[HWPL]

[HWPL] HWPL DPCW Online Seminar

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 DPCW Online Seminar :)

DPCW Online Seminar

How to Achieve Peace: The Answer is in the DPCW

▲ Explanation of the Detailed Provisions of the DPCW

On February 22, 2025, HWPL hosted an online seminar titled “How to Achieve Peace? The Answer is in DPCW,” aimed at promoting the contents of the “Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War” (DPCW), sharing its vision and feasibility, and providing a platform for peace activists to engage in meaningful discussions.

Around 70 peace activists, including high-ranking government officials, legal experts, educators, and journalists from 13 countries, attended the event to share their perspectives and discuss ways to achieve peace. Notable participants included the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Timor-Leste to the United Nations, the Secretary of State for Art and Culture of Timor-Leste, the President of Committee G of the Parliament of Timor-Leste, and a Member of Parliament from South Sudan.

HWPL announced the “Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW)” on March 14, 2016, in collaboration with international law experts from 15 countries. The purpose of the DPCW is to end wars and establish sustainable peace. Comprising 10 articles and 38 clauses, the DPCW emphasizes core values such as “conflict prevention,” “conflict resolution,” and “maintaining sustainable peace.” HWPL has been actively working toward having this declaration adopted as a UN resolution.

The seminar began with an introduction to HWPL, followed by congratulatory speeches from the UN Ambassador of Timor-Leste and a Member of Parliament from South Sudan.

▲ Congratulatory speech – H.E. Dionísio Babo Soares, Ambassador of Timor-Leste to the United

H.E. Dionísio Babo Soares, the Ambassador of Timor-Leste to the United Nations, stated:

“Timor-Leste has also experienced the pain of conflict and has fought fiercely and earnestly to achieve peace. Now, we have overcome conflict, and we hope that our history serves as an inspiration for other nations still suffering from turmoil. Remarkably, we can discover the core values of the DPCW in the history of Timor-Leste. Timor-Leste held a national referendum, sharing the same spirit of ‘peaceful conflict resolution’ as the DPCW (Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War) in its pursuit of independence. Similar to the disarmament clause, a weapons collection program was implemented immediately after independence to ensure stability. Moreover, the government and civil society are promoting a culture that cherishes peace.”

▲ Congratulatory speech – Hon. Peter Lomude Francis, Member of Parliament from South Sudan

Hon. Peter Lomude Francis, a Member of Parliament from South Sudan, stated:

“On May 15, 2024, His Excellency President Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan made a historic decision by signing a national declaration officially endorsing the DPCW. This significant announcement was broadcast to the nation through South Sudan’s public broadcaster, SSBC, and has influenced other political leaders to follow suit in the peacebuilding process. As of now, 11 high-ranking government officials, including the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chief Justice, have signed the declaration, reaffirming their commitment to global peace and the cessation of war. Notably, Chief Justice Chanrick Madut has been actively engaged in peace efforts in collaboration with HWPL since 2015 and continues his steadfast dedication to this cause.”

The seminar was conducted in two sessions. The first session introduced HWPL and the DPCW, explaining Articles 1 to 7 and highlighting how each article contributes to peacebuilding.

▲ Intervention – H.E. Jorge Soares Cristovão, Secretary of the State for Art and Culture of Timor-Leste

The second session focused on Articles 8 to 10 of the DPCW, followed by a presentation on the case of Timor-Leste. The seminar explored the historical experiences of Timor-Leste and their relationship with the DPCW. HWPL emphasized that each article should serve as a practical guideline for achieving peace, providing a detailed explanation of their meaning and applicability.

Notably, the seminar highlighted the similarities between Timor-Leste’s peace process and the principles outlined in the DPCW, offering concrete insights into the feasibility of implementing the DPCW. Additionally, H.E. Jorge Soares Cristovão, the Secretary of the State for Art and Culture of Timor-Leste, shared insights into the country’s journey towards peace and reconciliation.

In the final segment, participants shared their thoughts and discussed ways to collaborate for the realization of the DPCW. A lawyer from Myanmar expressed:
“War and conflict continue to plague the world, especially in Myanmar, which stands at a crossroads between war and peace. This situation threatens regional stability in Southeast Asia, making it crucial to find practical solutions for sustainable peace. The DPCW promotes peaceful coexistence among nations, fosters friendly relations and cooperation, and encourages dialogue to resolve disputes. In conflict zones, countless lives are lost, people are displaced, and crises like food insecurity, disease, and natural disasters worsen. To prevent these tragedies, we must unite as advocates and messengers of peace. Article 10 of the DPCW emphasizes spreading a culture of peace—an urgent necessity for Myanmar. By applying its principles, we can work toward sustainable peace and address the root causes and consequences of conflict.”

The seminar confirmed that the DPCW is not just a declaration but a practical guide for conflict resolution and peacebuilding. HWPL plans to continue strengthening cooperation with governments and civil society worldwide with the goal of having the DPCW adopted as a UN resolution.

Interested in HWPL's peace work for the world? Please visit following link :)

HWPL Official Homepage

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