The forum, initiated by Queen Mariam Leonor Torres Mastura, Founder of We Care for Humanity (WCH), with assistance from Joseph Rivera, WCH Country Director in Qatar, saw impassioned pleas and actionable insights from a diverse roster of speakers, all committed to ending the cycle of violence.
Opening the forum, Queen Mariam Leonor Torres Mastura, the Convenor, delivered a compelling address that set the tone for the urgent dialogue. "We gather not just for a meeting, but for a critical intervention, to unite our powerful voices in an unwavering demand for an immediate ceasefire and peaceful resolution between Israel and Iran," Queen Maria declared. She lamented the current state of the world, "as if our world has not been beaten enough by the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, South Sudan, and the recent devastation in Gaza." Emphasizing the dire threat of nuclear weapons, she challenged the global community: "Must we forever be divided in the name of our countries, or can we finally work together as one humanity, one world? If we, as citizens of the world, do not take action and collectively intervene, we risk finding ourselves facing irreversible consequences."
Joseph Rivera, WCH Country Director for Qatar and Assistant Convener, spoke passionately on behalf of migrant workers, asserting that war "exacerbates economic instability, disrupts global livelihoods, and accelerates the climate crisis." He appealed to world leaders to "prioritize diplomacy over devastation," highlighting that "the stakes are very very high" and urging humanity to "save the world for future generations."
Watch the full forum replay here: https://youtu.be/LTLmFtZ9eRU
The forum featured concise yet powerful "Peace Statements" from numerous notable figures:
- H.E. Rosalia Arteaga, Former President of Ecuador
President Rosalia Arteaga delivered a speech emphasizing the urgent need for peace efforts and agreements among countries. She highlighted that while Latin American nations may not have declared wars, they are engaged in a "war" against criminal and "narco guerilla gangs" that utilize guns, questioning why these organized crime groups can agree while governments often appear unwilling to do so. Arteaga expressed concern that many governments are not interested in dialogues or peace efforts, asserting that citizens must therefore act and be more demanding with their governments regarding peace initiatives, especially in light of current conflicts in regions like Gaza, Iran, Israel, Ukraine, and Russia. She urged the "big powers" of the world to be more confident in their ability to achieve peace and to commit to "real decision" and actions, beyond just words, to achieve universal peace.
- HM Sultan Abdulaziz Zulkarnain Mastura Kudarat VI, Supreme Sultan of Magindanaw, Philippines
The Sultan, through a read message, called for an immediate cessation of hostilities between Iran and Israel, and urged Israel and the Palestinian Authority (under Hamas) to sign a permanent ceasefire agreement. He demanded the restoration of peace and the rebuilding of lives in occupied Palestinian territories, specifically referencing the need to implement the January 19, 2025 ceasefire agreement. This agreement, brokered by the USA, Egypt, and Qatar, included provisions for humanitarian aid, hostage exchange, Israeli withdrawal, and reconstruction of Gaza. He strongly called upon the UN Security Council to pass a resolution for a permanent ceasefire to prevent a Third World War, save innocent lives, and rebuild devastated cities and economies.
- HRM King Akomanyi Essando V, Kingdom of Gomoa, Odumasse, Ghana
King Nana Akomanyi Essandoh V urged Israel and Iran to "choose diplomacy over destruction" and prioritize the safety and dignity of all people. He highlighted the devastating "cycle of violence and retaliation," which causes immense suffering, including the loss of innocent children and shattered lives. He called for breaking this cycle to forge a path to lasting peace and mutual understanding13. He also called upon the international community to support peaceful negotiations, provide humanitarian aid, and hold leaders accountable, ending with a clear demand: "Enough is enough. It's time for peace. #peace. Now Israel Iran please cease fire". He later added a message of sympathy and a call for choosing "love over hate, compassion, over fear and peace over war," hoping for a future free from violence for every child.
- HRM King George Akufo, King of Akyem Dorminase, Ghana
HRM King George Akufo, King of Akyem Dorminase, Ghana, introduced himself and his kingdom and extended his gratitude to the organizers of the forum. He then made an impassioned plea to nations in conflict to end the war and stop the violence. He stressed that the true measure of leadership is the ability to build, not destroy, and to seek peace over victory. He called upon them to replace the weapons of war with the tools of diplomacy and reconciliation for the sake of their people.
- Hon. Ponnala Lakshmaiah, Former President of the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee and Former Minister for Information Technology and Communications for the state of Andhra Pradesh, India
Speaking for India, Ponnala Office articulated a stance of neutrality and a commitment to peace, sovereignty, and humanity, guided by the "Vasudeva Kutumbakam" philosophy, meaning "the world is one family". The core demand was for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire from both Israel and Iran. This was coupled with calls for diplomatic dialogue facilitated by the United Nations or a neutral party, and urgent humanitarian aid corridors for affected populations. The message emphasized the critical need for humanity to be the foundation for global actions.
- HH Dr. Wangchuk Rinzin Rinpoche, Executive Director, Pel Drukdraling Foundation, Bhutan
Voicing concern for humanity over any single side, His Holiness Wangchuk Rinzin highlighted that rising tensions between Israel and Iran threaten not only their people but also global peace and stability. He unequivocally stated that "every life lost is a tragedy" and that "war can never be the answer". His plea was for an immediate end to violence, a return to dialogue, and for diplomacy to "people over destruction". He stressed that true strength lies in the courage to choose peace, urging all nations to step back from the brink for the sake of their people and shared future.
- Hon. Consul Asif Chowdhury, Honorary Consul General of Chile in Bangladesh
Honorable Consul Asif Chowdhury underscored the unity of "one human family," gathering to advocate for peace between Israel and Iran6. He passionately called for an immediate ceasefire, not just to halt violence, but to "begin healing". Drawing from various scriptures, he emphasized the shared wisdom of peacemaking, compassion over hatred, and faith over fear. He urged courage for forgiveness, listening, and protecting the innocent, envisioning leaders guided by wisdom and communities by mercy. His powerful call was for the world to collectively demand peace, choosing life over conflict.
- Dr. Rahul Varma, President of SREI Foundation, and CEO of Acid Survivors & Women Welfare Foundation, India
Dr. Rahul Varma extended greetings from India, advocating for an immediate ceasefire and peaceful resolution. He asserted that "no political dispute justifies the loss of human lives" and that the fundamental goal of different religions and ideologies is human happiness. He stressed the "supremacy of humanity over matter and ideology," calling for a universal humanitarian approach to global problems. Echoing Mahatma Gandhi, he concluded that "There is no path to peace. Peace is the path," urging world leaders to transcend differences for peace.
- Ms. Lena Kyropoulos, Journalist, Greece
Lena Kyropoulos expressed profound concern over the potential for worldwide conflict, noting humanity's "speechless" state. She questioned the tragic loss of unborn dreams and the countless children who will not be born due to ongoing conflicts. Her powerful message was to "raise up our voice" and "demand one peace," emphasizing that "we belong to the same human race and we don't have a planet B or Planet C, we have only one planet"18. She urged Israel and Iran to immediately "stop all this madness" with solidarity.
- Dr. Katerina Glykou Fontinia, WCH Ambassador in Greece and Cyprus, Greece
Dr. Katarina Glykou Fontina highlighted Greece's historical and contemporary role as a cornerstone of peace and a strong advocate for international efforts towards peace and security, particularly within the European Union. She delivered a powerful message to world leaders, urging immediate action to prevent any military conflicts, asserting that "Where there is peace. God is". She envisioned humanity as a "garden of cultivating, fruitful and peaceful cooperation," rather than a "battlefield of any kind of dreadful catastrophic and wars," calling for unity to bring peace back.
- Dr. Datu Abdallah Sharief, President of United Nations Correspondents Association of Vienna (UNCAV), Austria
On behalf of United Nations Correspondents Association of Vienna (UNCAV), Dr. Datu Abdallah Sharif has announced his official support for the Peace Forum, an impactful initiative by Queen Maria and We Care for Humanity. He issued a call for sustainable peace in nations experiencing conflict, including Sudan, South Sudan, and those involved in the wars in the Middle East.
- Dr. Jakob Staubmann, Ambassador for Peace/ CEO, Afro-Asia Media Correspondents Association, Austria
Dr. Jakob Staubmann declared support for the forum's mission to promote diplomacy over war, recognizing the urgent need for action given the escalating tensions. He reinforced the crucial principle that "no political dispute justifies the loss of human life," a sentiment previously articulated by Queen Miriam Leonora Torres Mastura. He appealed to global leaders and advocates to transcend hostility, commit to humanity, and collectively build understanding for lasting peace. He powerfully reminded all that "there is no winner in a war," urging the choice of peace over power and life over vengeance.
- Shri Gopal Krishan Bansal, the Secretary General of the International Human Rights Organization (IHRO), India/Canada
Gopal Krishan Bansal painted a poignant picture of children crying, families torn apart, and futures buried, emphasizing that "humanity is bleeding". He stressed that stopping the suffering is not a political choice but a "humanitarian imperative," demanding urgent and empathetic action to protect the innocent and uphold human dignity. He urged the world to remember that "compassion is stronger than conflict" and called for decision-makers to lay down arms. He asserted that "Peace is not weakness. It is the highest form of strength," calling for collective strength in peace.
- Datu Attorney Jordan Nirankari-Bowen, Royal Legal Advisor and Spokes Person of Royal Maharlika, Poland
Datu Jordan Nirankari-Bowen lamented the recurring need for such peace conferences, reflecting on society's failure to learn to "walk on this planet that we call home" despite technological advancements. He highlighted the terrifying reality of nuclear weapons capable of "wiping out the whole of mankind". While acknowledging a "small glimmer of hope" with a proposed ceasefire, he urged it not be used as a bargaining tool, but as a chance for dialogue and to "prevent further bloodshed". He firmly stated that "lasting security can only come through diplomacy, not through destruction," and encouraged everyone to be a "candle" to illuminate a dark world.
- Bai Attorney Carol Moura, Royal Maharlika Cabinet Member, Brazil
Bai Carol Moura, representing Brazil, called for an immediate ceasefire and peaceful resolution between Israel and Iran, expressing her pleasure in joining this international call. She articulated that true peace lies in "protecting life" and that leaders should be inspired to engage in dialogue even during conflict. She reminded everyone that regardless of origin, "we all share the same skin, under the same kind," and stressed the uniqueness and preciousness of life. Her message was a plea for increased empathy and responsibility from all.
- Datu Architect Rey Lorca, Royal Maharlika Cabinet Member, Philippines
Datu Rey John Lorca emphasized the urgent need for peace, love, and compassion, advocating for an immediate ceasefire to end the devastation caused by escalating tensions and protect lives. He reiterated that the call for a ceasefire extends beyond merely ending the war; it is also about "starting healing". He firmly stated that "no one is winning over this war" and that conflict only breeds "further hate, division and devastation". He urged unity in calling for a ceasefire and working towards diplomacy, peace, love, and compassion to definitively end these wars.
- Bai Captain Tarana Saleem, Royal Maharlika Cabinet Member, Pakistan
Bai Captain Tarana Saleem stressed the sensitive nature of the conflict and the global concern for peace and humanity. She made a direct appeal to Iran and Israel to "please stop the war," highlighting the critical situation for "small children and women" in both countries. Her message was a straightforward and heartfelt plea for an immediate end to hostilities, emphasizing the shared human cost of the conflict.
- Mr. Kikumbi Earnest Benjamin, President and Founder of Heal the Planet Global Organization, Uganda
Kivumbi Earnest Benjamin expressed profound disappointment that "two nuclear powers are fighting" and creating a grave global risk. He likened their conflict to "mad dogs fighting," suggesting an unpredictable and dangerous outcome for the world. He urged the United Nations to "act fast to prevent another bad world" and for Israel and Iran to secure immediate peaceful resolutions. His core message was a call to "heal the planet" from this devastation.
- Mr. Loloy Reyes, Chairman, FIl-Am Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston, USA
Loy Reyes expressed profound sadness and fear that the current conflict between Israel and Iran might escalate into a Third World War if not immediately halted. He attributed the immense loss of human lives to a dire "lack of dialogue, communications, and big egos of leaders that do not show concern for human lives". He articulated his pride in being part of the forum and his belief that, even in a small way, this collective effort can be instrumental in stopping the global conflict.
- Dr. Noemi Frias, President, FIl-Am Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston, USA
Dr. Noemi Frias highlighted the world's deep need for prayer as a "powerful force" that unites hearts and transcends boundaries in times of conflict. Drawing inspiration from Saint Francis of Assisi, she presented a prayer for peace, emphasizing its connection to love, forgiveness, and humility, defining peace as an "active pursuit of reconciliation and justice". She prayed for leaders to choose "dialogue over division, understanding over accusation, and healing over revenge," stressing that peace is strength, justice is restoration, and love is the highest calling. Her prayer envisioned a future where "children inherit a future free from the shadows of war," with swords turned into plowshares.
- Dr. Marilou Oro, Founder of Visiting Doctors Management of Texas, USA
Dr. Marilou Oro rose "in the name of humanity," recognizing the critical moment where conflict threatens "global peace, security, and the moral conscience of our time". She issued a "global call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire" between Israel and Iran. Her powerful message urged a collective choice for "peace over provocation, diplomacy over destruction and humanity over hatred," for the sake of current and future generations. She concluded with a forceful demand: "Ceasefire now. Peace. Now humanity. Now".
- Ms. Maureen Brindle, WCH Literary Arts Ambassador and Official Poet, United Kingdom
Maureen Brindle delivered a poem advocating for peace and against the dangers of nuclear warfare, stating that "peacekeeping is its only role". She cautioned that standing "on the brink of self-destruction" is due to manipulation without peace construction. She highlighted that "nuclear enrichment makes no sense," given the severe consequences of "nuclear fallout". Her poem conveyed a sense of desperation for the planet's lack of defense, concluding that "All we can do is kneel and pray" for peace and political recompense.
- Ms. Mary Parton, WCH Ambassador for Native Americans Community in USA
Speaking from her perspective as a Native American, Mary Parton drew parallels between the Israeli-Palestinian tensions and historical patterns of "colonization dressed as security," rooted in the memory of genocide and stolen lands. She asserted that "true peace cannot grow from domination" but only from justice, dignity, and the return of what was taken. Her message called for not just peace, but "for truth where no land is deemed disposable and no people ever again made strangers in their own soil".
- Ms. Cristi Santos Pangilinan, WCH Regional Director, Rizal PHILIPPINES
Ana Cristi Pangilinan emphasized that true freedom comes through forgiveness, asserting that insisting on one's will creates chaos and suffering for ordinary people, families, and communities. She powerfully stated that "Peace is not a weakness; in fact, it is a courage" to recognize humanity in others and to listen rather than retaliate, building bridges where divisions once stood. She called upon leaders and the international community to support humanitarian efforts, cooperation, and mutual understanding, urging a collective shift towards forgiveness, acceptance, and love.
- Ms. Devani Pascual, WCH Country Director in Dubai, UAE
Devani Pascual, residing in the UAE, expressed fear due to the ongoing conflict despite the country's usual safety. She called for a collective appeal for ceasefire and peaceful talks, believing that amplifying individual sentiments on social media platforms can have a "great impact" worldwide. She encouraged the use of hashtags like #wecareforhumanity, #peaceandlove, and #saynotowar, affirming that a unified voice from individuals can be heard by world leaders.
- Dr. Solomon Desalegn, Medical Director and Owner at Semah, Ethiopia
Dr. Solomon Desalagn emphasized that a "peaceful resolution is mandatory" in the Middle East, particularly for Iran and Israel. He stated that peace is essential for societal growth and prosperity, warning that achieving political strength, economic stability, and cultural growth remains distant without it. Drawing on his experience from East Africa, he highlighted the devastating consequences of war, including the loss of millions of lives (mothers and children) and the destruction of infrastructure. He stressed that innocent civilians, who "have nothing to do with war," are the ones who suffer most.
- Daylinda Ramirez, Mrs. Tourism Fil-Com Dubai, UAE/ WCH member, UAE
As a mother and humanitarian, Daylinda Ramirez passionately appealed to global leaders to "please stop the war," stating that "the world is dying". She urged for peace and unity, believing that humanity's mission is to find purpose in loving and caring for one another. Her message, representing mothers concerned for the safety of innocent children and elders, was a heartfelt plea for an immediate end to conflict for the well-being of the world.
- Architect Rashmi Kamble Chandekar, WCH Member, UAE
Rashmi Chandekar advocated for an immediate ceasefire and peace resolution between Israel and Iran, emphasizing the belief that the "world is like one family" and all human beings should live united and peacefully. She stressed that "every life matters" and urged world leaders to resolve issues without violence, prioritizing "humanity, kindness and compassion". Her primary concern was for a better world that lives in perpetual peace, reflecting the collective desire for global harmony.
The forum's unified message was amplified by extensive distribution to UN Agencies, peace organizations, and powerful media outlets, ensuring its call for peace resonated globally. The success of this forum underscores the growing global demand for immediate action and diplomatic solutions to prevent further human suffering and ensure a peaceful future.
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About We Care for Humanity (WCH): We Care for Humanity (WCH) is an international non-profit organization dedicated to upholding human dignity and promoting peace through various humanitarian endeavors and global initiatives. WCH focuses on addressing critical global issues and fostering a compassionate world through acts of kindness.
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