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• 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.

• 120 Ethiopian Youth United Once Again With the Handprint Flag

  On March 21st, 120 students from the University of Wachemo in Ethiopia participated in the Youth Empowerment and Peaceful workshop (YEPW) following the 7th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War with around 250 attendees on 20th. The participants gathered to discuss a common identity for Ethiopia's diverse ethnic groups to come together as one, and to reiterate the significance through the handprint national flag. The handprinted flag, measuring 3m wide X 1m 60cm long, will be used in the 10th annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace to be held in Ethiopia in May.

  IPYG has established the Youth Empowerment for Peace Workshop (YEPW), a platform for young people to discuss and address the challenges they face. Starting from 2016, YEPW itself has made 2,000 young people from 55 countries involved in the movement in 2021. Participants worldwide collaborate with IPYG to address the problems faced by young people in their own countries and work towards the common global goal of ending war and promoting peace and sustainable development.

  Mr. Endale Mulatu, Peace studies coordinator of Wachemo University stressed the unity for peace at the congratulatory speech. “This time is for youths to create a common front to determine their future and make a peaceful world to leave a legacy of peace to the next generations. We need to stand together for peace. Peace is our common property regardless of color, sex, race, religion, ethnic difference, or political outlook.”

  After that, attendees had the opportunity to discuss the challenges facing Ethiopia's national development, moments of feeling united as one nation, and ways to create a common identity. The youth-led the discussion on ways to achieve peace, with Wachemo University students presenting a proposal to bring the diverse Ethiopian ethnic groups together under a shared identity stressed that accept diversity and have an attitude we are one.

  Based on their collective discussion, participants made handprint flags with the hope of a united Ethiopia. Twice of the people, compared to the January event, joined in making these flags with their handprints, expressing their desire for peace. They also took the time to write peace letters to the Prime Ministers of Russia and Ethiopia, expressing their deep yearning for peace. Attendees shared the results of the previous event and discussed plan to hold YEPW in June, demonstrating their commitment to continuing these efforts beyond a one-time event.

  IPYG stands for International Peace Youth Group, an international group made of youths wanting peace. The IPYG has been heading toward peace with its four representative projects - Peace Walk, Peace Letter, Spreading peace culture, and unification of the Korean Peninsula. In particular, during the 20th-anniversary commemoration held in various countries, there is an ongoing event where countries are sending peace letters to Russia, in order to take a leading role in achieving peace.

• 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.

• International Media Workshop for Journalists Discuss Institutional Peace

  Amid the ongoing natural and human crisis in the global community including the earthquake in Turkey and Syria and the Russia-Ukraine war, the 1st ‘HWPL International Workshop on Peace Journalism’ was held online on the 18th of February with about 150 participants from about 30 countries. Under the theme “A Road to Institutional Peace for Sustainable Development”, the workshop aimed to enhance peace journalism and international media networks.

  The event was organized by Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) with support from 28 media worldwide. HWPL, a South Korea-based international peace NGO affiliated with the UN ECOSOC and the UN DGC, has carried out global peace movements for world peace and cessation of war since its foundation in 2013.

  The workshop included the celebration of a publication of "Peace Journalism Studies" which was collaborated by HWPL and international journalists with their expertise and perspective on peace. The topics of the "Peace Journalism Studies" ranged from analyzing conflict situations and peacebuilding efforts with a country case to the role of civil society in bringing social changes through advocacy of peace.

  Dr. Salim Khan, director of News & Views Network (NVN) from India said “Journalists should play important role in spreading the message of love and justice. I expect that this HWPL online event on journalism will bring fresh ideas with regards to the role of media in peacebuilding and raise awareness facilitating the advocacy of peace in the society.” from his congratulatory address,

  Mr. Robert Maseka, founder of Rob Youth Foundation from Namibia delivered ”We need to make sure that we promote a global media network that will promote democracy, human rights, and good governance. Through collaboration we are able to give the right information, we can communicate and unite the world.”

  After 2 guest speakers’ congratulatory addresses, 3 journalists gave presentations who contributed to the publication of "Peace Journalism Studies."

  Ms. Frieda Sila Kana, the journalist of Digital Media Venture in Papua New Guinea, delivered conflict and violence in Papua New Guinea, saying “Sorcery and Witchcraft Accusations Related Violence is an emerging trend of violence and enemy of peace (in Papua New Guinea). The actions of inflicting pain causing death is barbaric, intense and inhumane that it cannot be ignored.”

  Mr. Ihor Shevyrov, the publicity ambassador of HWPL and a journalist from Ukraine,   emphasized, “International peace should be built not only by the UN, but also by every country. Democracy, openness and freedom of civil society, the level of protection of the rights and freedoms of every person, as well as peace education and a culture of peace are decisive for building sustainable peace in any country. All these principles are clearly defined in the 10 articles of the founding DPCW Peace Declaration. United Nations needs new peace convention on DPCW.”

  Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War(DPCW) is an international peace law drafted by the HWPL International Law Peace Committee, which is comprised of international law experts from 15 different countries. Consisting of 10 articles and 38 clauses, the DPCW, embodies the principles and measures for preventing and resolving conflicts and sustaining a peaceful global society.

  Ian Seo, general director of public relations department of HWPL said, “Peace as an institution from people having a mind of peace and various organizations collectively supporting peace and taking actions gradually becomes habits, customs, norms, ideas, laws, and ultimately a culture of peace. The HWPL International Workshop on Peace Journalism: A Road to Institutional Peace for Sustainable Development is appealing to all of you to take the role of media as a messenger of peace to develop it as an identity of individuals and as a global culture.”

  In response to the need for strengthening the peace network of the world's media, HWPL plans to publish Peace Journalism Studies and hold events regularly where journalists can discuss and share opinions to enhance peace journalism.

  The full version of "Peace Journalism Studies" can be downloaded on the website: Peace Journalism Studies (https://c11.kr/19wr2).