[HWPL]

[HWPL] HWPL Hosts Peace Education Blossoming from Buddha’s Teachings

Chairman ManHee Lee is the head representative of the global peace organization HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light), which is striving for the enactment and implementation of the international peace law 'Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW)'. The  DPCW is a legal instrument comprised of 10 articles and 38 clauses that can end wars and hostilities throughout the world. HWPL is also spreading a culture of peace and implementing peace education.

Chairman ManHee Lee experienced the cruelty and tragedy of war as a veteran of the Korean War. This is one of the reasons why he founded a global peace campaign as the head of HWPL. He has traveled the globe more than 35 times to meet and persuade politicians, legal experts, journalists, professors, peace activists, civil organization leaders, heads of tribes and others to unite them for the work of peace. The significant fruits borne out of his hard work are the World Alliance of Religions' Peace (WARP) Summit and HWPL Peace Committee. The DPCW was drafted and finalised by the HWPL Peace Committee.

How, you may wonder, do I know this? About 10 years ago, when I had just been discharged from military service, I came to know HWPL and Chairman ManHee Lee while researching the topic of civil conflicts to satisfy my curiosity in ongoing global issues. At that time, the island of Mindanao in the Philippines was suffering from a major civil conflict that lasted more than 40 years, and Chairman ManHee Lee and HWPL resolved this conflict through non-violent means.

Chairman Lee brought an end to the conflict in Mindanao by holding a peace talk between the warring Catholic and Islamic groups. Before the talk, HWPL and Chairman ManHee Lee held a Peace Walk to spread the culture of peace in Mindanao with the many locals who had gathered out of a desire for peace.

Chairman ManHee Lee's pressing appeal today is that humanity unites for sustainable peace in order to pass on the legacy of peace to future generations worldwide. He doesn't just talk peace, but has worked tirelessly for it through practical peace campaigns for over a decade.

I decided to become a supporter of HWPL and Chairman ManHee Lee's peace initiatives because I also desire a world of peace for all posterity.

Today I'd like to introduce an article regarding HWPL's Peace Education Blossoming from Buddha’s Teachings event :)

Cooperation Beyond Religion: A New Milestone in Peace Education for Sri Lankan Youth

On November 22, a program titled “Peace Education Blossoming from Buddha’s Teachings” was held at the Sunethra Devi Purana Rajamaha Viharaya Temple in Pepiliyana, Sri Lanka, focusing on interfaith cooperation and peace education for youth.

For decades, young people in Sri Lanka have grown up in the shadow of civil war, bearing the scars of conflict from an early age. In a land where the youngest generation has been directly affected by violence, youth came together with Christian, Buddhist, and Muslim religious leaders for a meaningful time to learn how to choose peace over violence. Although their religious backgrounds are different, all participants gathered for the same purpose: to ensure that young people—those who were the first to suffer from war—would not inherit another “age of violence,” but instead be given the opportunity to learn peace and help build a lasting culture of peace.

The event consisted of an opening ceremony, traditional oil lamp lighting and the national anthem, a Sri Lankan cultural performance, an introduction to HWPL, peace education sessions, a presentation on peace practices based on Buddhist teachings, and a commitment and cooperation segment for peace.

Presentation of the Peace Achievement Award to Ven. Wellampitye Thero

A total of 102 religious and community leaders and youth attended the event, including Ven. Wellampitye Sumanadhamma Nayaka Thero — Chief Incumbent of Sunethra Devi Purana Rajamaha Viharaya, Pepiliyana — Rev. Isaac Daniel Dixon of St. James Church, Nallur (Jaffna), and Mr. Abdullah Mohideen — Director of the Center for Islamic Studies.

Ven. Wellampitye Sumanadhamma Nayaka Thero, the key speaker, explained, “Peace begins with individual practice and extends to the family, society, and ultimately the world. Refraining from killing is a way of life that protects the right to life of all beings and removes the root of violence.” He further stated that the peace education program was implemented under a shared goal of spreading a culture of peace, in line with youth development, Buddhist-based moral education, and the HWPL Peace Education framework.

The temple leadership spoke positively of HWPL Peace Education, commending its systematic and universal educational framework. Following the program, Christian and Muslim communities also expressed their intention to introduce peace education tailored to their respective religious contexts, highlighting new possibilities for interfaith cooperation at the local level.

Group photo with participants of the 22nd Peace Program

Christian and Muslim leaders also highly praised the significance of the program. Dr. M. S. M. Sadique, founder of the Association of Social Activities and Development and a pastor, emphasized, “The program was well organized. A strategic approach is needed to encourage greater participation from youth and women. It is very important for diverse peace actors to work together to achieve peace.”

Mr. Abdullah Mohideen, Director of the Islamic Studies Research Center, also shared his thoughts, saying, “The preparation and operation of the event were highly professional. The Venerable Thero’s presentation and the speeches by HWPL peace representatives were deeply moving.”

Pepiliyana is an area where diverse faiths and cultures coexist, as it is home to numerous religious institutions and educational facilities. Thanks to these local characteristics, the program provided Sri Lankan youth with a valuable opportunity to experience interfaith harmony firsthand and to engage deeply with teachings essential for practicing peace. In addition, the united efforts of religious leaders expanded opportunities to heal social conflicts and build sustainable peace in Sri Lankan society.

HWPL Official Homepage

https://www.hwpl.kr/language/en/home-hwpl-_en/

                                                                                

[IPYG]

[IPYG] Four South Asian Countries Hold Online Event to Commemorate International Day for Tolerance with IPYG

Chairman ManHee Lee is the head representative of the global peace organization HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light), which is striving for the enactment and implementation of the international peace law 'Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW)'. The  DPCW is a legal instrument comprised of 10 articles and 38 clauses that can end wars and hostilities throughout the world. HWPL is also spreading a culture of peace and implementing peace education.

Chairman ManHee Lee experienced the cruelty and tragedy of war as a veteran of the Korean War. This is one of the reasons why he founded a global peace campaign as the head of HWPL. He has traveled the globe more than 35 times to meet and persuade politicians, legal experts, journalists, professors, peace activists, civil organization leaders, heads of tribes and others to unite them for the work of peace. The significant fruits borne out of his hard work are the World Alliance of Religions' Peace (WARP) Summit and HWPL Peace Committee. The DPCW was drafted and finalised by the HWPL Peace Committee.

How, you may wonder, do I know this? About 10 years ago, when I had just been discharged from military service, I came to know HWPL and Chairman ManHee Lee while researching the topic of civil conflicts to satisfy my curiosity in ongoing global issues. At that time, the island of Mindanao in the Philippines was suffering from a major civil conflict that lasted more than 40 years, and Chairman ManHee Lee and HWPL resolved this conflict through non-violent means.

Chairman Lee brought an end to the conflict in Mindanao by holding a peace talk between the warring Catholic and Islamic groups. Before the talk, HWPL and Chairman ManHee Lee held a Peace Walk to spread the culture of peace in Mindanao with the many locals who had gathered out of a desire for peace.

Chairman ManHee Lee's pressing appeal today is that humanity unites for sustainable peace in order to pass on the legacy of peace to future generations worldwide. He doesn't just talk peace, but has worked tirelessly for it through practical peace campaigns for over a decade.

I decided to become a supporter of HWPL and Chairman ManHee Lee's peace initiatives because I also desire a world of peace for all posterity.

Today I'd like to introduce an article regarding HWPL's affiliate youth group, IPYG's YEPW :)

“Different But the Same”: Four South Asian Countries Hold Online Event to Commemorate International Day for Tolerance

Sharing IPYG Activities in 2025

On November 15th, in observance of the International Day for Tolerance proclaimed by the United Nations, an “Online Event Commemorating International Day for Tolerance” was held. A total of 65 people attended the event, including the heads of IPYG partner organizations from India, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and the Maldives, as well as teachers currently participating in HWPL peace education.

International Day for Tolerance is a day designated by the United Nations to promote harmony and tolerance across racial, religious, and cultural differences. Through this gathering, participants reaffirmed the importance of harmony, understanding, and tolerance. They also shared the belief that working together for peace across diverse nations is the first step in practicing tolerance.

Attendees watched videos featuring messages from key figures and reflections on the activities of the Youth Empowerment for Peace Working Group (YEPW) members. They also viewed videos of the “Echo Ten Minutes” activities, a Legislating Peace (LP) program conducted in various countries this year, and the “11th Anniversary Commemoration of the HWPL 9·18 Peace Summit” held in South Korea. Based on their experiences, IPYG conveyed the message that peace activities must continue in order to spread a culture of harmony and peace.

Open Discussion and Reflections

The Youth Peacebuilding Working Group (YEPW) is a platform that promotes national youth networks and peace activities, carrying out initiatives such as peace walks, peace letter campaigns, youth peace summits, and various volunteer activities.

During the open discussion, various opinions were shared, including experiences of discrimination, the importance of the rule of law, mutual respect, and the willingness for future cooperation. In particular, Ilshad Ahmed Hana, a youth movement coordinator, emphasized the crucial role young people must play in promoting peace, sharing his own experiences of unfair situations due to discrimination. He expressed that partnering with IPYG was one of the most meaningful decisions he had ever made. Following the event, there are plans to hold further briefing sessions to establish YEPW activity on a regular basis.

This event served as an opportunity to strengthen awareness and practice of tolerance, expand global partnerships, and further broaden the possibilities of youth-led peace projects. Tolerance is the foundation of peace, reducing conflict and building mutual trust, and it is a crucial element in achieving sustainable global peace. HWPL and IPYG will continue to work in solidarity with various countries to firmly spread a culture of peace.

HWPL Official Homepage

https://www.hwpl.kr/language/en/home-hwpl-_en/

                                                                                          

[HWPL]

[HWPL] HWPL's New Settlers' Day of Dialogue

Chairman ManHee Lee is the head representative of the global peace organization HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light), which is striving for the enactment and implementation of the international peace law 'Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW)'. The  DPCW is a legal instrument comprised of 10 articles and 38 clauses that can end wars and hostilities throughout the world. HWPL is also spreading a culture of peace and implementing peace education.

Chairman ManHee Lee experienced the cruelty and tragedy of war as a veteran of the Korean War. This is one of the reasons why he founded a global peace campaign as the head of HWPL. He has traveled the globe more than 35 times to meet and persuade politicians, legal experts, journalists, professors, peace activists, civil organization leaders, heads of tribes and others to unite them for the work of peace. The significant fruits borne out of his hard work are the World Alliance of Religions' Peace (WARP) Summit and HWPL Peace Committee. The DPCW was drafted and finalised by the HWPL Peace Committee.

How, you may wonder, do I know this? About 10 years ago, when I had just been discharged from military service, I came to know HWPL and Chairman ManHee Lee while researching the topic of civil conflicts to satisfy my curiosity in ongoing global issues. At that time, the island of Mindanao in the Philippines was suffering from a major civil conflict that lasted more than 40 years, and Chairman ManHee Lee and HWPL resolved this conflict through non-violent means.

Chairman Lee brought an end to the conflict in Mindanao by holding a peace talk between the warring Catholic and Islamic groups. Before the talk, HWPL and Chairman ManHee Lee held a Peace Walk to spread the culture of peace in Mindanao with the many locals who had gathered out of a desire for peace.

Chairman ManHee Lee's pressing appeal today is that humanity unites for sustainable peace in order to pass on the legacy of peace to future generations worldwide. He doesn't just talk peace, but has worked tirelessly for it through practical peace campaigns for over a decade.

I decided to become a supporter of HWPL and Chairman ManHee Lee's peace initiatives because I also desire a world of peace for all posterity.

Today I'd like to introduce an article regarding HWPL's New Settlers' Day of Dialogue :)

HWPL Seoul–Gyeonggi East Branch Holds 4th “New Settlers’ Day of Dialogue,” Connecting Hearts Through Culture

On November 8, the HWPL Seoul–Gyeonggi East Branch held the 4th “New Settlers’ Day of Dialogue” at its Taereung office under the theme “Shared Culture, the First Step Toward a Better Tomorrow.”

Now in its fourth year, the event served as a platform for cultural exchange, bringing together people from the South and the North to reflect on the meaning of peace and reunification. Approximately 50 participants—including new settlers, local residents, and youth volunteers—attended the event.

During the program, inter-Korean exchange activities were conducted. Participants engaged in open conversations and shared meaningful moments of mutual understanding through interactive programs such as a “North Korean Culture Quiz” and “Guess the Song Title.”

One participant shared, “I realized that reunification begins with small meetings and communication. By directly hearing and sharing about everyday life in North Korea, I felt that our hearts grew closer.”

Kim Seong-geun, CEO of Samho Tech Co., Ltd. and an advisor to HWPL’s peace initiatives, stated, “By asking questions directly to new settlers, I was able to experience the true meaning of genuine communication.”

In the subsequent performance session, a new settler singer—formerly a member of a North Korean arts troupe—performed “Fly High, Little Dove,” a song symbolizing peace through the image of a dove. Following the performance, participants shared laughter and built empathy during a free question-and-answer session focused on the everyday cultures of North and South Korea.

Additionally, an HWPL Peace Educator emphasized in the lecture “Seeds of Peace” that respect for life and love for one’s community are the foundations of peace, highlighting that small, everyday actions can lead to harmony on the Korean Peninsula.

The event concluded with remarks by Ryu Hyang-seon, Domestic Affairs Team Leader of the HWPL Seoul–Gyeonggi East Branch, who shared future plans, stating, “The participation and communication between new settlers and local residents are practical first steps toward peaceful reunification through free interaction. Next year, we plan to regularize the ‘New Settlers’ Day of Dialogue’ with a continued focus on culture and exchange.”

HWPL Official Homepage

https://www.hwpl.kr/language/en/home-hwpl-_en/

                                                                                

[IPYG]

[IPYG] IPYG's Friends: Lusaka City Council Junior Council

Chairman ManHee Lee is the head representative of the global peace organization HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light), which is striving for the enactment and implementation of the international peace law 'Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW)'. The  DPCW is a legal instrument comprised of 10 articles and 38 clauses that can end wars and hostilities throughout the world. HWPL is also spreading a culture of peace and implementing peace education.

Chairman ManHee Lee experienced the cruelty and tragedy of war as a veteran of the Korean War. This is one of the reasons why he founded a global peace campaign as the head of HWPL. He has traveled the globe more than 35 times to meet and persuade politicians, legal experts, journalists, professors, peace activists, civil organization leaders, heads of tribes and others to unite them for the work of peace. The significant fruits borne out of his hard work are the World Alliance of Religions' Peace (WARP) Summit and HWPL Peace Committee. The DPCW was drafted and finalised by the HWPL Peace Committee.

How, you may wonder, do I know this? About 10 years ago, when I had just been discharged from military service, I came to know HWPL and Chairman ManHee Lee while researching the topic of civil conflicts to satisfy my curiosity in ongoing global issues. At that time, the island of Mindanao in the Philippines was suffering from a major civil conflict that lasted more than 40 years, and Chairman ManHee Lee and HWPL resolved this conflict through non-violent means.

Chairman Lee brought an end to the conflict in Mindanao by holding a peace talk between the warring Catholic and Islamic groups. Before the talk, HWPL and Chairman ManHee Lee held a Peace Walk to spread the culture of peace in Mindanao with the many locals who had gathered out of a desire for peace.

Chairman ManHee Lee's pressing appeal today is that humanity unites for sustainable peace in order to pass on the legacy of peace to future generations worldwide. He doesn't just talk peace, but has worked tirelessly for it through practical peace campaigns for over a decade.

I decided to become a supporter of HWPL and Chairman ManHee Lee's peace initiatives because I also desire a world of peace for all posterity.

Today I'd like to introduce an article regarding HWPL's affiliate youth group, IPYG's affiliate organization: Lusaka City Council Junior Council

Introducing an IPYG Affiliate Organization: Lusaka City Council Junior Council

IPYG–Lusaka City Council Co-hosted Zambia Youth Leaders Peace Conference

The Lusaka City Council Junior Council, a youth body under the Lusaka City Council, was established in 2015 in Lusaka, Zambia. It is composed of 38 youth committee members aged 15 to 18, representing the 38 wards of Lusaka City. The Junior Council operates as a youth mock council, encouraging young people to participate more actively in community affairs.

The Junior Council serves as a participatory platform that enables youth to express their views on local community issues and engage directly in civic activities. Its main areas of focus include environmental protection, climate change, public health, community sanitation, and youth rights. Through policy discussions and campaign participation, the council works to reflect youth perspectives in city governance.

IPYG Affiliation Signing

On April 22, 2025, the Lusaka City Council Junior Council signed a partnership agreement with the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG). The collaboration began with the “Clean Up, Crime Down” Peace Street Volunteer Activity, launched to help reduce crime through street clean-up efforts inspired by the Broken Windows Theory. Further discussions on sustained cooperation followed at the IPYG Zambia Youth Leaders Peace Conference on May 26.

Volunteer Activity Co-hosted with Lusaka City Council, Street Clean-Up Volunteer Activity around the Northmead Market Area

Mr. Benard Kambole, Youth Committee Member of the Lusaka City Council Junior Council (Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula Ward), shared his experience of working with IPYG as follows.

“Working with HWPL Zambia and IPYG has been a truly positive experience. Our ‘Clean Up, Crime Down’ Peace Street Volunteer Activity has produced meaningful results. Through this initiative, I learned about peace, leadership, and influence, as well as how these values can promote harmony within the community. It also helped me better understand how to resolve everyday conflicts and recognize our shared humanity. HWPL is a valued partner, and we will continue to promote peace and hope together.”

Following multiple rounds of discussion and a strengthened partnership, official approval was granted by Mr. Victor Kagoli, Director of the Public Health Department of the Lusaka City Council. As a result, the Lusaka City Council Junior Council became an official partner organization of IPYG. Since then, IPYG and the Junior Council, in cooperation with the Lusaka City Council, have carried out monthly street clean-up and environmental improvement activities involving approximately 50 to 150 youth participants. Through these efforts, young people have strengthened their sense of self-efficacy by directly contributing to positive change in their city, while also developing greater civic responsibility toward their local community.

Mr. Victor Kagoli explained the significance of the partnership with IPYG as follows.

“Governance cannot be achieved by the older generation alone. Youth are key stakeholders in national governance and must learn and grow together with previous generations. Cooperation with IPYG is becoming a vital foundation for young people to develop practical governance capacity.”

He also delivered the following message to youth around the world.

“Young people, do not wait only for decisions made by the older generation. You are already active participants in governance and have a responsibility to help make this world peaceful. No one should be excluded or underestimated. We are one global community united by good intentions. Let us cooperate to build a better world together.”

He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to continued collaboration with IPYG, stating, “IPYG is our valued partner. We will continue working together to spread peace and hope.”

HWPL Official Homepage

https://www.hwpl.kr/language/en/home-hwpl-_en/

                                                                                           

[IWPG]

[IWPG] IWPG Signs MOU with Colombian Victims’ Union ASOVIAFOR to Expand Peace Efforts in South America

Chairman ManHee Lee is the head representative of the global peace organization HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light), which is striving for the enactment and implementation of the international peace law 'Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW)'. The  DPCW is a legal instrument comprised of 10 articles and 38 clauses that can end wars and hostilities throughout the world. HWPL is also spreading a culture of peace and implementing peace education.

Chairman ManHee Lee experienced the cruelty and tragedy of war as a veteran of the Korean War. This is one of the reasons why he founded a global peace campaign as the head of HWPL. He has traveled the globe more than 35 times to meet and persuade politicians, legal experts, journalists, professors, peace activists, civil organization leaders, heads of tribes and others to unite them for the work of peace. The significant fruits borne out of his hard work are the World Alliance of Religions' Peace (WARP) Summit and HWPL Peace Committee. The DPCW was drafted and finalised by the HWPL Peace Committee.

How, you may wonder, do I know this? About 10 years ago, when I had just been discharged from military service, I came to know HWPL and Chairman ManHee Lee while researching the topic of civil conflicts to satisfy my curiosity in ongoing global issues. At that time, the island of Mindanao in the Philippines was suffering from a major civil conflict that lasted more than 40 years, and Chairman ManHee Lee and HWPL resolved this conflict through non-violent means.

Chairman Lee brought an end to the conflict in Mindanao by holding a peace talk between the warring Catholic and Islamic groups. Before the talk, HWPL and Chairman ManHee Lee held a Peace Walk to spread the culture of peace in Mindanao with the many locals who had gathered out of a desire for peace.

Chairman ManHee Lee's pressing appeal today is that humanity unites for sustainable peace in order to pass on the legacy of peace to future generations worldwide. He doesn't just talk peace, but has worked tirelessly for it through practical peace campaigns for over a decade.

I decided to become a supporter of HWPL and Chairman ManHee Lee's peace initiatives because I also desire a world of peace for all posterity.

Today I'd like to introduce an article regarding IWPG's MOU with ASOVIAFOR in South America :)

IWPG Signs MOU with Colombian Victims’ Union ASOVIAFOR to Expand Peace Efforts in South America

On January 1, 2026, the International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) Global Division 2, led by Director Lee Seo-yeon, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with ASOVIAFOR, a Colombian civil society coalition formed by women victims of the country’s prolonged armed conflict.

ASOVIAFOR, composed of women who endured forced displacement, family loss, and sexual violence, has been working to rebuild communities and promote peace through victim-centered initiatives. Their activities include community healing, expanding women’s social participation, and fostering dialogue and reconciliation education.

The agreement marks a significant step in establishing formal cooperation between an international women’s peace organization and a South American victims’ network. It emphasizes a model where women and victims themselves become active agents of peace, beyond state-led approaches.

IWPG stated that future collaboration will focus on strengthening trust, expanding peace education, and supporting local dialogue initiatives. ASOVIAFOR’s representative, Rosi Albani Perez Belalcazar, highlighted that the partnership empowers women at the center of conflict recovery, ensuring they are recognized as peacebuilders rather than passive victims.

This MOU is expected to serve as a foundation for extending victim-led peace solidarity across South America and sharing grassroots peace practices with the international community.

HWPL Official Homepage

https://www.hwpl.kr/language/en/home-hwpl-_en/