-- A representative of Global Art Culture (Global Art Culture USA Inc.), a U.S.-based nonprofit cultural exchange organization, has been honored as an Ambassador for Peace by the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) during an international cultural and peacebuilding program held at The Washington Times headquarters in Washington, D.C.
The recognition brings together international peacebuilding, cultural diplomacy, and the arts, highlighting the role of music and cultural exchange in fostering dialogue among communities and across national and cultural boundaries.
UPF is a nongovernmental organization with General Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC). The United Nations civil society database lists UPF as holding ECOSOC general consultative status since 2018. UPF’s Ambassador for Peace designation is part of the organization’s own global network of peace-oriented leaders and partners.
UPF and IAPD leadership at the center of the Washington program
An important figure in the program was Tomiko Duggan, Senior Vice President of UPF-USA and Global Coordinator of the Interreligious Association for Peace and Development (IAPD), a primary association of UPF. UPF’s official international website identifies Duggan as IAPD’s Global Coordinator, while UPF-USA identifies her as Senior Vice President.
IAPD promotes interreligious dialogue and cooperation as part of broader efforts to advance peace and development. Duggan has been active in peacebuilding, interfaith dialogue, and cultural exchange initiatives in the Washington, D.C., region.
UPF has documented multiple cultural and peacebuilding programs at The Washington Times building in Washington, D.C., including events involving Ambassadors for Peace and intercultural exchange. A February 2026 UPF report, for example, identified Duggan as Global IAPD Coordinator and described a Japanese-Pakistani cultural exchange hosted at The Washington Times building.
Global Art Culture connects culture, music and international exchange
The recognition comes as Global Art Culture continues to develop cultural exchange programs connecting artists, young performers and cultural organizations across countries.
Global Art Culture is based in the Washington, D.C., region and focuses on international cultural exchange, artistic development, international performances, cultural festivals and opportunities for artists to engage with audiences and institutions across borders.
Its programming spans vocal music, opera, instrumental music and multidisciplinary artistic projects. International initiatives include the Australia Voice of Music International Competition, international cultural exchange concerts, international arts festivals, overseas performance projects and programs supporting the development and international exposure of emerging artists.
Through these programs, Global Art Culture seeks to use Washington, D.C., as an important platform for international cultural and artistic exchange.
Music as a universal language
The Ambassador for Peace recognition also reflects the role of artists in broader international cultural dialogue.
Danyi Ma, a musician and cultural exchange leader associated with Global Art Culture, has emphasized the ability of music and the arts to cross linguistic, geographic, and cultural boundaries.
“Music can connect people, art can connect cultures, and cultural exchange can help us recognize what we share even when our backgrounds are different,” Ma said.
Her work with Global Art Culture combines artistic performance with international cultural exchange, placing music within a broader framework of communication, community engagement, and international understanding.
Washington, D.C. as a cultural exchange hub
For Global Art Culture, Washington, D.C., serves not only as an important U.S. base but also as a platform for international cultural engagement. The capital’s diplomatic institutions, international organizations, cultural organizations, and diverse communities provide an environment for programs connecting artists and audiences across national and cultural boundaries.
The organization plans to continue developing international concerts, artistic competitions, cultural exchange programs, and youth initiatives while strengthening partnerships with cultural organizations and artists in the United States and internationally.
Building dialogue through culture
The Ambassador for Peace recognition places Global Art Culture’s cultural work within a broader conversation about the role of civil society and the arts in international dialogue.
For Global Art Culture, cultural exchange is not limited to the presentation of artistic performances. It is also a means of building relationships, encouraging mutual understanding, and creating opportunities for people from different backgrounds to engage with one another.
The organization intends to continue using music and the arts to create opportunities for dialogue, deepen cultural understanding, and strengthen connections among people from different parts of the world.
About Global Art Culture
Global Art Culture USA Inc. is a U.S.-based nonprofit cultural exchange organization focused on international arts and cultural exchange, artist development, international performances, cultural events, and cross-border artistic collaboration. Based in the Washington, D.C., region, the organization develops programs connecting artists, audiences and cultural resources across the United States and internationally.
Editorial verification notes
This release uses “UN ECOSOC General Consultative Status” to describe UPF’s relationship with the United Nations. It does not characterize the Ambassador for Peace designation as a United Nations award. UPF’s consultative status is independently listed in the United Nations Civil Society database.
Tomiko Duggan’s titles are based on current UPF sources: Senior Vice President, UPF-USA; and Global Coordinator, IAPD.
Source references reviewed: United Nations Civil Society Participation database; UPF International; UPF-USA; UPF reports concerning Washington, D.C., cultural and peacebuilding programs.
Contact Info:
Name: Danyi Ma
Email: Send Email
Organization: Global Art Culture USA Inc.
Phone: +1 7712426630
Website: https://globalartcultureusa.mystrikingly.com
Release ID: 89202659
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