Honiara, Solomon Islands - “Under the motto of One Family under God, everyone can learn to live in harmony,” according to the chair of the Global Peace Festival-Solomon Islands, Hon. Augustine Taneko, a Member of Parliament.

The GPF comes on the heels of a tumultuous time in the history of the Solomon Islands due to civil wars and riots. The capital Honiara is still recovering from the wounds of ethnic conflicts between the indigenous population of Guadalcanal and migrants from the island of Malaita. Also, a riot that burned down Chinatown left emotional and psychological scars that are painful and worrisome. The Global Peace Festival with its theme “One Family Under God” could not have come at a better time. Its message has been warmly and openly received by the great majority of its leaders and citizens. The GPF is serving as a platform and vehicle to help unite the diverse peoples of the Solomon Islands into one family under God.

Out of many nations Solomon Islands was chosen to be the host of the Global Peace Festival 2008 in Oceania. What a blessing! Despite heavy criticisms from various groups, thousands came and attended. What a miracle, isn’t it?

In the media, people had expressed appreciation for the event's theme of “One Family under God.” A lot of questions have been raised by individuals why people had tried to stop them from coming when they saw how beautiful the event was, demonstrating true unity as ‘One Family under God’ In fact the GPF really opened up the minds of people.

As a student at the Solomon Islands College of Higher Education, School of Education, I participated in the Global Peace Festival held November 28-29, 2008, and the preparatory events leading up to the event. The Global Peace Festival is a very powerful avenue in which individuals can come together and experience the diverse cultures and uniqueness and share with each other in joyous celebrations as one family under God.

Indeed the GPF is a wonderful event which can guide the leaders of the Solomon Islands in tackling the social problems that are starting to invade our homes and especially the increasing breakdown of family values.