September Newsletter

Destination Peace Monthly Digest

Insights, reflections, and updates from our peace-building journey.

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Welcome Section

Dear Valued Supporters and Friends of Destination Peace,

Welcome to the September 2025 edition of the Destination Peace Digest! This month, we celebrate a deepening bond with Enugu, Nigeria, as the city marks International Peace Day with a transformative event at the 1000-seat Base Landmark Centre. This milestone underscores our ongoing commitment to fostering peace through dialogue and cultural exchange, with our founder, Emanuel C. Perlman, being honored as this year’s International Peace Designee. Alongside this recognition, we’re excited to announce the release of Emanuel’s new book, coinciding with the international premiere of our film.

From the vibrant community spirit of Enugu to the global lessons Emanuel has learned from over 50+ years of cultural experiences, this edition reflects our mission’s heart. Your support continues to make these moments possible, and we invite you to join us in celebrating peace and reconciliation.

With gratitude and hope,

Destination Peace

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Welcome Note

Thank you for your unwavering support as we build bridges of understanding across the world. Together, we’re creating a legacy of peace.

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August 2025 Developments

Feature Story: International Peace Day in Enugu A Celebration of Unity

This September, Destination Peace returns, this time virtually, to Enugu, Nigeria, to be a guest at the landmark International Peace Day event at the Base Landmark Centre, a 1000-seat venue renowned for its role in corporate and community gatherings.  This state-of-the-art conference center, with its modern amenities, spacious layout, and cutting-edge audiovisual equipment, provides the perfect stage for fostering interaction and inspiration. Strategically located and supported by a dedicated professional staff, the center’s welcoming atmosphere and contemporary design make it an ideal hub for learning, collaboration, and peacebuilding.

The event, spanning three hours on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at 12:30 PM EDT will honor Emanuel C. Perlman as this year’s International Peace Designee, recognizing his many years as a global peacebuilder. The program, a vibrant mix of cultural exchange and dialogue, will feature His Royal Majesty the King, Igwe Asadu, and Professor Ogbodo, the Rector of the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) as keynote speakers, alongside performances and reflections on our ongoing relationship with Enugu.

This celebration also coincides with the global release of Emanuel’s book, Reclaiming Respect, a labor of love spanning 46 countries. Paired with the international premiere of our film, this work captures stories and conversations with leaders, survivors, and everyday heroes who inspire us to overcome division. From Nigeria’s rich cultural tapestry to global insights, this event embodies Destination Peace’s mission to heal and unite.

Highlights of the Enugu International Peace Day

We’re excited to share key moments from this special event at the Base Landmark Centre:

• Red Carpet: A warm welcome with music and dignitaries setting the tone for unity.
• Music Interlude: A cultural performance celebrating Enugu’s heritage.
• Opening Remarks/Interactive Session: Engaging the audience in dialogue on peace.
• Podcast Unveiling: Peaceful Homes with the Perlmans: A new reflection on family and societal cohesion.
• Model Voices Video Presentation: ‘If Only’ Previewing our film’s premiere 
• Model Voices: Break the Walls Down: A powerful call to unity.
• Freecord – Violinist: A soul-stirring musical interlude.
• Nigerian Premiere of ‘If Only’ The film’s international debut.
• Remarks/Goodwill Message – IMT Professor Ogbodo: Insights from a respected educator.
• Remarks/Goodwill Message – HRM, Igwe Asadu: Wisdom from His Royal Majesty.
• CBN KOSI: A community leader’s perspective.
• Trailer on Dr. Perlman’s Visit to Enugu:  Highlighting our ongoing bond.
• Dr. Perlman’s Odyssey to Unite a Fractured World: A speech on global peace.
• Performance by SaxoHarry: A musical tribute to harmony.
• Speech by Dr. Perlman : Reflections as International Peace Designee.
• Closing Remarks – Chukwuma Ephraim Okenwa: A vision for the future.

We extend our gratitude to Chukwuma Ephraim Okenwa, the Lead Africa Network, the Base Landmark Centre staff, His Royal Majesty the King, Igwe Asadu, and Professor Ogbodo, the Rector of the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) Alex Ogbodo, News Director AFIA News, and all partners for their support in making this event a success.

As designated Peace Leaders, these individuals represent the highest ideals of service and leadership. His Royal Majesty, Igwe Asadu, Professor Ogbodo Alex Ogbodo, and Chukwuma Okenwa exemplify the exceptional caliber of leaders who carry forward our mission with dignity and purpose.

To read about them go to https://destinationpeace.org/peace-leaders/

Comparative Context and Future Directions

Building on our transformative Nigeria mission, this International Peace Day event deepens our Enugu relationship, following successful initiatives like the Peace Summit and cultural exchanges. The release of Reclaiming Respect and the film premiere align with our Nigerian partnership, addressing historical and contemporary challenges. Looking ahead, we plan 2025/2026 engagements in Austria, Macedonia, Hungary, China, and Hong Kong to expand our global peace network.

Quote from Manny

“Peace is felt through the rhythm of cultures, the power of stories, and the courage to unite.”

Emanuel C. Perlman, Founder & CEO, Destination Peace

Our Latest Posts

He Would Have Been 100 This Year: A son’s Tribute to his Late Father’s Courage. click here to read
A Call to Protect Our Children. click here to read
Journeying with Destination Peace Through Ghana’s Slave Dungeons. click here to read
The Patriotic Salute from a Gifted Saxophonist. click here to read
The Strings of Unity: An Instrument of Tranquility heard at Destination Peace Summit. click here to read

Upcoming Events

• Peace Workshops in Europe: Fostering dialogue in Central Europe.
• Cultural Exchange in China and Hong Kong: Exploring heritage for peace.

Suggested Articles

Explore more with these reads from our archives:

• A Beacon of Hope in a Divided World Read more
• Tilting Toward Peace Read more
• Bet You Didn’t Know What Shapes a Stellar Voice Read more

Follow Destination Peace for updates on our global initiatives. Together, we can amplify hope and build a more peaceful world.