Amidst the myriad challenges and tumult, we bear witness to an extraordinary Nepalese marvel: an eight-year-old girl named Princess Bhrikuti, born in Khopasi of Panauti Municipality-10, Nepal, in the 6th century. Carrying a bag imbued with the essence of peace, a gift from her dowry, she embarked on a mission to disseminate the teachings of Buddha within her new community and beyond, stretching into Tibet. Her noble mission received a significant boost from a team of artists, led by the visionary 16-year-old artist and scientist Araniko, also from Khopasi, during the 13th century. It is deeply heartening to discover that this young girl's message of peace has not only touched the hearts of her immediate community but has also been embraced by artists across China and Southeast Asia, resonating throughout the entirety of the human family. This enduring message draws strength from the profound wisdom of Buddha's teachings and the unyielding power of the human spirit.

It appears that our world is becoming more divided and polarized than ever before. We now have access to news and information about each other that focuses on our differences. It’s easy to forget our fundamental connectedness. The world's diverse faith and wisdom traditions affirm a conviction that we are one—that our common humanity draws us together.

A shared future is within our reach! What can we do within our families and communities to contribute to the greater good? What can we do together to advance a movement for peacebuilding? It’s up to us to build a platform of common cause and shared mission that can foster a healthier social environment globally with a values-based approach.