How do I live what I learn? | PPA 2025 Reflections

In June, we explored Global Peace Practice through the Peace Practice Alliance (PPA), broadening our lens to consider how peace leadership shows up across borders, systems, and the structural forces that shape our world. We reflected on global interconnectedness, and the ways in which we can move from awareness into action, whether through advocacy, collaboration, or simple acts of care.

To ground this idea in everyday life, we turned to something simple: a coffee cup. Together, we tried to identify how many beings and systems are involved in bringing that one cup into our hands. From the soil and water, to the farmers, packagers, shippers, vendors, and cultural traditions behind it, we were reminded that even ordinary things connect us to countless others.

This reflection carried into July, where we shifted into our final module, Leading and Integrating Our Peace Practice. This phase of the journey invited each of us to ask: How do I live what I’ve learned? In what small, consistent, or courageous ways will I carry peace forward, not just as an idea, but as a way of being?

Jacqueline, a participant in this year’s cohort from Malawi, offered a personal story that brought this to life:

“The Global Peace Leadership program has been a transformative journey for me, shaping me into a vessel for positive change in the lives of those around me. Before [the PPA], I was self-centered, only listening to my own thoughts and prioritizing my own ideas. However, through the program's emphasis on kindness, empathy, and love, I've learned to listen to others, feel for their needs, and be there for them.

A pivotal moment that stands out was when a stranger reached out to me for help, struggling to access food. My heart melted as I read their message, and without hesitation, I gathered what little I had and helped them. Witnessing their smile brought me a sense of peace and satisfaction, teaching me the value of togetherness and the impact of small acts of kindness.

This experience has inspired me to continue reaching out to others in meaningful ways, even with limited resources. I've learned that peace is not about grand gestures, but about the small, silent acts of kindness that can bring joy and relief to others. The program has taught me that addressing others' struggles doesn't require violence or chaos; instead, it requires empathy, understanding, and a willingness to listen. As I near the end of this program, I'm confident that I'll emerge as a changed person, equipped to make a positive impact in the lives of others. I'm grateful for the lessons learned and look forward to continuing on this path of peacebuilding and service to others.

Jacqueline’s reflection reminds us that peace leadership becomes real when it moves beyond theory and into practice. It lives in our daily decisions, in how we care for one another, how we step into responsibility with humility and hope, and invite others into leadership and practice. 

As we near the close of this year’s PPA  journey, we honor the quiet, consistent, and courageous ways participants are living peace. The path ahead is not about doing it all, it’s about doing what we can, wherever we are.