“Teachers refuse Mindanao Assignments,” read the headlines of an article in The Manila Times on Nov. 11, 2009. The beheading of school principal, Gabriel Canizares, on Monday sent a shock of fear throughout the Department of Education and the nation of the Philippines.

Against this morbid background, the Mindanao Peace Symposium scheduled for Nov. 11-12, 2009 went on undeterred. “It was the first time Pentecostal pastors dealt directly with Muslim leaders on issues of peace, cooperation and mutual understanding,” said Dr. Massimo Trombin, International Field Director, Global Peace Festival, one of the sponsoring organizations.

Tegucigalpa, Honduras - On January 21, 2009, a workshop about coordinating volunter effort for peace and development was held at the headquarters of the Global Peace Festival in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. This participatory workshop was held to prepare the annual operating plan of the nation's network of volunteer organizations linked to the UN. Representatives of 30 organizations were present on this occasion. These organizations promote volunteerism and mobilize volunteers to carry out activities for peace and development, since achieving the Millennium Development Goals will require the ingenuity, solidarity, and creativity of thousands of people doing voluntary service.