We hosted a Peace Journey & Ripples of Peace Retreat in London!

We held the Peace Ripple Retreat in London, United Kingdom, in collaboration with the ServiceSpace community. This retreat was designed as an adult program inspired by the concept of Peace Journey, a youth program launching this week. The event was facilitated by Miki Kawamura, Founder of Youth Peace Ambassador, and Maki Kawamura, Vice President of The Goi Peace Foundation. We were honored to welcome 40 participants and to share a meaningful and heartfelt space of dialogue together.

Prior to the retreat, we conducted a one-week online Peace Journey POD. The theme was:

“May Peace Prevail in ME → US → EARTH.”

Together, we explored three stages of expanding peace — beginning within ourselves, extending to others and society, and ultimately reaching the Earth.

A Program Centered on Connection

The retreat was structured around the theme of connection, unfolding through the following flow:

• One (connection with oneself)

• One to One (dialogue with the person in front of you)

• One to Many (sharing one’s vision and voice)

• Many to Many (emergent dialogue and co-creation)

During the morning session, participants engaged in reflective exercises and paired dialogues, carefully exploring their own values and visions towards peace. Lunch was held in a potluck style, where participants shared dishes they had brought, creating a natural and heartfelt space for connection.

Pilot Use of the “Peace Card”

We also introduced a pilot version of the “Peace Card,” a dialogue tool currently being developed by Youth Peace Ambassadors Team, Miki Kawamura and Maki Kawamura. Through the cards, participants explored questions about peace from diverse perspectives.

Based on the valuable feedback we received, we will continue refining the content and look forward to officially introducing the completed version in the near future.

Exploring “Peace × 〇〇”

In the afternoon, we challenged ourselves to expand our perspectives and foster emergent connections through the central theme of Peace Journey:

“Peace × 〇〇.”

Each participant reflected on what they cherish most — their strengths, dreams, passions, and values — and deepened their own unique expression of “Peace × 〇〇.”

Although we each come from different backgrounds and carry distinct identities, when we walk the same path of peace, those differences become richness rather than division. They begin to harmonize into something greater than ourselves.

It was a powerful moment of this shared realization.

Looking Ahead

The dialogues and learnings cultivated through this retreat will flow into the upcoming youth program, Peace Journey, beginning this weekend.

Youth Peace Ambassador will continue to create spaces for dialogue that transcend generations and borders, walking steadily toward the practice of peace.