Charity registration number 1134575
Company registration number 05002640 (England and Wales)
GUERRAND HERMES FOUNDATION FOR PEACE
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
GUERRAND HERMES FOUNDATION FOR PEACE
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Trustees
Mr S I Horthy
Ms A Asseily
Mr A J Holloway
Mrs I A Horthy
Mr M Ridwan
Prof P C Brodeur
Secretary
Mr S I Horthy
Charity number
1134575
Company number
05002640
Registered office
199 Preston Road
Brighton
BN1 6SA
Auditor
Sumer Audit
Amelia House
Crescent Road
Worthing
West Sussex
BN11 1RL
GUERRAND HERMES FOUNDATION FOR PEACE
CONTENTS
Page
Trustees' report
1 - 11
Statement of trustees' responsibilities
12
Independent auditor's report
13 - 15
Statement of financial activities
16
Balance sheet
17
Statement of cash flows
18
Notes to the financial statements
19 - 33
GUERRAND HERMES FOUNDATION FOR PEACE
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 1 -

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's memorandum and articles of association, the Companies Act 2006 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019).

Objectives and activities

The mission of the GHFP is to promote the development of qualities that are needed for peace and a sustainable human future. The GHFP works as an international think-tank and research institute, investigating areas of concern key to the advancement of our mission.

 

Our overall legal objectives include the advancement of:

 

Public benefit

The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.

Activities

To achieve these objectives, the GHFP focuses on the following:

 

 

In addition, to support all objectives, the GHFP also embarks on research and hosts international events for deepening understanding, to launch evaluation on the impact of our activities, and generates both internal and external publications to disseminate our learnings, through for example concept notes, white papers, teaching resources, journal articles and books.

Achievements and performance
Significant activities and achievements against objectives

The following report is structured under the themes of the Foundation's work, demonstrating how our activities aim to further our stated purposes for public benefit most of our activities seek to serve more than one aim.

 

A. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND WELL-BEING

Under this objective, the GHFP supports initiatives and projects that can enable a better understanding of the need for development and well-being, and inspire a better integration of spiritual values, such as forgiveness, authenticity, love and caring in personal and communal lives, social policies and institutional practices. We also facilitate spaces to explore our ideas on sustainability and positive peace in international forums and share them with other institutions through dialogue and publications. In 2024, the GHFP provided grants to a number of carefully selected projects and collaborated with international partners to strengthen their impact and to further the GHFP’s mission.

 

Global Humanity for Peace Institute

The Global Humanity for Peace Institute is co-created by the GHFP and University of Wales Trinity Saint David. Since its inception in 2021, the Institute has been actively carrying out research, project evaluation and knowledge-leadership. The Institute’s major focus includes coordinating UNESCO Collective Healing Initiative.

 

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TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
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Research

When our current economic systems effectively prioritise materialism, self-interest, and other misplaced values, a greater majority of humanity suffers. Some grapple with political antagonism and oppression, some experience racism and discrimination, and others struggle in poverty and marginalization, and lack the opportunity for decent livelihood. Alongside related ecological disasters, causing catastrophic harm to humans and the more-than-human, such systemic and environmental turbulence has not only engendered a pandemic of ill-being amongst global youth, but can also have long-term detrimental effects on collective well-being in generations to come.

 

In 2024, the Institute continued research in the domain of well-being governance by investigating the systemic barriers to democracy, and more importantly, by focusing on the values that ought to underlie good governance. This has been mainly a normative exercise which has allowed us to articulate a set of principles, including (1) the principle of non-instrumentality; (2) the principle of equality; (3) the principle of non-antagonism; and (4) the principle of well-being of all. This innovative vision of good governance would transform our current conceptions of structural peace.

 

The outcome of this research is a book co-authored by GHFP CEO Prof Garrett Thomson and Prof Scherto Gill, Director, Global Humanity for Peace Institute. Entitled “Beyond Instrumentalised Politics”, it is published by DeGruyter as an open-access book with a grant from Pureland Foundation.

 

Youth Leadership Research and Programme Development

This year, the Institute also undertook research and programme development towards nurturing leadership and well-being of future generations. More specifically, such research and development aim to cultivate and enrich youth’s personal and professional qualities and capacities for initiating activities and facilitating collective healing, social justice and communal well-being at local and global levels. According to UNESCO, youth programmes must be identified by youth, co-created with youth, and designed for youth.

 

In autumn 2024, the Institute was commissioned by UNESCO’s Social and Human Sciences (SHS) sector to conduct a research study that seeks to understand the needs of young people in driving positive change within their communities.

 

The study will integrate findings from an extended literature review, a global youth survey, focus groups conversations led by a youth advisory panel, and in-depth interviews with both emergent and established leaders/changemakers. The results of this research will inform the development of a new UNESCO future leadership programme.

 

University of Meaning/UWTSD Young Changemakers Programme

In April 2024, the GHfP Institute and pontifical foundation, Scholas Occurrentes, co-piloted a Young Changemakers Programme (YCP) on the UWTSD’s Lampeter Campus. Attended by 25 young people from 19 countries, YCP offered inspirational and transformative learning opportunities that combine encounter, experience, inquiry and action in a circular itinerary. It aims to enhance young people’s self-awareness, mutual appreciation, and understanding of local-global challenges.

 

Scholas Occurrentes or Scholas, is a pontifical foundation offering educational activities in five continents. It believes in passion, gratitude, mystery, and community as the ethical basis for a new human culture. Scholas seeks to provide educational experiences that can engender meaning, deepen young people’s connection with life, and help them embark a path of real transformation.

 

Building on Scholas’ University of Meaning programme, and drawing on UWTSD’s commitment to the well-being of future generations, and the university’s experiences and expertise in offering ethical leadership programme, the YCP seeks to meet young people’s need for making learning relevant to personal and professional development as well as local and global transformation.

 

YCP Features a week-long in-person programme, involving experiential, artistic and reflective activities. The educational process aims to give meaning to young people’s emotions, ideas, and actions through listening/encounter/dialogue, co-creation/collaboration, and appreciation/celebration. More importantly, each participant will have a group of peers to explore and dialogue about their respective local challenges, identify a specific issue to focus on, and plan and design a project for transformative action in their local community.

 

GUERRAND HERMES FOUNDATION FOR PEACE
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 3 -

Initiatives of Change International – Trust building Awards 2024

The Initiatives of Change Trust building Programme is an award-winning grassroots initiative in different parts of the world across the continents. The annual Trust building Awards recognise and promote outstanding efforts in trust building and peacebuilding in these communities. These awards honor the dedication of individuals and organisations who act as catalysts for positive change, fostering reconciliation, and bridging societal divides. By highlighting these accomplishments, the Awards seek to inspire a new wave of trust builders and elevate the discourse on trust in today's world.

 

In 2024, the Initiatives of Change Trust building Awards ceremony took place in Richmond, Virginia, USA on 20th September, honoring the following:

 

 

International Symposium 2024: Is Peace Possible in the Middle East

Co-convened and facilitated by Scherto Gill, held at the Initiatives of Change International Headquarter in London, this symposium, taking place on 30th June 2024, explored how positive peace might emerge in the Middle East. The context was the most enduring and complex challenges in international relations: Israeli occupation of Palestine. As violence rages in the region, understanding the multifaceted dynamics of peacebuilding is more crucial than ever. The event attracted 100 in person participants and 250 online audience.

 

Imagine Forum 2024

In October, Scherto Gill convened a panel on positive peace during the annual Imagine Forum held in Reykjavik in Iceland. She led discussions on how dialogue can be a relational route to bridging divides and moving beyond the current impasse. Joining Scherto in this panel were Dr Imad Karam, Director, Initiatives of Change International, Justine Abi Saad, Programme Advisor for Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation at GIZ, and Dr Helen María Ólafsdóttir, Security Sector and Development Specialist at UNDP. The panel explored the current situations in the Middle East, and imagined opportunities that deep dialogue and intergenerational dialogue might offer towards building peace in the region, and the conditions necessary for dialogue to flourish. The event was attended by 250 people, and the presenters engaged the audience in an active Q&A.

 

B. EDUCATION FOR PUBLIC BENEFIT

An important aim of the GHFP’s work is to understand how public education can enable people to live a rich, meaningful and flourishing life and in turn to contribute to a peaceful world. Over time, we have developed an innovative vision of Human-Centred Education (HCE) which aims at the cultivation of students’ holistic well-being and their development as whole human beings. We are particularly interested in encouraging human-Centred values, principles and practices necessary for transforming the public educational system so that it can create a humanising structure and environment for our students and teachers.

 

An aspect of HCE is ethical education which can help students become more able to care for and respect one another, care for learning, and care for the flourishing of community and the betterment of the world around them.

 

Through research, publications, conferences, workshops, seminars and project support, the GHFP strives to promote an education that prioritises human flourishing that is connected to the thriving of communities.

 

Ethics Education Fellowship Programme: Phase II

Today children and youth live in an increasingly globalised world, where the potential for learning and collaboration around common issues of concern among people of different cultures and religions is enormous. Ethics Education provides a unique approach to human flourishing in a context of global interdependence, as it promotes mutual understanding and respect for people of diverse cultures, religions, and beliefs. Ethics education is built around common ethical values of solidarity and human fraternity, which empowers children to develop their sense of purpose, meaning, and ethical responsibility in an interconnected world. Increasing focus on education programmes and pedagogical and dialogical approaches that cultivate ethical values as well as intercultural and interreligious/interworld view dialogue, learning and collaboration is crucial to implement and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly target 4.72, which aims to promote a culture of peace and non-violence, global and democratic citizenship, and appreciation of cultural diversity. There is a need to prioritise and invest in ethics education in formal and non-formal education systems, contribute to building more inclusive, respectful, and resilient societies, where children are equipped to respond to ethical challenges and become active citizens.

 

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TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
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The Ethics Education Fellowship programme seeks to strengthen the sustainable delivery of ethics education programs for children in formal education settings to advance global citizenship and build more peaceful and inclusive societies. Following the successful pilot in 2022-2023, this year the GHFP continued its support to the Phase II of Ethics Education Fellowship Programme (EEFP).

 

Ethics Education Fellowship Programme 2024 Conference

The Ethics Education Fellowship Programme concluded its first phase marked by an international event – the Convening of Champions meeting held in April 2024 in Abu Dhabi. The event gathered senior representatives from Ministries of Education, UNESCO offices, partner organizations, religious leaders and international experts. During the event, international participants and Ethics Education fellows reflected on the ways that the Programme has been meaningful to bringing transformative changes to teachers, learners, and formal education institutions. These efforts have significantly contributed to strengthening global citizenship and building more inclusive, peaceful societies. This vibrant event served as a hub for discussing the critical importance of prioritizing and investing in Ethics Education. Children’s heartfelt testimonials illuminated the room, while participating countries made promising commitments to continue their support. It was a celebration of a pivotal milestone, closing the first phase and paving the way for the second.

 

G20 Interfaith Forum Education Working Group

In July 2024, the GHfP Institute hosted the G20 Interfaith Forum Education Working Group Symposium in Oxford, focusing on the Centrality of Harmony in Education. The G20 Interfaith Forum serves as an annual platform for religious institutions, faith organizations, and interfaith communities to collaborate on key agendas set by G20 leaders. Scherto Gill chairs the G20 Interfaith Forum (IF20) Education Working Group. The group seeks to bridge global religious, faith, and interfaith organizations with G20 leaders in shaping educational policymaking.

 

During the Forum, participants explored how harmony in education can foster interfaith and intercultural collaboration, advance positive peace, promote inclusive citizenship, enhance climate awareness, and encourage co-flourishing with nature. The dialogue aimed to address the theme of G20 2024: Just World, Sustainable Planet, engaging key priorities of inclusion, social and environmental sustainability, and global governance.

 

The backdrop of the symposium is the global epidemic of physical and mental ill-being amongst young people, the imminent collapse of ecological systems, and the proliferation of violence. It calls for a shift towards a focus on Harmony in Public Education, rather than fragmentation and instrumentalisation.

 

The participants of the symposium propose that the Harmony, and the deep relationality and interdependence which it emphasises, can serve to focus the priorities of education on co-flourishing by simultaneously nurturing the of well-being of humanity and the wellness of the natural world of which it is a part. Thus, Harmony-focused education ensures that children and young people will come to appreciate symbiotic interdependence between oneself, other people, the more-than-human in nature, and the transcendent, and to recognise the ethical imperatives for action which harmony and interdependence insist upon. The outcome of the Symposium is an Education Policy Brief.

 

Subud Education Association (SEA)

SEA has continued to use GHFP’s grant to further its charitable, professional, and educational aims. At this time, SEA have two major subcommittees – the Subud Education Fund (SEF) and the Educational Consulting Group (ECG). The SEA can extend human-centred education vision to Subud educational projects worldwide. SEA can truly help advance GHFP’s objectives in education. This year GHFP provided funding towards a Researcher to compile a directory and guide for online courses.

 

C. RACIAL HARMONY AND COLLECTIVE HEALING

GHFP’s work in this area focuses on creating spaces for new forms of encounter, dialogue, understanding and appreciation. We recognize that deep dialogue entails constructing trusting and non-judgmental spaces, compassionate listening, and ethically engaging whole persons. We believe that such interactions can contribute to healing the wounds of past violence, enhance racial harmony, strengthen social justice, and inspire communal well-being.

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FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
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UNESCO Collective Healing Initiative

As the Coordinator of UNESCO Collective Healing Initiative, the Global Humanity for Peace Institute plays a significant role in advancing the Initiative’s objectives. At the start of 2024, the Institute revisited the lessons drawn from the Intergenerational Dialogue & Inquiry (IDI) pilots. These insights enabled us to refine and consolidate our approach into a coherent IDI methodology. This framework served as the cornerstone for integrating the conception of collective healing into the Collective Healing Circle (CHC) programme. This is the core of the UNESCO Collective Healing Initiative.

 

Capacity-Building for Community Facilitators

Building on our research and pilot, the Institute, in collaboration with the GHFP’s team, conducted CHC capacity-building for 28 facilitators representing 14 countries across four continents. Over the course of six days, the professional development sessions—offered in English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish—provided facilitators with the theoretical grounding, spiritual enrichment, practical guidelines, and reflective spaces necessary to implement the CHC workshops in their local communities. The sessions brought together 28 participants from across four continents, including representatives from Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Uruguay, USA, Mexico; Martinique & Guadeloupe; France, UK and Germany; and Kenya, Nigeria and Cameroon, enhancing their skills in facilitating collective healing processes.

 

The capacity-building served to equip facilitators not only with nuanced understandings but also new skills in terms of how to adapt the CHC model to diverse sociocultural and political contexts. Following completion of the capacity building programme, participants continued to develop community-rooted UNESCO Collective Healing Circles, with the ongoing guidance of experienced UNESCO Collective Healing Mentors.

 

Collective Healing Circles in Global Communities

Following the Capacity-Building, these facilitators, supported by our coordinating team and local partners, proceeded to tailor and implement CHCs in 14 sites. Each workshop engaged 15-25 intergenerational participants, culminating in stakeholders’ meetings that drew in even broader segments of society.

 

CHC incorporate four processes, mirroring the four components of collective healing:

1. Acknowledging our common past & recognising intergenerational legacies and trauma;

2. Affirming/restoring human dignity through identifying cultural wisdom and communal resources for healing and resilience;

3. Transforming narratives, and bridging intercommunal relationships;

4. Envisioning and activating our shared future(s).

 

The CHC starts with a series of pre-programme inquiries, including trust-building and community mapping, which are essential for contextualising, adapting and localising the programme. The CHC itself is characterised by experiential activities such as listening, sharing, remembering, and re-storying to acknowledge legacies of dehumanisation and draw lessons from the past. Remembering/re-storying during the CHC is carried out through intergenerational dialogue and inquiry (IDI). It helps recover and restore wisdom and knowledge of previous generations to benefit the present, and help communities to envisage and action better, more just futures.

 

To conclude each CHC, communities convened educators, social workers, activists, NGO professionals, business, religious and political leaders, and others will come together to explore the ways that these shifts in consciousness can initiate conversations about social justice, and structural change. These stakeholder meetings offered a public space where all were able to consider their responsibility for supporting systemic transformation necessary for the well-being of all.

 

These CHC experiences are proving transformative. Most are led by women facilitators and aimed to nurture youth voices and accentuate elders’ wisdom, while advancing social transformation—directly reinforcing UNESCO’s strategic priorities, particularly for Africa, gender equality, youth, and the SDGs (notably 3, 5, 10, and 11).

 

Contributing to UNESCO’s events

The success of these efforts has prompted growing interest from communities worldwide, eager to participate in this important initiative. We deeply appreciate UNESCO’s ongoing partnership in extending the global reach of this work. The CHC communities’ stakeholders shared their experiences during the 30th Anniversary of the Routes of Enslaved Peoples, and enabling CHC facilitators from Africa and the USA to demonstrate IDI at the UNESCO Global Forum 2024, has greatly enhanced our collective impact.

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UNESCO Symposium on Understanding the Harms of Dehumanisation

This year, the GHfP Institute hosted a major UNESCO symposium in January held at Virginia Union University, Richmond, VA. USA.

 

The Symposium was attended by 35 contributors, including scholars, researchers, practitioners, activists, religious leaders, and politicians. Notably, amongst the contributors were Prof Ali Moussa Iye, Co-Founder, AfroSpectives, formerly Chief of Dialogue at UNESCO SHS, Prof Benjamin Bowser, a leading voice of collective healing at University of California, Vincent DeForester, the co-creator of Afro-American Bicentennial Corp. operated under the National Park Service, Prof Hakim J. Lucas, President of Virginia Union University, and Virginia Democratic Delegate Delores McQueen.

 

The focus of the dialogue was Understanding and Addressing Harms of Inhumanity. The contributors explored the nature of dehumanising harms (e.g. slavery, colonisation and other forms of structural injustice and oppression), and the multi-dimensional damage. It focuses on the spiritual dimension of such harm, which is seldom documented, and extremely complex to understand and to address. The dialogue also investigates how harms of inhumanity impact peoples of African descent (both on the Africa Continent and in the diasporas) and people of European descents (both in Europe and in other parts of the world). Further discussions also reflect on continued harm through local, national and transnational institutions and how they inflict wounds on peoples of African and indigenous descent and cause transgenerational trauma. Collective Healing Initiative’s activities were presented during the symposium as a case study alongside other practices, including traditional healing work through arts, music, rhythms and movements, as well as spiritually inspired healing approaches including rituals, contemplation, religious practices, and nature-inspired healing practices.

 

UNESCO Symposium on Well-Being of Future Generations: A Co-Creative Approach

In June, the GHfP Institute co-convened, with UNESCO Social and Human Sciences (SHS) Sector, a keynote plenary session on Well-Being of Future Generations: A Co-Creative Approach during the annual Wellbeing Economy Forum in Reykjavik, Iceland. Amongst the speakers was Mrs Gabriela Ramos, the Assistant Director General of UNESCO SHS sector. UNESCO SHS has extended expertise in co-constructing just, inclusive, and resilient societies, and recognises that concerted global effort is imperative to reframe the present existential crises as an opportunity for inclusive intercultural and intergenerational dialogue, and cross-boundary collaboration as the basis for well-being governance.

 

Moderated by Scherto Gill, the panel made up of international, national and young leaders focused their dialogue on understanding how diverse political, social and grassroots actors can collectively respond to the myriad global crises and co-imagine common pathways for enhancing the well-being of present and future generations.

 

Publications

Scherto Gill led the research, development and publication of Collective Healing: Towards Just Societies – Handbook for Facilitators & Co-Creators. This Handbook is intended to support the efforts of facilitators and other professionals who are interested in hosting a Collective Healing Circle (CHC) Programme in their local community, as part of the UNESCO’s Collective Healing Initiative. The intellectual insights underpinning the CHC Programme proposed in this Handbook are drawn from contemporary research on historical atrocities, such as the transatlantic trade of enslaved Africans, colonialisation, and mass killing and violent displacement of Indigenous peoples, as well as the legacies of racism and structural injustice. The practical ideas for implementing the CHC Programme featured throughout the Handbook are inspired by existing proven approaches of similar programmes, and those which have emerged from a one-year pilot of the Programme in different communities.

 

The handbook was officially launched at the UNESCO Headquarter in Paris on 10th October 2024, by UNESCO Assistant Director-General Mrs. Gabriela Ramos on the occasion of the 30th Anniversary of UNESCO's Routes of Enslaved Peoples. The launch was bolstered by in-person reports from community partners and facilitators of CHC workshops from Nigeria, USA, UK, France and the Caribbean. Amongst those in the audience at UNESCO HQ were global leaders, national delegations, and civil society representatives.

 

UNESCO Symposium’s dialogue in Richmond, VA. had deepened our understanding of what constitutes healing wounds, and how healing wounds can help confront structural injustice, and enable communities to co-imagine ethical pillars for systemic transformation. These insights together with other similar programmes will be captured in a book to be published by DeGruyter-Brill in 2025

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TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
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Ingoma Nshya (One Drum Per Girl) Festival Rwanda

This year we again sponsored the joyous One Drum Per Girl Festival in Rwanda. Ingoma Nshya Festival has now become a recurring quarterly rendez-vous for two hundred and seventy-five girls from eleven primary and secondary schools. Through powerful creative works, they demonstrate their talents and reiterate their commitment to achieving gender justice in the creative and cultural industries. This the fifth edition of the Ingoma Nshya Festival which was celebrated at Kamena Stadium in Huye District.

 

Resources for Hope: Life History Research in Hungary

Recognising that unless historical traumas are processed and healed by one generation, they are passed on to the next, and realising that 20th century ideologies in Hungary have shaped individuals’ life paths and that political conflicts have prepared the ground for continuing violence by representing the ‘other’ as less than human, the GHFP has embarked on a research project that aims to get behind the ideological masks of people and restore their human faces.

 

Overseen by the GHFP’s Chairman, Sharif Istvan Horthy, the project seeks to construct a space for telling and listening to life stories of ordinary Hungarian people who come from different backgrounds and generations. This life history and narrative process is intended to help unfold how Hungarians see themselves and their recent collective past, and what being Hungarian means to them in the 21st Century.

 

Thus, Resources for Hope (RfH) focuses its analysis and reflection on the narrative processes and the participants’ experiences of change in their perception of self-identity, their stories and the ways they see themselves, others and the socio-economic and political situations in Hungary. In this way, the research processes, especially through non-judgmental and open listening, have enabled the participants to discover the underlying causes of current (social and political) attitudes. Whilst encouraging the participants to narrate their own lives and listen and attend to the stories of others, this research offered an opportunity for the community to re-vision Hungary’s social future.

 

In 2024, the team’s focus was crafting the book of narratives into Hungarian and English.

 

(Inter)Religious Harmony and Spiritual Growth

To advance the concept of positive peace and interreligious harmony, the GHFP supports initiatives and projects that can enable a better understanding of spirituality and inspire a better integration of a spiritual dimension in personal and communal lives, social policies and institutional practices. We also present our ideas on positive peace in international forums and share them with other institutions through dialogue and publications.

 

Supporting Spiritual Growth Through Publishing Words of Wisdom

This year, the GHFP continued to support the translation and publication of “Bapak’s Talks”, or words of wisdom from Muhammad Subuh Sumohadiwidjojo, a Javanese spiritual leader and the founder of a global interfaith movement. Bapak’s Talks explore the ways in which the interreligious spiritual experiences of the atihan (a Javanese word meaning spiritual practice) can have applications in our everyday lives. The translations and publications of the series of “Bapak’s Talks” include English, Russian, Portuguese and French editions which are shared by a worldwide readership.

 

These books help inspire people to embark on a spiritual journey of inner positive peace and personal transformation through which to sow the seeds of social innovation and positive change in the world. Likewise, they serve to further the GHFP’s objective of enriching (inter)religious harmony.

 

A Narrative of Love

In 2024, the GHFP was joined by the Fetzer Institute, to sponsor interdisciplinary research on how science and spirituality might concertedly offer insights into principles and practices of love. The main areas of consideration were:

 

The research team developed the collections of papers into 2 books, including: Book 1 Love Arising written by David Cadman, and Book 2 on Love at the Roots of Flourishing written by Antonia Gergen and Paula Lopez Ramos. This research has helped demonstrate how spiritual values, such as love, compassion and empathy, can inspire human relationships and interreligious harmony. This can truly further the relevant GHFP’s objective.

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Subud USA Historical Society

This year, recognising the importance of taking a long-view of spiritual movements, such as Susila Buddhi Dharma (SUBUD), the GHFP sponsored a US-based archive centre to create an historical society and serve as a hub of activities relating to the history and future of the spiritual movement, Subud. Through this development, the Historical Society will be able to launch the following activities, including:

a) Arrange/host regular meetings at the Amani for Subud members on the Subud experience and the history of Subud, as well as periodic workshops and forums open to the public about spirituality and other themes relevant to Subud.

b) Collect historical materials pertaining to origination of Subud and the growth of the Subud community.

c) Enable people to share their stories about their experiences in Subud and their life narratives through zoom conversations, interviews, and written submissions.

d) Host open-house events together with the Washington DC group.

e) Facilitate events and exhibitions at Subud congresses.

f) Build and manage a website as a platform for presentation of the official Subud archives and other historical materials.

 

This grant has proven to be impactful as it helped to catalyse an innovative way for spiritual movements to ensure historical and cultural continuity, enable the intergenerational transmission of human values, wisdom and practices, and contribute to the spiritual development of future generations.

 

Grant for Youth Participation in Subud World Congress 2024

Subud is an international, multi-faith spiritual movement founded in Indonesia by Bapak Muhammad Subuh Sumohadiwidjojo in the 1930s. It centers on the latihan kejiwaan, or "spiritual training," a practice of spontaneous spiritual exercise where members experience a connection to a universal life force or Almighty God. The Subud World Congress is a large, quadrennial international gathering of members from the Subud spiritual movement, held to bring members together for spiritual practice (latihan), cultural activities, and to address the organization's global administrative and developmental matters.

 

This year, the GHFP supported Indonesian youth’s travels to attend the Subud World Congress 2024 held in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. With the grant, over 200 Subud members, the majority of who are youth, had the opportunity to deepen their understanding of Subud as a spiritual movement. In addition, they participated in the spiritual practices on a daily basis throughout the Congress.

 

Apart from meetings, latihans, and interactions with new and/or old Subud brothers and sisters from different countries, there were other programmes which helped the youth to gain more awareness of the life of the founder of Subud, Muhammad Subuh Sumohadiwidjojo, his vision for Subud and the Subud’s spiritual mission for the world.

 

D. GHFP COLOMBIA’S ACTIVITIES (2024)

In 2024, GHFP Colombia continued to consolidate its mission of advancing human-centred education and fostering spaces of learning, dialogue, and community flourishing. The year was marked by both significant infrastructural improvements and sustained programme development, underpinned by careful financial stewardship.

 

One of the most visible achievements was the second phase of repairs to the Great Hall, the heart of the Centre’s educational and cultural activities. This ambitious project involved the repair of 26 doors, 18 windows, and four entrance naves, alongside a complete repainting of the walls. The structural integrity of the Hall was reinforced through the repair of 21 guadua (bamboo) supports and the replacement of 25 others, together with four new beams. To improve accessibility and safety, a new emergency exit was built, complemented by a ramp for disabled access, two new access doors, and a resurfaced floor. The main cafeteria and its auxiliary counterpart were also remodelled, creating more welcoming and functional communal spaces. These physical transformations not only revitalised the Centre’s facilities but also symbolised GHFP Colombia’s commitment to creating an environment conducive to relational learning and collective well-being.

 

Alongside the infrastructural works, GHFP Colombia deepened its commitment to Human-Centred Education (HCE), a pedagogical approach rooted in the dignity of every learner, the cultivation of care and mutual respect, and the orientation of education towards well-being. The year was dedicated not only to implementing HCE in classrooms and workshops but also to critically evaluating its impact and refining its practice.

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- 9 -

The HCE is one of the most important programmes of GHFP Colombia. It is implemented through more partner schools in La Tebaida, involving students and teachers of 9th and 10th graders (14–16-year-olds). The programme has five major components: (1) One-to-one direction/mentoring time where a psychologist works with youth to help them connect with their life’s purpose and personal interest, and align their learning accordingly; (2) group exploration time where young people will discuss topics of relevance to their aspirations as well as barriers to their well-being; (3) cognitive time that aims at enhancing young people’s thinking, interreligious awareness, and capacity to dialogue; (4) teachers capacity-building so that more teachers can work in human-centred ways; (5) peace circles with parents.

 

The HCE programme is extremely impactful and has transformed youth experiences of education. It was selected as a model or exemplar project in the Quindio region. The participating school was regarded as a most peaceful school owing to the shift in the school’s culture. HCE in Colombia can provide insights into how to improve public education elsewhere, thus furthering the GHFP’s mission.

 

A central achievement was the completion of both qualitative and quantitative evaluations of the HCE programme. These explorations and reflections provided valuable insights into how HCE shapes students’ learning experiences and community relationships. The findings affirmed that the programme strengthens learners’ sense of belonging, nurtures their capacities for dialogue and empathy, and supports the development of holistic well-being. They also highlighted areas for further enhancement, guiding adjustments in curriculum design and teaching practices.

 

In practice, HCE continued to animate the daily life of the local communities. Workshops, intergenerational gatherings, and community dialogues were infused with HCE principles, allowing participants to experience education as relational and transformative. These activities extended the impact of HCE beyond the classroom, engaging families, community members, and cultural practitioners in collective processes of learning and renewal.

The year’s work demonstrated that HCE is not simply a pedagogical technique but a living philosophy that redefines the purpose of education. By placing the learner’s intrinsic worth at the centre, GHFP Colombia fostered an environment where knowledge is not only transmitted but also co-created, and where education becomes a pathway to peace and flourishing.

 

Looking ahead, the evaluations conducted in 2024 provide a strong foundation for scaling and deepening HCE. They equip GHFP Colombia with evidence to strengthen its pedagogical model, share lessons with partners, and continue to serve as a hub for innovation in education that is relational, inclusive, and oriented towards the common good.

 

Overall, 2024 was a year in which GHFP Colombia deepened its impact through a dual focus: strengthening the physical spaces that host its educational and cultural activities, and consolidating the pedagogical innovations that define its unique contribution to peace and human-centred learning. By combining infrastructural resilience, programme evaluation, and transparent governance, GHFP Colombia reaffirmed its role as a vital space for nurturing dialogue, care, and collective flourishing.

Financial review

The comparative period results have been restated as a result of applying the merger accounting rules following the merger with Lewes New School, an educational charity, The assets, liabilities and funds of both charities are presented as combined figures, presented as though they had always been part of the same reporting charity. Although the merger took place part way through the year, the accounts have been drawn up to include the results of the combining charities for the whole reporting period in which the merger occurred.

 

The financial result for the year ended 31 December 2024 was a net surplus of £2,060,073 (2023: £875,441). GHFP reported income of £808,001 in 2024 representing an increase on the income of £157,767 in 2023. The 2024 income includes a donation of property of £587,000 from Ledward Participation Corporation. Expenditure on charitable activities amounted to £902.701 in 2024 compared to £990,486 in 2023. Other expenditure in 2024 was £22,422 (2023: £nil) relating to the write off of a bad debt.

 

Investments have increased by a net £1,677,195 during 2024 (2023: £1,212,215), reflecting recoveries in the world economies and stock markets. At the 31 December 2024 GHFP had fund reserves of £12,156,185.

GUERRAND HERMES FOUNDATION FOR PEACE
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 10 -
Reserves policy

The trustees of GHFP believe that it is important to be able to fund long term objectives and projects. The objectives are not time limited and the trustees see a need for the work of the charity extending many years into the future. As reserves may be difficult to replenish, especially in the current charity funding environment, it is therefore important to ensure that reserves are held at an appropriate and sustainable level.

 

The policy is therefore to withdraw up to 5% pa of investment balances to fund the objectives of the charity. Where additional grant or other funding becomes available in any year, the trustees will consider whether or not to expand the funding being offered during that period or to increase the overall level of sustainable reserves.

 

This should ensure that all immediate objectives can be met and long term sustainability ensured. It will also give the trustees scope to withdraw larger amounts should immediate project needs be required.

The trustees keep this policy under regular review.

 

Free reserves

After taking account of tangible fixed assets, restricted funds and 95% of investments, GHFP has free reserves of £705,700.

Structure, governance and management

The charity is a company limited by guarantee. The governing documents of the charity are the Memorandum and Articles of Association.

The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

Mr S I Horthy
Ms A Asseily
Mr A J Holloway
Mrs I A Horthy
Mr M Ridwan
Prof P C Brodeur
Recruitment and appointment of trustees

If a vacancy arises, the trustees may appoint any eligible person as a trustee. When selecting individuals for appointment as trustees, the trustees will consider the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary for the effective operation of the charity. Upon appointment, trustees are provided with an induction to the charity. Regard is given to the training and development needs of any trustees that may arise.

Organisational structure

The Executive are responsible for the day to day administration of the charity. The Finance sub-committee reviews accounts, budgets and investments and reports to the Trustees. The major risks to which the charity is exposed, as identified by the Trustees, have been reviewed, and procedures have been established to manage those risks.

Auditor

In accordance with the company's articles, a resolution proposing that Sumer Audit be reappointed as auditor of the company will be put at a General Meeting.

GUERRAND HERMES FOUNDATION FOR PEACE
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 11 -
Disclosure of information to auditor

Each of the trustees has confirmed that there is no information of which they are aware which is relevant to the audit, but of which the auditor is unaware. They have further confirmed that they have taken appropriate steps to identify such relevant information and to establish that the auditor is aware of such information.

The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

Mr S I Horthy
Trustee
30 October 2025
GUERRAND HERMES FOUNDATION FOR PEACE
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES  
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 12 -

The trustees, who are also the directors of Guerrand Hermes Foundation For Peace for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

 

Company Law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.

 

In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

 

- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

 

- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;

 

- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and

 

- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.

 

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

GUERRAND HERMES FOUNDATION FOR PEACE
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF GUERRAND HERMES FOUNDATION FOR PEACE
- 13 -

Qualified opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Guerrand Hermes Foundation For Peace (the ‘charity’) for the year ended 31 December 2024 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the balance sheet, the statement of cash flows and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion, except for the possible effects of the matter described in the Basis for Qualified Opinion section of our report, the financial statements:

-

give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company's affairs as at 31 December 2024 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, for the year then ended;

-
have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
-

have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

Basis for qualified opinion

We were unable to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence in respect of the value of the donated asset included within freehold property additions in the year. Consequently we were unable to determine whether any adjustment to this amount was necessary.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our qualified opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

 

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

 

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

 

As described in the basis for qualified opinion section of our report, we were unable to satisfy ourselves concerning the value of freehold property additions during the year. We have concluded that where the other information refers to the fixed asset addition or related balances such as income, it may be materially misstated for the same reason.

GUERRAND HERMES FOUNDATION FOR PEACE
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE TRUSTEES OF GUERRAND HERMES FOUNDATION FOR PEACE
- 14 -
Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In respect solely of the limitation on our work relating to the value of a fixed asset property addition described above:

-

we have not obtained all the information and explanations that we considered necessary for the purpose of our audit; and

-
we were unable to determine whether adequate accounting records had been maintained.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 require us to report to you if, in our opinion:

-

the information given in the financial statements is inconsistent in any material respect with the trustees' report; or

-

the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records.

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the statement of trustees' responsibilities, the trustees, who are also the directors of the charity for the purpose of company law, are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.

 

In identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, our procedures included the following:

 

As a result of these procedures, we considered the opportunities and incentives that may exist within the charity for fraud. We are also required to perform specific procedures to respond to the risk of management override. As a result of performing the above, we identified the following areas as those most likely to have an impact on the financial statements: health & safety, employment law, the valuation of investment properties and compliance with the UK Companies Act and the Charities Act.

 

In addition to the above, our procedures to respond to risks identified included the following:

GUERRAND HERMES FOUNDATION FOR PEACE
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE TRUSTEES OF GUERRAND HERMES FOUNDATION FOR PEACE
- 15 -

 

Due to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that some material misstatements in the financial statements may not be detected, even though the audit is properly planned and performed in accordance with the ISAs (UK). For instance, the further removed non-compliance is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely the auditor is to become aware of it or to recognise the non-compliance.

 

A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: https://www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charity’s trustees, as a body, in accordance with part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity's trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity’s trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Kristina Perry FCCA (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of Sumer Audit
31 October 2025
Chartered Accountants
Statutory Auditor
Worthing
Sumer Audit is the trading name of Sumer Auditco Limited

Sumer Audit is eligible for appointment as auditor of the charity by virtue of its eligibility for appointment as auditor of a company under section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.

GUERRAND HERMES FOUNDATION FOR PEACE
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 16 -
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
funds
2024
2024
2024
2023
2023
2023
Notes
£
£
£
£
£
£
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
3
628,293
156,415
784,708
116,293
157,767
274,060
Charitable activities
4
1,320
-
1,320
648
-
648
Investments
5
233
-
233
438
-
438
Other income
6
21,740
-
21,740
378,566
-
378,566
Total income
651,586
156,415
808,001
495,945
157,767
653,712
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
7
676,606
226,095
902,701
804,151
186,335
990,486
Other expenditure
12
22,422
-
22,422
-
-
-
Total expenditure
699,028
226,095
925,123
804,151
186,335
990,486
Net gains on investments
13
2,177,195
-
2,177,195
1,212,215
-
1,212,215
Net income/(expenditure)
2,129,753
(69,680)
2,060,073
904,009
(28,568)
875,441
Transfers between funds
(54,168)
54,168
-
-
-
-
Net movement in funds
2,075,585
(15,512)
2,060,073
904,009
(28,568)
875,441
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 January 2024
10,080,600
15,512
10,096,112
9,176,591
44,080
9,220,671
Fund balances at 31 December 2024
12,156,185
-
12,156,185
10,080,600
15,512
10,096,112

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

GUERRAND HERMES FOUNDATION FOR PEACE
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT
31 DECEMBER 2024
31 December 2024
- 17 -
2024
2023
Notes
£
£
£
£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
15
589,408
3,050
Investment property
16
606,400
606,400
Investments
17
10,859,987
9,182,792
12,055,795
9,792,242
Current assets
Debtors
18
276
22,699
Cash at bank and in hand
417,758
655,500
418,034
678,199
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
19
91,403
143,726
Net current assets
326,631
534,473
Total assets less current liabilities
12,382,426
10,326,715
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
21
(226,241)
(230,603)
Net assets
12,156,185
10,096,112
The funds of the charity
Restricted income funds
23
-
15,512
Unrestricted funds
12,156,185
10,080,600
12,156,185
10,096,112

The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 December 2024, although an audit has been carried out under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 30 October 2025
Mr S I Horthy
Trustee
Company registration number 05002640 (England and Wales)
GUERRAND HERMES FOUNDATION FOR PEACE
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 18 -
2024
2023
Notes
£
£
£
£
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash absorbed by operations
27
(147,342)
(485,409)
Investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
(587,000)
-
Proceeds from disposal of tangible fixed assets
-
834,600
Proceeds from disposal of  investments
500,000
-
Investment income received
233
438
Net cash (used in)/generated from investing activities
(86,767)
835,038
Financing activities
Repayment of bank loans
(3,633)
(3,846)
Net cash used in financing activities
(3,633)
(3,846)
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
(237,742)
345,783
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
655,500
309,717
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
417,758
655,500
GUERRAND HERMES FOUNDATION FOR PEACE
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 19 -
1
Accounting policies
Charity information

Guerrand Hermes Foundation For Peace is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 199 Preston Road, Brighton, BN1 6SA. The charity is a public benefit entity.

1.1
Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £1.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified to include investments and investment properties at fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

 

In May 2024 a merger occurred between the charity and The Lewes New School Limited (charity number 1080024). The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with merger accounting rules, with the assets, liabilities and funds of the combining charities aggregated for the year to 31 December 2024 and for the comparative period.

1.2
Prior period error

A prior period adjustment has been made to reclassify £605,400 of fixed assets to investment properties, and to reclassify £20,379 of the bank loan balance from amounts due in less than one year to amounts due in more than one year.

1.3
Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.4
Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Designated funds comprise funds which have been set aside at the discretion of the trustees for specific purposes. The purposes and uses of the designated funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

1.5
Income

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

 

Grants are recognised when the charity has an entitlement to the funds and any conditions linked to the grants have been met. Where performance conditions are attached to the grant and are yet to be met, the income is recognised as a liability and included on the balance sheet as deferred income to be released.

GUERRAND HERMES FOUNDATION FOR PEACE
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 20 -

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

 

Dividends are recognised once the dividend has been declared and notification has been received of the dividend due.

Donated gifts and assets are recognised in income when the criteria for their recognition are met. These assets are measured at their fair value unless it is impracticable to measure reliably the fair value of the donated item.

1.6
Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

 

Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

1.7
Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Freehold land and buildings
Not depreciated
Fixtures and fittings
25% reducing balance per annum

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

 

There is no charge for depreciation in respect of the freehold or long leasehold properties, as the residual value is expected to be at least equal to cost.

1.8
Investment property

Investment property, which is property held to earn rentals and/or for capital appreciation, is initially recognised at cost, which includes the purchase cost and any directly attributable expenditure. Subsequently it is measured at fair value at the reporting end date. The surplus or deficit on revaluation is recognised in profit or loss.

1.9
Fixed asset investments

Fixed asset investments are initially measured at transaction price excluding transaction costs, and are subsequently measured at fair value at each reporting date. Changes in fair value are recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred.

GUERRAND HERMES FOUNDATION FOR PEACE
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 21 -
1.10
Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.11
Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand and deposits held with banks.

1.12
Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

 

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

 

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised. Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.13
Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

 

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

1.14
Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

1.15
Foreign exchange

Transactions in currencies other than pounds sterling are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing at the dates of the transactions. At each reporting end date, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing on the reporting end date. Gains and losses arising on translation in the period are included in profit or loss.

GUERRAND HERMES FOUNDATION FOR PEACE
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 22 -
2
Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

 

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

3
Income from donations and legacies
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
funds
2024
2024
2024
2023
2023
2023
£
£
£
£
£
£
Donations and gifts
25,000
-
25,000
100,000
-
100,000

Grants

16,293
156,415
172,708
16,293
157,767
174,060
Donated goods and services
587,000
-
587,000
-
-
-
628,293
156,415
784,708
116,293
157,767
274,060
4
Income from charitable activities
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
£
£
Charitable activities

Research fees

1,320
648
5
Income from investments
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
£
£
Interest receivable
233
438
GUERRAND HERMES FOUNDATION FOR PEACE
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 23 -
6
Other income
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
£
£
Net gain on disposal of tangible fixed assets
-
359,600
Rental income
21,740
18,966
21,740
378,566
7
Expenditure on charitable activities
Charitable activities
Charitable activities
2024
2023
£
£
Direct costs
Staff costs
113,812
94,226

Research staff & consultants

17,974
9,848

Research activities

8,459
7,486

Research travel & meetings

46,193
66,368

Project travel & meetings

24,881
6,453

Project costs

38,246
54,539
249,565
238,920
Grant funding of activities (see note 8)
432,691
535,413
Share of support and governance costs (see note 9)
Support
198,412
203,773
Governance
22,033
12,380
902,701
990,486
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
676,606
804,151
Restricted funds
226,095
186,335
902,701
990,486
GUERRAND HERMES FOUNDATION FOR PEACE
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 24 -
8
Grants payable
Charitable activities
Charitable activities
2024
2023
£
£
Grants to institutions:
Arigatou International
20,043
24,818
Creators of Peace
27,081
24,658
Fabrica Dos Sonhos
4,131
-
Ingoma Nshya Women Overseas
11,244
-
Initiatives of Change / The Oxford Group
9,939
5,012
Instituto Janeraka
4,060
-
John Carden - UNESCO Future Leaders Programme
-
1,200
Las Vegas WON Rotary Club
8,643
-
Mario Azevedo
3,205
6,406
ONG Guerrand Hermes Foundation for Peace
152,628
139,364
PKK Subud
12,201
-
Richmond Partners - HCE New Colleges
-
8,387
Subud Publications International
-
20,000
Spirit of Humanity Forum
-
9,185
Steve Biko Cultural Institute
4,108
-
Subud DR Congo
8,042
-
Subud USA Archives Foundation
-
2,542
Susila Dharma International
2,310
-
The Forgiveness Project
-
5,000
UNESCO
-
161,127
University of Sussex
2,393
2,356
University of Wales
128,750
125,000
Yaysan Borneo Football Foundation
5,913
358
SPI
28,000
-
432,691
535,413
GUERRAND HERMES FOUNDATION FOR PEACE
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 25 -
9
Support costs allocated to activities
2024
2023
£
£
Staff costs
36,280
21,303
Staff training
2,797
175
Rates
4,582
5,484
Light, heat and power
8,184
8,197
Telephone
1,844
4,561
Printing, postage & stationery
169
3,018
Insurance
3,128
2,910
Repairs & renewals
46,157
69,704
Computer costs
5,325
8,420
Cleaning
2,632
4,054
Meeting costs
22,185
22,431
Legal & professional fees
25,499
25,219
Interest paid
20,153
19,059
Depreciation of fixtures & fittings
641
855
Other
18,836
8,383
Governance costs
22,033
12,380
220,445
216,153
Analysed between:
Charitable activities
220,445
216,153

Included within governance costs are fees payable for the preparation and audit of the financial statements of £16,200 (2023: £6,600)

10
Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.

 

Trustee expenses were paid where appropriate and if claimed by individual trustees. During the year travel expenses of £6,512 (2023: £15,199) were reimbursed to trustees.

11
Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2024
2023
Number
Number
5
5
GUERRAND HERMES FOUNDATION FOR PEACE
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
11
Employees
(Continued)
- 26 -
Employment costs
2024
2023
£
£
Wages and salaries
134,314
102,756
Social security costs
6,264
4,159
Other pension costs
9,514
8,014
150,092
114,929
There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.
Remuneration of key management personnel

The key management personnel of the charity are its trustees, who received no remuneration in either the current or comparative period.

12
Other expenditure
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
£
£

Bad and doubtful debts

22,422
-
22,422
-
13
Gains and losses on investments
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
Gains/(losses) arising on:
£
£
Revaluation of investments
2,177,195
1,212,215
14
Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

GUERRAND HERMES FOUNDATION FOR PEACE
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 27 -
15
Tangible fixed assets
Freehold land and buildings
Fixtures and fittings
Total
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 January 2024
-
57,343
57,343
Additions
587,000
-
587,000
At 31 December 2024
587,000
57,343
644,343
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2024
-
54,294
54,294
Depreciation charged in the year
-
641
641
At 31 December 2024
-
54,935
54,935
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2024
587,000
2,408
589,408
At 31 December 2023
-
3,050
3,050
16
Investment property
2024
£
Fair value
At 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2024
606,400

The fair value of the investment property has been arrived at on the basis of a valuation carried out by the trustees at the reporting date. The valuation was made on an open market value basis by reference to market evidence of transaction prices for similar properties.

GUERRAND HERMES FOUNDATION FOR PEACE
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 28 -
17
Fixed asset investments
Listed investments
£
Cost or valuation
At 1 January 2024
9,182,792
Valuation changes
2,177,195
At 31 December 2024
11,359,987
Impairment
At 1 January 2024
-
Disposals
500,000
At 31 December 2024
500,000
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2024
10,859,987
At 31 December 2023
9,182,792
18
Debtors
2024
2023
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
£
Trade debtors
-
22,423
Prepayments and accrued income
276
276
276
22,699
19
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2024
2023
Notes
£
£
Bank loans
20
4,362
3,633
Other taxation and social security
4,554
2,740
Deferred income
22
-
117,060
Trade creditors
579
9,189
Other creditors
998
903
Accruals
80,910
10,201
91,403
143,726
GUERRAND HERMES FOUNDATION FOR PEACE
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 29 -
20
Loans and overdrafts
2024
2023
£
£
Bank loans
230,603
234,236
Payable within one year
4,362
3,633
Payable after one year
226,241
230,603

The bank loan is secured by fixed charges over the associated property.

21
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
2024
2023
Notes
£
£
Bank loans
20
226,241
230,603
22
Deferred income
2024
2023
£
£
Other deferred income
-
117,060

Deferred income is included in the financial statements as follows:

2024
2023
£
£
Deferred income is included within:
Current liabilities
-
117,060
Movements in the year:
Deferred income at 1 January 2024
117,060
234,120
Released from previous periods
(117,060)
(117,060)
Deferred income at 31 December 2024
-
117,060
GUERRAND HERMES FOUNDATION FOR PEACE
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 30 -
23
Restricted funds

The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.

At 1 January 2024
Incoming resources
Resources expended
Transfers
At 31 December 2024
£
£
£
£
£
The John E. Fetzer Institute INC. Grant
15,512
156,415
(226,095)
54,168
-
Previous year:
At 1 January 2023
Incoming resources
Resources expended
Transfers
At 31 December 2023
£
£
£
£
£
The John E. Fetzer Institute INC. Grant
44,080
157,767
(186,335)
-
15,512

The John E. Fetzer Institute INC.

This is a collaboration between GHFP and UNESCO Social and Human Sciences (SHS) Sector to design and launch various collective healing programmes. The co-funding for this was contributed by the Fetzer Institute.

 

A transfer has been recognised from unrestricted to restricted funds, due to expenditure incurred in relation to projects funded by The John E. Fetzer Institute INC. grant exceeding income.

24
Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At 1 January 2024
Incoming resources
Resources expended
Transfers
Gains and losses
At 31 December 2024
£
£
£
£
£
£
General funds
10,080,600
651,586
(699,028)
(54,168)
2,177,195
12,156,185
Previous year:
At 1 January 2023
Incoming resources
Resources expended
Transfers
Gains and losses
At 31 December 2023
£
£
£
£
£
£
General funds
9,176,591
495,945
(804,151)
-
1,212,215
10,080,600
GUERRAND HERMES FOUNDATION FOR PEACE
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 31 -
25
Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
2024
2024
2024
£
£
£
Fund balances at 31 December 2024 are represented by:
Tangible assets
589,408
-
589,408
Investment properties
606,400
-
606,400
Investments
10,859,987
-
10,859,987
Current assets/(liabilities)
326,631
-
326,631
Long term liabilities
(226,241)
-
(226,241)
12,156,185
-
12,156,185
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
2023
2023
2023
£
£
£
Fund balances at 31 December 2023 are represented by:
Tangible assets
3,050
-
3,050
Investment properties
606,400
-
606,400
Investments
9,182,792
-
9,182,792
Current assets/(liabilities)
518,961
15,512
534,473
Long term liabilities
(230,603)
-
(230,603)
10,080,600
15,512
10,096,112
26
Related party transactions

ONG Guerrand Hermes Foundation for Peace is an entity registered in Colombia. For the purposes of clarity these accounts refer to the entity as GHFP (Colombia) to differentiate from the reporting charity, Guerrand Hermes Foundation for Peace, which is registered in England and Wales and is referred to as GHFP.

 

GHFP (Colombia) shares the same trustees as GHFP. During 2024 grants were made to GHFP (Colombia) totalling £118,319 (2023: £139,364).

 

During the year, the charity received the donation of a property valued at £587,000 from Ledward Participation Corporation, a company in which Mr S X Guerrand-Hermes, who is the founder and honorary president of GHFP, has a participating interest.

GUERRAND HERMES FOUNDATION FOR PEACE
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 32 -
27
Cash generated from operations
2024
2023
£
£
Surplus for the year
2,060,073
875,441
Adjustments for:
Investment income recognised in statement of financial activities
(233)
(438)
Gain on disposal of tangible fixed assets
-
(359,600)
Fair value gains and losses on investments
(2,177,195)
(1,212,215)
Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets
641
855
Movements in working capital:
Decrease in debtors
22,423
367,485
Increase/(decrease) in creditors
64,009
(39,877)
(Decrease) in deferred income
(117,060)
(117,060)
Cash absorbed by operations
(147,342)
(485,409)
28
Analysis of changes in net funds
At 1 January 2024
Cash flows
At 31 December 2024
£
£
£
Cash at bank and in hand
655,500
(237,742)
417,758
Bank loans
(234,236)
3,633
(230,603)
421,264
(234,109)
187,155
GUERRAND HERMES FOUNDATION FOR PEACE
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 33 -
29
Results and fund analysis of merged charities
Analysis of principal SoFA components for the current reporting period
2024
Guerrand Hermes Foundation for Peace (pre-merger)
Lewes New School (pre-merger)
Elimination of transactions between the merging entities
Guerrand Hermes Foundation for Peace (post-merger)
Combined total
£
£
£
£
£
Total income
162,163
155
(153,201)
798,884
808,001
Total expenditure
218,144
168,344
(153,201)
691,836
925,123
Net income/(expenditure)
(55,981)
(168,189)
-
107,048
(117,122)
Other gains/(losses)
-
-
-
2,177,195
2,177,195
Net movement in funds
(55,981)
(168,189)
-
2,284,243
2,060,073
Analysis of principal SoFA components for the previous reporting period
2023
Guerrand Hermes Foundation for Peace
Lewes New School
Elimination of transactions between the merging entities
Combined total
£
£
£
£
Total income
1,100,139
360,552
(806,979)
653,712
Total expenditure
962,559
778,130
(750,203)
990,486
Net income/(expenditure)
137,580
(417,578)
(56,776)
(336,774)
Other gains/(losses)
1,212,215
-
-
1,212,215
Net movement in funds
1,349,795
(417,578)
(56,776)
875,441
Total funds brought forward
8,410,017
753,878
56,776
9,220,671
Total funds carried forward
9,759,812
336,300
-
10,096,112
Analysis of net assets at the date of the merger
7 May 2024
Guerrand Hermes Foundation for Peace
Lewes New School
Elimination of transactions between the merging entities
Other adjustments
Combined total
£
£
£
£
£
Net assets
9,703,676
168,109
-
-
9,871,785
Represented by:
Unrestricted funds
8,800,836
168,109
903,201
(361)
9,871,785
Restricted income funds
902,840
-
(903,201)
361
-
Endowment funds
-
-
-
-
-
Total funds
9,703,676
168,109
-
-
9,871,785
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