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• Global Peace Movement Marks a Decade of the Citizen-led Peacebuilding Efforts

  Peace events that commemorate citizen-led peacebuilding efforts for a decade are organized in 89 locations across 59 countries in May. On May 25, 5,000 participants were gathered at the Peace Gate of Seoul Olympic Park in South Korea, and other thousands of individuals around the world, including Ethiopia, the United States, China, Japan, Australia, and Germany, are expected to join the events until the end of this month.

  Officially named “HWPL's 10th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace and the Peace Walk”, the global events are held by an international NGO named Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) affiliated with the United Nations Economic and Social Council with the joint auspices of public and private organizations in different countries.

  Recalling HWPL's peace activities for the past 10 years, Chairman Lee Man-hee said, "Since we pledged to work together for world peace 10 years ago, we have been calling for peace all over the world. We have advocated that peace should be taught at home and at school, and that everyone should become messengers of peace. I went to the battlefield in Mindanao, Philippines to raise the voice of peace and we were promised not to begin war again."  He also emphasized, "Everyone should be one under the title of peace and work together to create a good world and make it a legacy for future generations. This is what we need to do in this era in which we live."

  In the event, the "Joint Statement of the 10th Anniversary of the Declaration of World Peace" was unveiled. The statement said that the Declaration developed into the “Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War” (DPCW) to pursue “a transition from the rule of power to the rule of law” based on principles of “democracy, justice, civil liberties and equality, religious freedom and responsibility.” It further said that the decade of peacebuilding achieved millions of participants joining inter-religious dialogues, peace education, advocacy of peace to national leaders, network of youth in over 120 countries.

  Through the joint statement, HWPL and participating organizations affirmed their commitment to institutionalizing peace through international cooperation, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 16 “Peace, justice and strong institutions.” They pledged to engage in mediation efforts and raising awareness and provide education in conflict areas, empower youth and women, promote best practices for the participation of civil society.

  During the event in South Korea, member organizations of IPYG jointly presented a certificate of appreciation to HWPL Chairman Man Hee Lee for his dedication and contributions to world peace. Additionally, participants had a moment of remembrance for soldiers sacrificed in wars, and certificates of appreciation were presented to Korean War veterans by HWPL Chairman Lee, who also served as a Korean War veteran.

  HWPL announced its ambitious goal to garner the support of 10 million citizens through their signatures to advocate for the establishment of an international law for peace. Additionally, they have organized various overseas commemorative events aimed at fostering peace within local communities around the world. Membership registration, information about peace projects, and reading the full text of and supporting the DPCW are available on HWPL's official website at www.hwpl.kr.

• HWPL to Hold 10th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace

  Yearning for the future with Institutional Peace anchored

   

  On May 25, 2023, HWPL will hold the 10th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace and Peace Walk in various parts of the world under the theme "New Decade, Making Institutional Peace Take Root." The event aims to commemorate the spirit of the Declaration of World Peace proclaimed in Seoul, South Korea, on May 25, 2013, and the significance of the Peace Walk, an international peace movement led by civil society.

  During the event, HWPL and partner organizations worldwide will issue a joint statement celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Declaration of World Peace. The statement aims to raise awareness of the need for institutional peace in achieving sustainable development and to encourage global citizens to participate in the Legislate Peace (LP) Project. Following the event, peace walks will be organized worldwide, calling for an end to war and the implementation of international law for peace.

  HWPL, an international peace NGO, proclaimed the Declaration of World Peace on May 25, 2013 recognizing the escalating dangers of global conflicts. The declaration called for active engagement and participation not only from nations but also from civil society in establishing and ensuring the root of peace. 

  The declaration encompasses three main proposals: the implementation of international law for peace by the international community, the formation of a global peace network of youth, and the participation of all individuals in peacebuilding.

  To put the proposals of the declaration into practice, HWPL proclaimed the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) in 2016 and has been carrying out the Legislate Peace Project, a peace movement led by civil society, to advocate for the adoption of the DPCW-based resolution at the UN General Assembly. The International Peace Youth Group (IPYG), an affiliate of HWPL, has been collaborating with over 1,000 youth organizations in 119 countries to promote various peace projects for the practice of the main agenda.

  HWPL has been striving to institutionalize peace as a means to promote sustainable peace. This includes reaffirming the key principles of international law for peace, advocating for the evolution of international law to address the complexities of modern conflicts, and ensuring that peace takes root as a social structure and culture through values, customs, norms, rules, and laws.

  For the next decade, HWPL will focus on efforts such as the adoption of the DPCW-based resolution at the UN General Assembly, the implementation of peace education through government and official organizations, regular interfaith dialogue meetings to enhance understanding and resolve conflicts, the establishment of youth-led peace working groups in different regions, and the development of a media network to contribute to peace.

  Meanwhile, the joint statement commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Declaration of World Peace will explicitly state that peace is the only direction humanity should pursue amid growing conflicts within and between nations. It will urge global community members to participate in international efforts to establish and solidify institutional peace.

  Since the outbreak of the pandemic, Peace Walks has been held online, following each nation's COVID-19 guidelines. However, this year, on May 25, peace walks with the chant "Legislate Peace" will be held offline in key cities worldwide.

• Silencing the Guns Project in Botswana: A focus on Gender-Based Violence

  On the 13^th of April 2023, Heavenly Culture, World Peace and Restoration of Light (HWPL) and Volunteer Hub with International Peace Youth Group (IPYG) hosted an intergenerational dialogue about Gender-Based Violence (GBV) at Cresta Presidential Hotel in Gaborone. More than 40 people gathered to attend this event, which showed the heart that Botswana has for peace.

  While Botswana lacks official statistics on GBV, the Botswana National Relationship Study released by UN Women in 2017 found that 37% of women had experienced GBV, including 28% during the previous 12 months. Since GBV is not only an issue that affects women and girls but also men and boys even if at a slower rate than the former, the two organizations are working to deal with this issue at the community level.

  This is the third workshop where the outcomes of the project are presented. The event was aimed at educating youth on GBV and giving them tools on how to counter GBV through IPYG Youth Empowerment Peace workshop (YEPW).

  The IPYG YEPW aimed to address this need by helping people understand the root causes of GBV and how people can change their mindsets to help start finding lasting solutions to the problem. After the YEPW sessions, many participants said that their view of GBV and violence, in general, was distorted by personal experience, thus affecting how they approach resolving issues. They agreed that there needs to be a change in the approach of how to deal with GBV and the goal to change thoughts on the matter of violence is vital.

  Olerato Mathodi, the founder of Volunteer Hub and spokesperson had this to say “This campaign was able to raise awareness on GBV issues, but also educate more people on the issues around GBV. However, many people are already aware of how bad GBV is in Botswana, the problem is they do not feel the current systems are working. The YEPC is one area that can offer a solution to this problem.”

  Addressing the reason for the gathering and the efforts that are being placed by the HWPL, guest speaker Malcolm Coetzee had this to share, “Article 10 of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), which is the document you have all been asked to support today, speaks about spreading a culture of peace. It places a responsibility on states to ensure that they are working with individuals and civil society on activities that promote peace within the communities.”

  HWPL is a non-government organization with the main aim of establishing sustainable peace by putting an end to armed conflict and promoting a culture of peace through various methodologies which include, Peace Education, dialogues, and advocating an international law known as the ‘Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War’ DPCW.

• Peace as Institution to Change Daily Lives of People : 7th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War

  Under the theme of “Institutional Peace: Strengthening Communication to Build Trust”, an international peace NGO, Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light(HWPL), holds its 7th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War(DPCW) from March 14^th to 19^th in 41 countries from Africa, Europe, North America and Asia.

  With the foundation of “Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW)” as a tool for comprehensive global peacebuilding cooperation, 7,000 people in the fields of politics, legal profession and religion, education, media, women and youth, will join the event where the participants share the cases of conflict prevention, mediation, and resolution to institutionalize peace as a universal culture and norm.

  “This declaration, comprised of 10 articles and 38 clauses, aims to restore the spirit that served as the basis for the establishment of the United Nations and to achieve sustainable peace by promoting the universal values of the global community. The DPCW contains the message of no war, peace between nations and societies, friendly relations, prosperity, happiness, this is a simple message and everyone can relate to this message,” said Prof. Dr. Md Nazrul Islam, Chairman of International Law, University of Dhaka who drafted the DPCW, in the event on March 14^th.

  In his progress report presentation, Pravin Parekh, President of the Confederation of Indian Bar, presented major activities of overcoming disconnection and distrust and the progress for realizing the introduction of the DPCW to the United Nations. “HWPL has been strengthening trust and communication with youth, women, and civil society around the world in solidarity through activities such as Legislate Peace Project, WARP Office, and Peace Education,” he said.

  Emphasizing the need for dialogues among religious leaders to facilitate tolerance and understanding, Ven. Myeong An, Vice President of Yeorae Order of Korean Buddhism, said, “Currently, many conflicts, persecutions, and conflicts among religions are taking place in the global village. It's because of intolerance and a lack of communication. However, what if many religious people come to discuss with scriptures? It will only be a matter of time before a world of peace comes.”

  In the event, action plans to advocate peace in Ukraine were prepared. Participants from over 100 countries write “Peace Letters” to denounce Russian invasion of Ukraine as a violation of international law and demand Russian President Putin a total withdrawal from the Ukraine territory. “Future generations of Russians will remember you and this war as an indelible and shameful history, and you will be left in history as the one responsible for sacrificing countless innocent lives,” the letter stated. These letters will be collected and sent to Ukraine, where a peace monument will be erected.

  During the speech, Chairman Lee Man-hee of HWPL emphasized, “Peace cannot be achieved alone. If everyone can live together as one, there will be no wars or conflicts. As the saying goes, love your neighbor as yourself, war will disappear only when there is love for each other. Current international law cannot prevent war. Russia, a permanent member of the United Nations, waged a war. The DPCW was introduced to renew the inoperative international law to eliminate war. Now is the time to achieve peace. Just as people learn when they have to create (something), peace must be taught at home and at school to create peace. If people's hearts change, a better world will be created. Let everyone in the global village become messengers of peace.”

• Leaders of Four Religions and Students Discuss the Resolution of Religious Conflicts at Sulaimani University in Iraq

  On 21 February, amid persisting conflicts and disputes among religions in the globe, HWPL Religious Peace Camp at Sulaimani University in Iraq was held attended by 60 students of the Sulaimani University of Iraq to discuss ways to ease the tension among the religions. They recalled the role of the youth in relieving religious antagonism by listening to speeches by 4 religious leaders from Christianity, Islam, Kakai, Zoroastrianism.

  HWPL’s Religious Youth Peace Camp is an initiative to foster youth as key players in peacefully resolving conflicts and enhancing their capacity as such by providing an opportunity to have religious and cultural exchange among youth worldwide, including members of youth organizations.

  Based on his experience with HWPL, Dr. Nariman Abdallah Ali, Dean of Humanities and Social Science of Halabja University from Iraq began the event by his congratulatory message saying, “The HWPL organization, which is headquartered in South Korea and has bases in many other nations, has been working hard for peace in Kurdistan, Iraq, and other places. Their efforts in this regard. It has a significant positive impact on the dissemination of the concept of peace in many nations throughout the world. We at Halabja University have participated in various events with HWPL, including symposiums, workshops, seminars, youth peace camps, and peace education.”

  Dr. Mahdy Qadir Ahmed, Islamic Sciences College, University of Sulaimani said, “Islam aims to achieve world peace by establishing an alliance of universal tolerance  based  on brotherhood and enacting  a  righteous universal  law  that  respects democracy, consultation, and the peaceful transfer of power, criminalizing war and prohibiting weapons of mass destruction including preserving the dignity of human beings, human rights and freedom of belief.”

  Head of Human Development of Shnrwe Kakayi Organization, Mr. Asi Faeq Salih stressed a that religion is one thing, “According to Kaka's religion, all religions come from the same source, like a tree with leaves from different branches, but the height and roots of all kinds come from the same place, he has revealed his power to human through nature and the prophets.” Mr. Ibrahim Zrary, a member of High Council of Kurdistan Zoroastrian highlighted that the efforts of all leaders are important to identify and resolve the cause of the inter-religious conflict.

  Students discussed the causes of religious discrimination and find ways to solve it. In addition, they vowed to participate in overcoming religious conflicts and achieving peace out of the inspiration from the footage of civilian peace agreement in Mindanao, Philippines, mediated by HWPL.

  HWPL has recognized how crucial religious harmony is in building a peaceful world. To realize this, It has been implementing initiatives including the World Alliance of Religions’ Peace (WARP) Offices, Religious Youth Peace Camp, and Open Dialogue with Religious Leaders across the globe to serve as the platform for facilitating harmony among various religious groups.