The Goi Peace Forum 2003 held on October 19, 2003, at Showa Women's University Hitomi Memorial Hall in Tokyo was a huge success. Nearly 1500 people including diplomats, NGOs, and many young people interested in peace attended the Forum, organized with the support of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan and the United Nations University.

With the theme "Vision of Peace in Action," the event focused on the emerging global movement for a culture of peace. It emphasized that as this shift of consciousness takes place in the world community, people of goodwill are called upon to join their hearts and bring their wisdom together for collective action. Participants explored new modes of engaging in the world, learning from the work and ideas of inspiring leaders, the aspirations of young people, as well as through ceremonies and music.

The annual Goi Peace Award was presented to Dr. Robert Muller, Chancellor Emeritus of the University for Peace in Costa Rica. Dr. Muller's acceptance was delivered by video in which he shared his moving story about his life as a peacemaker and encouraged the audience to act upon their ideas for peace. Mrs. Barbara Muller was present to accept the award on her husband's behalf from Mr. Yasushi Akashi, former Under Secretary-General of the United Nations and a friend and colleague of Dr. Muller since their time together at the UN.

In addition, a Culture of Peace Special Award was presented to Dr. Genshitsu Sen, former Grand Tea Master of Urasenke, to honor his many years of contribution to world peace through the traditional Japanese tea culture. Dr. Sen delivered an inspiring commemorative address entitled "Peace Diplomacy through a Bowl of Tea."

The second half of the program focused on the voice of youth. First prize winners of the 2003 International Essay Contest for Young People: Ms. Teodora Mihoc from Romania (children's category) and Ms. Miranti Daniar of Indonesia (youth category) recited their essays expressing their "Vision for the Future," and were then presented with the Minister of Education Encouragement Award. Both awardees had been chosen from among 5,245 entries from 109 countries.

Goi Peace Foundation chairperson Mrs. Masami Saionji praised the participants in the essay contest, saying that she was given great hope to know that the future of the earth and the future of humanity can be entrusted to such youth. She also stressed that now was the time for each of us to declare our commitment to peace and contribute to building a better world.

All participants then joined their hearts and voices to pray for peace in every country of the world as the national flags were raised. A multicultural musical finale was then performed by musicians who had come together to co-create a culture of peace. The orchestra was comprised of instruments from various cultures from the West African harp and the Chinese strings to the Japanese bamboo flute, symbolizing a world of unity in diversity. Joined by the all-Japan champion chorus club of Saitama Sakae High School, they performed a medley of peace songs including "Ode to Joy" from Beethoven's Ninth Symphony in a stirring conclusion to the event.