The Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games officially commenced on Friday.

With incredible light shows and spectacular fireworks, delegations from 91 countries and regions gathered in Beijing to witness the Chinese capital becoming the first ever dual Olympic city in the world.

The opening ceremony, as the curtain raiser to the Games, won much praise from residents in many parts of the world.

Produced by Xinhua Global Service

On February 5, 2021, Georgian Chief of Defense, Major General Giorgi Matiashvili presided over the opening ceremony of the Georgia Defense Readiness Program (GDRP) at Vaziani Training Area. 

GDRP, a three-month training, and readiness program, which includes unit-level training and live-fire exercises, will prepare the Georgian 22nd Infantry Battalion to conduct wartime missions in defense of their nation and in support of multinational missions around the world.

Maj Gen Matiashvili was joined at the ceremony by command teams from Land Forces West, the 2nd Brigade, Georgia’s Training and Military Education Command, members of the United States’ Task Force Ascalon, and the US Office of Defense Cooperation.  The Georgia Defense Readiness Program further highlights the deep and continuing relationship between Georgian Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Department of Defense.

The opening ceremony of the 1^st Annual Commemoration of September 18^th World Alliance of Religions’ Peace (WARP) Summit successfully took place at Olympic Peace Plaza in Seoul, Republic of Korea over the course of two days. The host organization, Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), is a non-governmental peace organization registered under the UN Department of Public Information (DPI). It is at the forefront of peace-building in direct response to international disputes and armed conflicts. The co-organizers of the commemorative event are the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG) and International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG), both affiliates of HWPL.

Exactly one year ago, on September 18^th 2014, HWPL provided a platform where numerous world leaders gathered in one place to sign a pledge in support of a draft for a ‘Proposal to Implement an International law for the Cessation of War and World Peace’. While last year’s Summit included in-depth peace discussions covering various sectors of society, the 1^st Annual Commemoration of September 18^th WARP Summit will feature the presentation of the first draft of the Convention on the Renunciation and Cessation of War and International Armed Conflicts. 

To mark the first day of the event, colorful booths were set up with various programs and exhibitions that explore Korean traditional culture and food tasting. In his opening speech, Chairman Man Hee Lee of HWPL stated, “One year ago, at the World Alliance of Religions’ Peace Summit, we called heaven and earth as witnesses and pledged to implement an international convention and the alliance of religions in the sight of God, all people of the world, and the Peace Advocate.” He continued to speak with emphasis that “This is the eternal light which will cease all wars, achieve peace, and leave it as a legacy to future generations,” urging to become messengers of peace.

Chairwoman Nam Hee Kim of the IWPG expressed her gratitude towards all the global family of peace who are joyfully celebrating the first anniversary of the WARP Summit at the site. She stated, “The world has been changing since the WARP Summit last year,” mentioning the efforts of the implementation of the international convention and the alliance of all religions. Chairwoman Kim emphasized HWPL’s efforts towards the unifications of the Korean Peninsula and that “countless peace organizations and media around the world joined forces with the IWPG and IPYG, the two supporting wings of HWPL, in committing to the peace movement.”

Mr. Khil Raj Regmi, former Chairman of Council of the Ministers and Former Chief Justice of Nepal, delivered a congratulatory message. “The initiatives of HWPL are exemplary to the entire world, as the activities of HWPL for advocating peace is unique and effective in all spheres. I have a firm belief that HWPL has been able to continue its activities for global peace with inspiring guidance, motivation, and the leadership of Chairman Lee. I appreciate the idea of Chairman Man Hee Lee who expressly emphasized it and determined that a separate convention for peace is a need of the present world. I am optimistic that the conference will serve as an impetus for the codification and declaration of the international convention for peace.”

Over the course of two days, the Summit will feature the presentation of the first draft of the Convention on the Cessation of War and Achievement of World Peace prepared by members of HWPL’s Peace Advisory Council and International Law Committee. As these legal professionals will continue to carry out the project based on the convention drafted at the event, expectations are high for its outcome.

On behalf of the international community and nongovernmental organizations, HWPL is taking the lead in peace-building in response to a world rife with disputes and armed conflicts. Such efforts are evident from not only the upcoming commemorative event but also with the peace activities of the two affiliated organizations of HWPL—IWPG and IPYG. HWPL is striving to promote world peace and prosperity of mankind by presenting the most peaceful solution to the structural problems that our society is currently facing. 

The 1^st Annual Commemoration of September 18^th World Alliance of Religions’ Peace (WARP) Summit is now on air! Click the link below. (From 10AM on September 18^th through 3PM on September 19^th Korea Standard Time) http://warpsummit.org/