Young Artists Promote Culture of Peace Through Music

IAACP USA – Due to music's profound effect on people, young and old, the International Association of Arts and Culture for Peace (IAACP) webinar on July 30, 2026, featured three young artists who are active in their communities in bringing a positive message to young people through their music. These young artists have embraced the ideals that IAACP advocates and they have created music videos that promote the creation of a culture of peace. 

To open the program, titled "Young Artist Showcase: Passing the Torch," IAACP global director Mr. David Eaton gave a short introduction about the goals and vision of UPF and its founders, and how the arts can assist in the pursuit of socio-cultural betterment. He cited how the UPF founders have continuously emphasized the moral power of the arts and how artists have a responsibility to use their talent in responsible ways. He then introduced the three songwriters, all of whom he has worked with in recent years.

Ms. Nora Waldmann began her music studies as a child growing up in Austria. A mother of two young boys, she has been active in the Clifton, New Jersey community as both a performer and songwriter. In the webinar she shared a music video based on her song “God’s Voice.” She explained that the song came to her rather quickly after several challenging life circumstances. She also expressed her concern regarding the music young people are choosing to listen to in the contemporary entertainment environment.

Ms. Rebecca Keiko Zinke is a Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter and actress. She and Mr. Eaton have collaborated on twenty-five songs and recording projects since 2018. In addition to being a lead singer in the Los Angeles Family Federation band, she has performed with several Christian choirs including the Sadoc Church choir at Dodger Stadium on two occasions. Like Ms. Waldmann, Rebecca expressed her desire to use her talent to influence her community in a positive fashion. She shared a YouTube video of her award-winning song, “Find Your Way.”

Ms. Ahan Woo is a talented singer, instrumentalist and songwriter who has performed extensively in Japan and South Korea. She currently has 15,000 YouTube subscribers. Miss Woo’s father is Korean and her mother is Japanese; she shared how growing up with both cultures was a very meaningful and enjoyable experience. At the same time there were moments when she felt sad because of the historical and social tensions between the two countries.

Despite those tensions, Ms. Woo witnessed people enjoying and loving each other's cultures, which made her realize that art and music had the power to bring people closer together in meaningful ways. She began to dream of becoming a musician who could help build a cultural bridge between Korea and Japan. Ms. Woo presented two music videos of her songs, “Just One More Time,” about missing her grandfather, and "Gritare" ("Shout It Out"), which she composed while visiting South America. Like Ms. Zinke, Ms. Woo has collaborated with Mr. Eaton on many occasions, including several performances with the Hyo Jeong Youth Orchestra in South Korea. 

Mr. Eaton closed the program with a call to action by encouraging these young artists to continue to use their talent to build bridges and foster conditions for greater understanding and harmonious relationships.

By David Eaton, Global Director, IAACP July 30, 2026