and link each of those connections to peace and sustainable development. PEACE. does not seek to create someone else’s future on their behalf. Rather, we hope to remain a presence that connects and supports people as they move toward the futures they envision for themselves, and walks alongside them on their journey.

With a renewed sense of responsibility, I am committed to advancing the work of PEACE. together with all of you. I sincerely ask for your continued understanding and support.

ingo PEACE. Representative