Thursday, April 2, 2026

[HWPL] HWPL's 10th Anniversary of the DPCW

[HWPL]

[HWPL] HWPL's 10th Anniversary of the DPCW

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 10th Anniversary of the DPCW :)

What Path Should Humanity Take?

10th Anniversary of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW)
– The Path to Writing Peace into Law –

On 14 March 2016, the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) was proclaimed. The document was proposed to establish shared standards for the prevention of war and the peaceful resolution of disputes in an international environment where wars and conflicts continue to recur.
The DPCW began with the recognition that countless youth are sacrificed in wars. Rather than managing conflicts after they arise, the declaration presents a direction for structurally preventing conflicts and institutionalizing cooperation.
As the DPCW marks the 10th anniversary of its proclamation, the continued support and engagement have gradually expanded the foundation for implementing the standards it proposed.
Proclamation of the 10 articles and 38 clauses of the DPCW (2016.03.14)

HWPL Founded on the Experience of War

HWPL is an international peace NGO established to protect lives lost in war and to build a sustainable peace order.
The background of its founding lies in the wartime experience of the HWPL chairman Man-hee Lee. As a student soldier during the Korean War, he experienced firsthand the devastation of war. The belief that youth should no longer be sacrificed in war became the starting point for HWPL’s establishment.
Since then, HWPL has built an international network connecting politics, religion, and civil society, and carried out discussions on the implementation of international law for peace, peace education, and interfaith cooperation. The DPCW is a proposal for international norms prepared as part of these efforts.

September 18th HWPL World Peace Summit and International Consensus

The DPCW began with the September 18th HWPL World Peace Summit held in Seoul on 18 September 2014. A total of 1,933 participants from 152 countries attended, including former and current heads of state, government officials, religious leaders, international law experts, and representatives of civil society. The key issue raised at the conference was clear: merely responding after conflicts arise is not enough to prevent the recurrence of war.
Accordingly, a consensus was formed that international standards are needed to prevent conflict and institutionalize collaboration. In 2015, HWPL launched the HWPL International Law Peace Committee (ILPC), composed of international law experts from around the world. Through legal review and consultation, the ILPC completed drafting the DPCW, consisting of 10 articles and 38 clauses, which was officially proclaimed on 14 March 2016.
Inauguration of the HWPL International Law Peace Committee (2015.09)

Key Contents of the DPCW

The DPCW consists of a preamble and 10 articles with 38 clauses. Although it is based on the fundamental principles of existing international law, it has a more detailed articulation of mechanisms for preventing war and strengthening cooperation.
The DPCW includes the following:
Establishing international standards regarding the use of force
Codifying procedures for peaceful resolution of conflicts
Strengthening the principles of international cooperation and collective security
Guaranteeing freedom of religion and promoting interfaith collaboration
Expanding a culture of peace and encouraging civil participation
The DPCW is not a document intended to replace the existing international legal order. Rather, it focuses on complementing and strengthening the agreed-upon principles of international law so that they can operate effectively in practice.
It is also meaningful in that the declaration aims to broaden the foundation for implementing international norms by including the roles of various actors, such as religious communities and civil society, beyond a state-centered legal framework.

10 Years of Expansion and Accumulation

Since the proclamation of the DPCW, endorsements continued to emerge from international organizations and national legislatures. Several regional parliamentary bodies, including the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), the Central American Parliament (PARLACEN), and the Latin American and Caribbean Parliament (Parlatino), have adopted resolutions in support of the DPCW. Recently, the Chamber of Deputies of Paraguay, the Senate of the Dominican Republic, and the National Legislature of South Sudan have adopted resolutions endorsing the DPCW.
Support has expanded at the civil society level as well. Approximately 900,000 endorsements have been collected from citizens in 178 countries. This demonstrates that norm diffusion is taking place not only through state diplomacy but also through civil society.
Such trends show that the DPCW has moved beyond a mere declaration and has gradually established itself as a practical norm through ongoing discussions with the international community and civil society.

The Path Going Beyond the Era of War: Writing Peace into Law

For a long time, humanity has often ended conflicts through war. The pattern of determining order through superiority of power has been repeated.
A civilizational transition lies in changing this underlying structure—shifting from resolving conflicts through war toward resolving them through law, agreement, procedures, and cooperation. Conflicts may not disappear, but the means of resolving them can change.
The DPCW clarifies standards regarding the use of force, establishes procedures for dispute resolution, and incorporates the roles of religion and civil society within the institutional framework. This represents an effort to strengthen structures that prevent conflicts from escalating into war.
The past decade has been a period of advancing this proposal within the international community and accumulating institutional and social foundations. The task ahead is to consolidate this accumulation. International norms must be strengthened so that conflicts do not escalate into war, and a structure must be firmly established in which states and societies share responsibility.

“What Path Should Humanity Take?”

It is not about accepting war as a means of resolving conflict, but about moving toward structuring and institutionalizing peace. Conflicts may be unavoidable. However, whether they are allowed to escalate into war or addressed through a different set of standards ultimately depends on humanity’s choice. The DPCW is an attempt to translate that choice into the form of international norms, and the discussions and growing consensus over the past decade have demonstrated that such a vision is possible.
One question remains: Will these standards take root in the international order, or remain yet another declaration?

HWPL Official Homepage

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

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

[HWPL] HWPL's 12th Anniversary of the January 24 HWPL Peace Day in the Philippines

[HWPL]

[HWPL] HWPL's 12th Anniversary of the January 24 HWPL Peace Day in the Philippines

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 12th Anniversary of the January 24 HWPL Peace Day in the Philippines :)

A Wave of Peace That Began in Mindanao, Philippines, Opening the Way to a Sustainable Future: 12th Anniversary of the January 24 HWPL Peace Day

Building the Foundation for Sustainable Peace through Peace Education, Youth Leadership, and Interfaith Dialogue

Peace Walk in Kawit

From January 23 to 24, the 12th Anniversary of the January 24 HWPL Peace Day was held in Kawit and Pasay City, Philippines. Taking place during the week of the UN’s International Day of Education, the event served as a meaningful occasion to reflect on the importance of education as the cornerstone of sustainable peace.
In particular, January 24 is a historic day marking the signing of the Mindanao Peace Agreement in 2014, which brought an end to 40 years of bloodshed through the mediation of HWPL Chairman Lee Man-hee. The agreement not only resolved a regional conflict but also helped spread a culture of peace throughout the Philippines. The date of the agreement was later legally designated as a commemorative day in the Philippines, becoming both the starting point and foundation of a nationwide peace movement.

Peace Club Officers from all schools in Kawit

Peace March: A Milestone for Coexistence Established in Kawit
On January 23, approximately 6,000 students, teachers, and peace advocates gathered in Kawit City for a large-scale Peace Walk. The march began at Water Camp and proceeded past Aguinaldo Elementary School to Aguinaldo Freedom Park, as participants expressed their firm commitment to establishing peace. In addition, Cavite Province’s first HWPL Peace Monument was erected at Aguinaldo Elementary School, symbolizing a shared pledge among the school, local government, and community to uphold peace and coexistence.
At the event, Dr. Antonio Faustino, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent of the Department of Education – Schools Division Office of Cavite Province, emphasized the historical significance of the occasion, stating, “More than 100 years ago, the history of independence began here. Today, new heroes leading a ‘peace revolution’ have gathered in this same place.”

Unveiling of Peace Monument, Pledge of Solidarity for Peace in Kawit

Lei Presentation for the Ambassadors of Peace

Youth Forum: Practicing Harmony through Interfaith Dialogue
On the second day, January 24, a forum was held at the GSIS Theater in Pasay City under the theme, “Youth Rising for Peace and Harmony through Interfaith Dialogue!” About 500 youth leaders and religious figures participated in a panel discussion aimed at resolving misunderstandings among Catholicism, Islam, and Protestantism. Participants agreed that true peace can only be achieved when differences are respected. Ray Angelo Reyes, President of the SK Federation of Las Piñas City, and Lowell Mojica, Youth Focal Person of the Youth Development Office (LYDO) of Las Piñas City Hall, described the forum as an insightful opportunity to reaffirm the need for unity and mutual respect across all sectors.

Youth Interfaith Panel Discussion

Commemorative Photo

Celebratory Performance

Fruits of Peace: Institutional Partnerships and Nurturing the Next Generation of Leaders
This commemorative event also became a catalyst for expanding practical peace education initiatives. The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos–NCR (NCMF-NCR) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), pledging to introduce the Religious Peace Academy (RPA) within its jurisdiction. In addition, the Schools Division Offices of Navotas City and San Pedro City confirmed plans to actively implement the Youth Empowerment Peace Class (YEPC) and RPA programs in high schools under their administration.
Through the event, a total of 36 facilitators were trained, along with 601 YEPC graduates and 88 RPA graduates. These individuals are expected to take on leading roles in fostering a culture of peace within their respective communities.

HWPL Official Homepage

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

Monday, March 30, 2026

[HWPL] HWPL's Tree-Planting Events in Three Regions of Sri Lanka

[HWPL]

[HWPL] HWPL's Tree-Planting Events in Three Regions of Sri Lanka

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 Tree-Planting Events in Three Regions of Sri Lanka :)

Sri Lanka Holds “Together We Grow” Tree-Planting Events in Three Regions to Mark Independence Day

On February 4, Sri Lanka’s Independence Day, citizen-led tree-planting activities were held simultaneously in three regions: Moratuwa near the capital Colombo, Kandy, and Jaffna. More than 350 participants—including government officials, youth groups, civil society organizations, and local residents— joined the initiative, planting over 320 trees in total.
The program was organized and hosted by HWPL Sri Lanka Branch to promote environmental stewardship, strengthen community cooperation, and advance sustainable peace through practical action.
Partner organizations officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with HWPL, marking the beginning of structured and long-term cooperation for environmental protection and peace initiatives.
Three Different Regions, One Shared Action: Moratuwa, Kandy, and Jaffna
The initiative unfolded across three Sri Lankan regions with distinct social and historical backgrounds. In Moratuwa, in the western region near Colombo, local government authorities and civil society groups collaborated to plant trees. In Minipe, Kandy, in the central region, youth and local community members joined together in the tree-planting efforts. In Jaffna, in the northern region—an area rebuilding after past conflict—government and civil society worked in cooperation to carry out the activity.
Moratuwa Mayor Nishantha Ferdinando delivers congratulatory remarks
At the event held at Lunawa Lagoon in Moratuwa, Moratuwa Mayor Nishantha Ferdinando attended as a keynote speaker. “Protecting the environment and encouraging citizen participation are essential elements of sustainable development in local communities,” said Mayor Ferdinando. “When policy efforts by local governments are combined with voluntary participation from civil society, local environmental management can be sustained effectively over the long term.” Mayor Ferdinando also expressed his expectation for continued cooperation in the future. On that day, 70 trees were planted around Lunawa Lagoon, and an additional 50 saplings were distributed to local residents.
In Minipe, Kandy, more than 80 young people planted trees near the Mahaweli River. The initiative highlighted youth leadership, environmental responsibility, and international peace cooperation. Participants also discussed future collaboration between local authorities and civil society.
The Station Chief of the Minipe Police Station directly joins in the tree-planting activity in the Minipe–Hasalaka area / Government officials, civil society representatives, youth participants, and local residents gather for the commemorative first tree-planting ceremony held in front of the Chavakachcheri Divisional Secretariat
In Jaffna, Francis Chandra Sathiyasothi, divisional secretary of the Chavakkacheri Divisional Secretariat, attended the event. He expressed his support for HWPL’s peace initiatives and reaffirmed his commitment to continued cooperation. During the event, HWPL Sri Lanka signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with local civil society organizations to further strengthen long-term collaboration.
HWPL Sri Lanka noted that the initiative was significant in laying a foundation for local communities to actively engage in environmental stewardship and shared responsibility. It stated that the program contributed to strengthening cooperation between government institutions and civil society, expanding youth participation, advancing community-based environmental initiatives, and fostering long-term partnerships. HWPL Sri Lanka plans to further expand its environmental protection and peacebuilding efforts through continued community engagement.

HWPL Official Homepage

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

Thursday, March 26, 2026

[HWPL] HWPL's Peace City Gala Night in Germany

[HWPL]

[HWPL] HWPL's Peace City Gala Night in Germany

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 City Gala Night in Germany :)

Frankfurt, Germany Hosts “Peace City Gala Night”
European Religious Leaders Step Forward to Resolve Conflict Through a Declaration on Peace and Mutual Respect

“Peace City Gala Night – First European Edition” Held
On December 18, 2025, the HWPL Frankfurt Branch in Germany hosted the “Peace City Gala Night – First European Edition” in Frankfurt under the theme, “The Role of Leaders in Building a Peaceful and Healthy Society Amid Crisis.” The event brought together more than 600 participants and introduced a city-based peace model that integrates municipal leadership, religious responsibility, civil society participation, youth empowerment, and international law advocacy into a unified framework. The Peace City initiative aims to connect the ideals of peace with institutional commitments and active civic engagement, encouraging practical peacebuilding within communities.
The gala served as the grand finale of three Peace City Nights held in Frankfurt. A total of 607 participants attended the event, including leaders from the fields of politics, religion, youth, NGOs, education, and media, along with representatives from various European countries.
Proclamation of the “European Religious Leaders’ Declaration on Peace and Mutual Respect”
Pan-European Religious Leaders’ Conference Brings Together Seven Religions
Prior to the gala, a Pan-European Religious Leaders’ Conference was held, bringing together representatives from Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, Yazidism, Judaism, and Buddhism. During the conference, 27 religious leaders signed the “European Religious Leaders’ Declaration on Peace and Mutual Respect,” affirming the responsibility of religion to promote reconciliation and uphold human dignity.
A Sikh representative presenting at the International Religious Peace Academy (IRPA)
During the conference, Kahlon Singh, Head of the Gurdwara Gur Prakash Sahib Ji in Austria, stated:
“Discrimination does not originate from religion itself, but from ignorance and misunderstanding. When people lack knowledge about other faiths, fear and division grow. Education and understanding are the most important ways to overcome these challenges.” He emphasized that Europe is becoming increasingly multicultural and multi-religious, making it essential to create spaces where communities—and especially religious leaders—can learn from one another.
He also highlighted HWPL’s International Religious Peace Academy (IRPA) as an important platform where religious leaders from different traditions can study together, respect differences, and discover shared values. He called on religious leaders across Europe to unite for peace and actively engage in interreligious cooperation.
Christian speaker Pastor Jonathan Amseln addressed the gathering, noting that more than 45,000 Christian denominations exist worldwide. While diversity itself can be meaningful, he explained that division arises when traditions take precedence over the core teaching of Jesus—loving one’s neighbor. He stressed that unity does not require uniformity, but rather intentional cooperation among leaders.
Quoting John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you,” he explained that true peace is not merely a diplomatic compromise, but a peace that brings hearts together. He encouraged Christian leaders to keep their doors open and work together despite differences.
During the event, the HWPL Frankfurt Branch also highlighted the expansion of the International Religious Peace Academy (IRPA), which has engaged religious leaders around the world since 2023. The event further introduced ongoing initiatives that support practical peacebuilding, including: WARP Offices (World Alliance of Religions’ Peace Offices), Youth activities led by the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG), Peace education programs, Volunteer initiatives.
Held at a time of growing geopolitical tensions and social fragmentation, the Peace City Gala Night demonstrated that religion can serve not as a source of conflict but as a catalyst for reconciliation and peace. Through the Peace City initiative, the HWPL Frankfurt Branch continues to support efforts to position Frankfurt as a city that actively practices and promotes peace.

HWPL Official Homepage

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

Tuesday, March 24, 2026

[HWPL] HWPL's Dialogue on Climate Crisis and Conflict Prevention in the Pacific

[HWPL]

[HWPL] HWPL's Dialogue on Climate Crisis and Conflict Prevention in the Pacific

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 Dialogue on Climate Crisis and Conflict Prevention in the Pacific :)

Pacific Voices: Dialogue on Climate Crisis and Conflict Prevention in the Pacific

On January 31, HWPL Global Branch 11 hosted the online event “Pacific Voices,” bringing together participants to discuss the growing intersection between climate change and conflict risks in the Pacific region. The event gathered representatives from the education sector, civil society, religious communities, the media, and the public, with a focus on exploring collaborative responses to emerging challenges affecting Pacific societies, including Fiji.
Participants highlighted that the impacts of climate change are no longer limited to environmental concerns but are increasingly influencing social and political dynamics. In particular, discussions noted that climate pressures—when combined with issues such as resource distribution, migration, relocation of settlements, and land rights—can trigger new conflicts or intensify existing tensions within communities.
The keynote address was delivered by Justice Thushara Rajasinghe of the High Court of Fiji, who pointed out that many land and environmental legal frameworks in the region still reflect colonial-era systems and do not sufficiently address today’s climate realities. “If legal reforms fail to keep pace with climate realities, climate-related conflicts may intensify,” he cautioned.
Justice Rajasinghe also explained that rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and flooding are already reshaping settlements and traditional boundaries, contributing to a growing number of land disputes. In Pacific societies, land is closely tied not only to economic livelihoods but also to culture, history, and identity. As a result, climate-driven conflicts related to land issues can become particularly sensitive and complex.
He further noted that conflicts may arise if local communities feel excluded from decision-making processes related to adaptation, relocation, or resettlement, or if they perceive that resources are distributed unfairly. He warned that such tensions could become prolonged in rural and coastal areas where traditional land ownership systems intersect with climate pressures, potentially leading to intergenerational disputes.
As a constructive approach, Justice Rajasinghe introduced the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) as a framework for conflict resolution grounded in nonviolence and dialogue. He emphasized that climate-related disputes should be addressed through dialogue, mediation, and international cooperation rather than coercion. He also stressed the importance of updating legal and institutional systems in ways that reflect local cultural contexts.
Highlighting the importance of inclusive participation, he added that the roles of chiefs, elders, women, and youth must be recognized and respected in efforts to resolve conflicts and strengthen social cohesion. Participants shared the view that the DPCW could contribute to conflict prevention and long-term peacebuilding in the Pacific region.
Civil society participants also shared their perspectives following the discussion. Setaraki Lotomau Molongo, head of the Southern division of the Youth Assembly of Fiji, stated that he actively reviewed related materials to gain a clear understanding of the DPCW support-signature process. He emphasized that peace initiatives are directly linked to the future of young people and highlighted the important role youth can play in spreading messages of peace through digital platforms.
Dixon Gurel, head of the PNG Hela Lions Club, remarked that the seminar provided a meaningful opportunity to deepen his understanding of climate change. He emphasized that peacebuilding is a “foundational task” in addressing multiple crises, including climate change and challenges faced by local communities. Referring to the DPCW support-signature progress introduced during the event, he also noted the strengthening of international solidarity and cooperation.
The event concluded with a shared recognition of the importance of peace leadership and collaborative governance in addressing the climate crisis as a common global challenge. HWPL reaffirmed its commitment to continuing discussions on global issues such as climate change from a peace perspective and expanding cooperation with local communities and neighboring countries.

HWPL Official Homepage

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

peacebreeze

Thursday, April 2, 2026