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Dr. K.A. Paul addressed a distinguished audience of global leaders, Hollywood celebrities, and dignitaries at the Global Peace Summit and Awards on Saturday, November 23, 2024, in Beverly Hills.

Dubbed the "modern-day Gandhi" for his tireless advocacy for peace, Dr. Paul returned to the U.S. during the season of compassion to unite voices in addressing escalating crises like the Ukraine-Russia conflict, Israel-Palestine tensions, and over 50 other global conflicts.

"Peace is not merely the absence of war but the presence of justice, equality, and understanding," Dr. Paul remarked. "We must come together now, as a global community, to prevent these crises from spiraling further out of control."

Dr. Paul also urged world leaders to play a more active role in mediating peace and emphasized the importance of collaborative leadership in ensuring long-term stability in volatile regions. He highlighted the need for decisive and compassionate leadership to navigate these challenging times.

A highlight of the summit was the presentation of the prestigious Global Peace Ambassador Certificate, recognizing individuals and organizations dedicated to advancing peace, justice, and cross-cultural dialogue. These individuals now join a distinguished group of previous honorees, including the esteemed former Indian Prime Minister, Deve Gowda; President Girma of Ethiopia; King Carlos of Spain; the world's only five-time Heavyweight Boxing Champion, Evander Holyfield; former Miss World Canada, Nazanin Afshin-Jam; and Gaddar, the human rights activist and singer-songwriter. As each recipient accepts their certificate tonight, they should recognize the immense honor and responsibility it carries.

This year's laureates included:

Sir Laurent Khaiat, Marquis of Sicily of Cappadocia, for his dedication to fostering cross-cultural understanding and humanitarian aid in underserved regions. Victoria Jancke, international speaker and entrepreneur, for empowering women through her Grow & Glow initiative.Dame Sandra Costa, an internationally renowned designer and philanthropist, was recognized for her contributions to global peace initiatives. Dr. Neneh Ada Yang, also known as "Queen Nak," was awarded for her advocacy for social justice, women and youth empowerment, and promotion of conflict resolution in communities worldwide.

The Global Peace Prize was awarded to JD McKean, a devoted philanthropist who, although unable to attend in person, has tirelessly supported disadvantaged youth worldwide. His efforts range from using his medical skills during a stage collapse in India to building Eagle Sky Camp in the Ozarks for inner-city kids and providing scholarships and funding faith education at the university level. David McQuade, former Executive Director of the Global Peace Initiative and advisor to Dr. KA Paul, accepted the award on JD McKean's behalf.

Attendees included prominent Hollywood producers and directors and representatives from various countries and faiths, symbolizing a unified commitment to global harmony. Dr. Paul drew parallels between current global tensions and historical conflicts, urging leaders to learn from past mistakes. He recounted his experiences mediating peace in Liberia, Iraq, and Afghanistan, where paths to resolution were found through dialogue and courage.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Paul emphasized the need for collective action. "The world stands at a crossroads," he said. "We must all choose peace over division, dialogue over conflict, and unity over chaos. Together, we can create a future where every individual can thrive in harmony."

The Global Peace and Economic Summit served as a timely reminder of the power of unity and the role of compassion in addressing the world's most pressing challenges.

Dr. K.A. Paul was joined on by influential figures at the Global Peace Summit and Awards in Beverly Hills on Saturday, November 23, 2024. Eeach uniting to help amplify his message of global peace and change. Left to Right: Queen Nak, Victoria Jancke, Dr. KA Paul, Maya Ito, Sir Laurent Khaiat, Sandra Costa, and Sara Kazimi along many more...

For more information, visit https://theglobalpeaceprize.com.

EDITED BY ACCA/Helen Caddes

In the heart of Beverly Hills, a stalwart champion of the business community has made an indelible mark. Todd Johnson, President and CEO of the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce, has woven a tapestry of dedication and perseverance with his passion for excellence. His remarkable journey, from humble beginnings in Pennsylvania to a pinnacle of success in Southern California, is a testament to his unwavering commitment to making a positive impact. With nearly three decades of experience in the restaurant industry, Johnson's ascent to the helm of the Chamber was not a coincidence. His leadership prowess, honed through years of managing high-performing teams and maximizing efficiency, has been instrumental in guiding the organization through a restructure and beyond. Today, he spearheads day-to-day operations of the Chamber, serving over 700 members with an operating budget of nearly $1.7 million. In just a few days, Todd and his team will be hosting their annual Summer Garden Party at the Beverly Cañon Gardens. The evening is an appreciation event to honor member businesses and to induct the incoming Chair of the Board of Directors in the presence of City officials. The outgoing Chair, David Mirharooni, will be recognized for his contributions. Bobbe Joy Dawson will be sworn in as the 103rd Chair of the Board of Directors, along with the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce Board. Following the ceremony, guests will delight in samplings from Beverly Hills’ finest culinary and beverage sponsors while networking in the tranquil gardens.

Johnson's advice to Chamber members is to "get involved, to join the Chamber for the right reasons" and to remember that "you're going to get out of it what you put into it." His commitment to empowering others and fostering a culture of excellence will leave a lasting impact on the local business community for years to come. As we delve into the mind of this inspiring leader, we discover a man who values the importance of hard work, who is determined to live life to the fullest. His bucket list is ever evolving, but his desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others remains constant. In the words of Todd Johnson, "Don't sweat the small stuff... You grow and learn when things aren't good." His legacy will continue to serve as a beacon of hope, inspiring others to embrace life's challenges and to strive for excellence. As we navigate the complexities of our own journeys, we would do well to draw inspiration from this remarkable individual who continues to leave an indelible mark on the world around him.

www.beverlyhillschamber.com

@bh_chamber

Sherab Wangyal, also known as Chabtrul Rinpoche, is a living Buddha of the Bon tradition, the oldest religion in Tibet, and a Geshe, a Buddhist scholar. Currently, he resides in the Manjushri Monastery, the Menri monastery temple of the Bon tradition, in India, and travels around the world for teaching.

He was born on June 7, 1984, in the Ayi family in Songpan, Sichuan, China. From a young age, he had the opportunity to learn about cultural knowledge and attended a local primary school. At the age of twelve, he began studying temple culture and religious affairs and entered the Xiangzang Temple, also known as the Bon tradition. He became a disciple of the Venerable Bhikshu Danba Cicheng and learned the fundamental knowledge of religious culture under his guidance. Later, under the guidance of the Venerable Bhikshu Cicheng Bajue in Xiangzang Temple, he studied Tibetan language and the teachings of the Bon tradition, and completed the practice of the "Great Perfection Nine Yanas." He received the transmission of the teachings of Mahayoga, Anuyoga, and Atiyoga, including the profound teachings of the Great Perfection, at the Menri monastery in India . He has held various positions in Buddhism, including Vinaya Master and Dean of the Teaching and Practice Institute. He also emphasizes writing, speaking, and propagating the Dharma and has published numerous articles and poetry. His practice and wisdom have been recognized, and he has been given multiple Dharma names by esteemed masters. He is a highly respected living Buddha who brings wisdom and guidance to people.

Famous Book: "Tshig bkra bshad pa).-The Record of Awakening Radiance"

Remarks: Translation: Bon (Wylie: bon, Tibetan Pinyin: Pön) is a shortened term for the Bonpo religion, also known as Bon or Bo. It is the indigenous religion of Tibet.

Karla Gordy Bristol, a dynamic and influential figure in the entertainment industry, has emerged as a driving force for arts and culture as a commissioner for the city of Beverly Hills. Leveraging her vast experience and deep passion for the arts, Bristol has brought a fresh perspective to the cultural landscape of this iconic city.

Appointed as an arts and culture commissioner, Bristol has dedicated herself to promoting the creative spirit and supporting local artists. Through her involvement, she helps to foster a vibrant and inclusive arts community that celebrates various forms of expression, including visual arts, performing arts, and music.

Beyond being  an arts and culture commissioner, Bristol is a multifaceted talent in the entertainment industry, making a mark for over 25 years. As a film and tv producer, television host, and event organizer, she has created unique projects that bring joy to people in the performing arts, music arts, and media arts. Karla's career started at a young age with her dedication to the performing arts. She made appearances on popular programs, including seasonally on  American Bandstand,  and excelled as a professional dancer, choreographer, and instructor, working on music videos and international shows with renowned recording artists like Lionel Richie and Smokey Robinson. During her time at Motown Records, Karla showcased her skills in song review, talent showcases, community engagement, and charitable causes.

Driven by her passion for real estate, Karla has been at the forefront in residential transactions since 1989, primarily serving clients from the entertainment industry. Her exceptional sales results and commitment to her clients earned her recognition as a top agent with multiple awards for her multi-million dollar sales. Karla found great satisfaction in helping families find their dream homes, not knowing she one day would become an arts and culture commissioner, Karla also engaged quite often with her clients fine art collections and connected them with local artists for commissioned works. Karla Gordy Bristol's remarkable journey showcases her dedication to the arts and her ability to excel in multiple careers while making a positive impact on people's lives. With her dynamic leadership and passion, Bristol continues her humanitarian messages of love and kindness to leave an indelible mark on Beverly Hills' artistic legacy.