IGPE Q&A

IGPE Q & A

Q: What is IGPE?

A: IGPE is a philosophy-based learning network created by educators, families, and everyday citizens who wish to nurture empathy, peace, and global citizenship. Rather than a legal organization, IGPE is a citizen-led initiative that seeks to sow seeds of peace and happiness around the world through “Global Citizenship Education.” It is a quiet movement of people who care deeply about the future of humanity.

Q: Who founded IGPE?

A: The founder of IGPE chooses not to be publicly identified. This is because IGPE values the spirit of the activity more than the identity of the person behind it. If we were to describe the founder, they might be someone who cleans public restrooms, drives a taxi, assembles cars in a factory, or grows vegetables in a field. They may also be a parent who deeply wishes for their child’s happiness. That said, IGPE materials reflect the founder’s philosophy and worldview. While the intention is to promote happiness for all, the materials are not perfect. You are not required to accept everything uncritically. If the learning becomes emotionally difficult, you are free to step away. The founder’s deepest wish is for each learner to live happily, build peace with others, and feel grateful for being born into this world. They prefer a quiet life, and would be glad if you simply use the materials without trying to uncover their identity.

Q: How were the IGPE materials created?

A: The materials were born from decades of reflection by the founder, who asked: “How can every person born on Earth live happily? There must be a way.” They studied what is truly needed for human happiness—not only inner peace, but also external conditions. While cultivating gratitude and inner strength is important, creating environments where happiness is possible is equally vital. True happiness must be sustainable, not just short-term. That requires wisdom, and wisdom comes through education. Of course, immediate help is also necessary. If someone is starving, we must first offer bread—not just teach how to grow wheat. But alongside giving bread, we must also teach how to grow it. Education is the path to long-term freedom from suffering. Seeing news of war, children losing parents, parents losing children, and people suffering from hunger and cold, the founder asked: “What can be done to prevent such tragedies?” To address the roots of war, crime, bullying, hunger, and environmental destruction, we need both wisdom and heart-based education. If wars didn’t exist, military budgets could be redirected to solving real problems. We’re not saying countries should abolish their armies—but the world must move toward mutual understanding. For that, Global Citizenship Education is essential. IGPE is still young, but it walks forward with the hope that all people can live in peace and happiness. The materials are the crystallization of that hope. We hope you can feel the intention behind them.

Q: What are the strengths and challenges of IGPE?

A: IGPE begins with a wish for peace. As the materials spread, shared understanding as global citizens will grow, creating a safer and happier world. The materials are affordable, making it easier for passionate individuals to become IGPE educators. However, the quality of educators cannot be guaranteed. This is a challenge, but we trust that each teacher will act with care for the children before them. Over time, these efforts will build trust and become a light in each community.

Q: What is IGPE’s view on economic inequality?

A: Economic gaps are widening. To address this, we believe in high-quality education at an affordable price. We don’t think it’s right to ask those living well to suddenly lower their standard of living. But we do hope people living in extreme luxury will reflect. Those already living safely should be able to maintain that, and those struggling should see improvement. This is the founder’s wish. To achieve this, we must address population, food, climate change, and other global challenges together. War and destruction are meaningless. We hope IGPE learners will join hands across borders to build a truly peaceful and abundant Earth.

Q: How can we create a world where people live happily without conflict, beyond national borders?

A: This space is too small for a full answer, but here is a broad idea: Each country decides whether to join a “Global Federation.” Leading nations collaborate to design its framework, including shared elements like currency, tax systems, education, language, and human rights laws. Participation levels can be categorized (e.g., A: full agreement, B: partial agreement, C: limited agreement), and benefits from the federation vary accordingly. One key area is military. By joining the Global Federation Forces, nations commit to peace and mutual support. Military budgets could be reduced to 70% of current levels. Centralized systems require caution, so safeguards must be built. Ultimately, ensuring access to safe food, shelter, and clothing is the top priority. Population policies should be flexible but guided. For example: “Up to 2 children: $200/month support per child. 3rd and 4th child: $150/month. 5th and beyond: $100/month.” This could help prevent both overpopulation and population decline. A new economic model blending capitalism and socialism may be ideal. Examples:

• Choose between cash or in-kind support for basic needs
• Make 40% of farmers public employees
• Set regional goals for 120% food and energy self-sufficiency
• Assign 70% of federation forces to infrastructure work This would stabilize basic needs while preserving innovation.

With shared understanding and trust, better systems can emerge. Balancing shared values and diversity is the heart of IGPE’s philosophy.