Sunday, October 25, 2026

[HWPL] HWPL's International Youth Exchange Program in Korea

[HWPL]

[HWPL] HWPL's International Youth Exchange Program in Korea

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 international youth exchange program in Korea

From the War Memorial to Gyeongbokgung Palace… World Youth Discover the “Value of Peace” in Seoul

Exploring the Meaning of Peace and Coexistence Through Cultural Heritage, Extending into Community Peace Activities Across the Globe

Youth from 43 countries gathered in Seoul. They participated in an international youth exchange program that invited them to visit Korea’s historical and cultural heritage sites, places that hold the history of the Korean War and the division of North and South Korea, to learn the values of peace, coexistence, and mutual understanding. From the War Memorial of Korea, which holds the memories of war and division, to Insadong, Gwanghwamun, and Gyeongbokgung Palace, spaces familiar to Koreans are becoming classrooms where young people from around the world learn about peace.
From september 17 to 19, HWPL held the “HWPL International Youth Peace Program” over three days.
Held under the theme “We, the Living Legacy of Peace,” the program consists of three stages: Discover, Learn, and Act. The goal was for the young people participating in the program to put into practice, within their own communities, the values of peace they discover and learn in Korea.
The program was structured as a three-day journey in which participants discover the necessity of peace through the memory of war, learn understanding and respect through different cultures, and connect the choices and responsibilities found in history to practical action today.

Day 1
Discover — Discover Peace from Cultural Heritage

Youth from around the world view an exhibition at the War Memorial of Korea

On the first day, September 17, the young participants toured the War Memorial of Korea, including the Korean War Room, the UN Room, the UN Monument, and the Statue of Brothers, reflecting on the wounds that war left on individuals, families, and the youth generation. HWPL asked the young participants, “What does peace mean to me, and what can I do to protect it?” It was a moment to reconsider that while past generations of young people bore the sacrifices of war, today’s youth can become the ones who actively build peace.

A participant views wartime photographs and records at the War Memorial of Korea

Mrs. Laisani sepo, Chairwoman of the National Youth Council of Fiji (NYCF), said after visiting the War Memorial, “The young ones were trying to protect their areas and willing to give up their lives even though they saw the risk, the death in front of them. It takes strong willpower to keep moving forward despite the challenges and criticism we may face in building peace.”

At Insadong, participants explored traditional Korean culture firsthand, experiencing how “understanding” an unfamiliar culture leads to “respect,” which acknowledges each other’s differences, and how that respect in turn leads to “exchange” between people.
Mr. Alwand Talaat Jawhar Caluri, Program Director of Public Aid Organization from Iraq, said, “It is important to provide a safe and inclusive space where young people from around the world and from different religious backgrounds can share their thoughts and concerns about peace.” He added, “This kind of gathering can serve as a platform for exchanging best practices and learning from one another, allowing young people to benefit from each other’s experiences.”

At Gwanghwamun and Gyeongbokgung Palace, participants explored the meaning of peace through five keywords: Inheritance, Respect, Responsibility, Change, and Harmony. In particular, through the examples of King Sejong the Great, the Hall of Worthies (Jiphyeonjeon), and the creation of Hangeul (Hunminjeongeum), they examined how a leader’s choices and learning can bring about change for society and future generations. The young participants each chose one of the five values they wanted to put into practice and recorded, in their own words, what actions they would take upon returning home.
Mr. Andrew Junior Mwima, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Mental Health and Anti-Drug Abuse Organisation, stated, “Young people are the ones sent to war. It means the young people can be the ones leading peace initiatives on the front lines.” He added, “Youths are not the future leaders. We are the leaders of today.” emphasizing that young people should take a leading role in peace initiatives and community development.

Day 2
Learn — Learn Peace from History & Begin a Journey of Deeper Understanding

Participants discuss the role of youth in spreading a culture of peace

The “Discover” phase of the 17th led into the “Learn” phase on the 18th. The roundtable discussion was held that day on the theme of “The Role of Youth in Spreading a Culture of Peace.” The discussion was designed to help young people first understand and learn how to prevent religious beliefs and ethnic identities from being used as pretexts for violence and conflict, based on Articles 8, 9, and 10 of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW). Articles 8, 9, and 10 of the DPCW set out principles on preventing war, resolving conflict, promoting peace among religions and ethnic groups, and spreading a culture of peace.
This was followed by the “International Religious Peace Academy for Youth Leaders,” where participants examined the scriptures and teachings of Buddhism, Confucianism, Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism to broaden their understanding of different cultures and religions.

Day 3
Act — Act on Peace & Become a Living Legacy

A participant takes part in a peace activity program

The “Learn” phase of the 18th led into “Act,” the final phase, on the 19th, the day the values discovered and learned earlier are put into actual practice. Participants shared regional activity case studies from the Youth Engagement & Peacebuilding Working Group(YEPW), where young people plan and carry out their own peace activities. Building on this, they discussed implementation strategies for regional YEPW projects and further developed their 2027 action plans and individual roles.
HWPL Secretary-General Kang Tae-ho said, “Youth from around the world directly encountered the necessity of peace on this land of war and division.” He added, “Peace is not a legacy we inherit, but a legacy we must pass on to future generations forever. Youth peace leaders are the ones who must carry that forward. I hope participants will take the answers they found in Korea and turn them into action in their own countries.”
Ms. Sarah Vermaut, a law student at the Free University of Brussels (VUB) in Belgium, said, “I am just a student. Why would they listen to me? But if we think like that, we cannot change anything.” She added that she wants to share what she has learned with her peers and organize activities that other young people can take part in.

Participants write letters about their thoughts and commitments to peace

From the memories preserved at the War Memorial of Korea, through the history of Gwanghwamun and an understanding of different religions and cultures, to concrete commitments for action in their communities, young people from 43 countries left Korea with a shared commitment to become agents of peace in their own communities. The answers they found in Korea are expected to translate into concrete action through YEPW initiatives in 2027 and their respective community activities.

HWPL Official Homepage

https://www.hwpl.kr/language/en

Friday, October 23, 2026

[HWPL] Honorable Chamber of Deputies of Paraguay Adopts Declaration Supporting the DPCW

[HWPL]

[HWPL] Honorable Chamber of Deputies of Paraguay Adopts Declaration Supporting the DPCW

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 supported by a declaration of honorable chamber of deputies that adopts it in Paraguay :)

Honorable Chamber of Deputies of Paraguay Adopts Declaration Supporting the DPCW – From Regional Support to National Action

Honorable Chamber of Deputies of Paraguay Adopts Declaration Supporting the DPCW

The Honorable Chamber of Deputies of Paraguay has officially expressed its support for HWPL’s Declaration of Peace and Cessation of Wars (DPCW). On July 29, 2025, the Chamber adopted Declaration No. 1106, declaring HWPL’s peace initiative to be of national interest and reaffirming the principles embodied in the DPCW: world peace, cessation of wars, defense of human rights, and prevention of armed conflicts.
The declaration marks an important step in the development of HWPL’s peace cooperation in Paraguay. It is also the result of months of engagement with leaders from Paraguay and across Latin America.

Engagement That Began in Cheongju, South Korea

The foundation for this engagement was strengthened on March 14, 2025, at the 9th Annual Commemoration of the DPCW held in Cheongju, South Korea. Carlos Núñez Salinas, Alternate President of the Latin American and Caribbean Parliament (PARLATINO) and a member of the Chamber of Deputies of Paraguay, attended the event and engaged directly with leaders from around the world. From Paraguay, Javier Esquivel, Minister of Public Defense, and Avelina Torres Villalba, President of the Board of Directors of the Supreme Court of Justice of Paraguay, also took part.

From Regional to National — Support Extends to Paraguay

This engagement continued at the regional level. On June 5, 2025, PARLATINO, headquartered in Panama City, Panama, officially adopted a resolution supporting the DPCW. Through this resolution, PARLATINO expressed support for the principles of the DPCW and encouraged its 23 member states to advance support for the DPCW through their respective national legislatures.

An HWPL representative discusses the DPCW resolution with Carlos Núñez Salinas,Deputy President of PARLATINO and National Deputy of the Chamber of Deputies of Paraguay.

Alternate President Núñez Salinas played an important role in carrying this regional momentum to Paraguay. Through his support and active cooperation, HWPL was also connected with Paraguay’s Ministry of Public Defense, represented by Minister Javier Esquivel. On July 8, 2025, HWPL signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Ministry of Public Defense, establishing a framework of cooperation for peace initiatives. The following day, July 9, HWPL and the ministry carried out a backpack donation activity together as a service to the local community.

HWPL representatives meet with Raúl Luis Latorre Martínez, President of the Honorable Chamber of Deputies of Paraguay, in Asunción.

That same day, HWPL representatives met with Raúl Latorre, President of the Honorable Chamber of Deputies, and Alternate President Núñez Salinas at the Chamber of Deputies in Asunción to discuss HWPL’s peace initiatives and the DPCW.
In this way, the HWPL representatives’ visit to Paraguay opened opportunities for broader peace cooperation. Just weeks later, on July 29, the Honorable Chamber of Deputies of Paraguay adopted Declaration No. 1106 in support of the DPCW.

What the Declaration Contains

In the declaration, the Honorable Chamber of Deputies of Paraguay recognized that the DPCW’s message of “peace and global harmony” remains relevant. It also noted that the DPCW’s principles are consistent with Paraguay’s constitutional principles and its international commitments related to human rights and international humanitarian law. The declaration also specifically recognized PARLATINO’s previous support for the DPCW as a regional precedent.
The chamber further expressed its intention, as an institutional contribution toward world peace, to promote knowledge and consideration of the DPCW before relevant national authorities of Paraguay and multilateral organizations. This shows that the declaration goes beyond an expression of support, reflecting a commitment to broaden understanding of and support for the DPCW among relevant national institutions and the international community.

Continuing Peace Cooperation

The progress in Paraguay demonstrates how sustained cooperation can connect regional institutions, national leaders, and public institutions around the shared goal of peace. The engagement that began around the DPCW, PARLATINO’s regional resolution, and the continued collaboration led by figures such as Alternate President Núñez Salinas helped create new opportunities for peace initiatives within Paraguay.
From regional parliamentary support to national recognition, the adoption of this declaration represents another step toward expanding institutional support for the principles of the DPCW and building lasting partnerships for peace.

HWPL Official Homepage

https://www.hwpl.kr/language/en

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

[HWPL] HWPL's International Human Rights Webinar

[HWPL]

[HWPL] HWPL's International Human Rights Webinar

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 International Human Rights Webinar :)

HWPL Hosts International Human Rights Webinar and Global Peace Media Fellowship to Mark International Day Against Nuclear Tests

International journalists discuss human dignity and the role of the media, from the records of nuclear testing to today’s human rights issues

On August 29, in observance of the International Day Against Nuclear Tests, HWPL hosted an International Human Rights Webinar and Global Peace Media Fellowship online. Held under the theme “Remembering the Nuclear Legacy, Advancing Human Rights,” the event brought together international journalists and media professionals to examine the historical legacy of nuclear testing, explore human rights issues of today, and discuss the role of the media in reporting on them.
Journalists and media professionals from the Marshall Islands, Zambia, Malawi, Germany, Belgium, and other countries participated in the event, exchanging views on forced displacement and the loss of communities caused by nuclear testing, the rights of socially vulnerable groups, the dignity of older people, and the media’s responsibility in covering human rights issues.

“We Want to Go Home”: The Story of Bikini Islanders Continuing for 80 Years

Chewy Lin, a photojournalist from the Marshall Islands and director of Marshall Islands Media, noted that this year marks 80 years since the people of Bikini Atoll were displaced from their homeland due to nuclear testing.
Drawing on his interviews with elders of the Bikini community, he recalled hearing the same words repeatedly: “We want to go home.” He explained that losing one’s homeland means far more than losing a house or land. It also means losing a way of life, culture, identity, connection to history and ancestors.

Photo by Chewy C. Lin

Lin also emphasized that photographs, interviews, documentaries, and other forms of documentation do more than preserve the past; they can serve as historical records passed down to future generations. “Remembering the nuclear legacy is not about remaining in the past, but about protecting the future,” he said, stressing the need to view the legacy of nuclear testing as an ongoing human rights issue.

Human Rights Challenges Facing Vulnerable Groups Today

Ousman Kaliati, a journalist with Times Group Malawi, highlighted cases in which schoolgirls miss classes during menstruation because they lack access to adequate sanitation facilities and private spaces. He noted that these conditions can affect not only girls’ participation in education but also their mental health, emphasizing the need for appropriate facilities and greater public awareness.

Andy Vermaut, a Belgian journalist and founder of Fundamental Rights of PostVersa, then introduced an article he had written concerning the detention and legal proceedings of a 95-year-old religious leader, using the case to discuss the responsibilities of the media when reporting on human rights issues. He emphasized that journalists should clearly distinguish between allegations and verdicts, as well as between criticism and evidence. In cases involving elderly defendants, he added, the media should also examine whether detention is necessary, whether alternative measures are available, and whether the principles of the presumption of innocence and due process are being upheld.

Different Perspectives, but Reporting Grounded in Facts

The event also addressed the importance of viewing issues from multiple perspectives, recognizing that the same incident may be understood differently depending on the perspective and context from which it is viewed.
Andreas Klamm, a German journalist and representative of lovepeacepeople.org, emphasized the need to pay particular attention to people whose voices are often not adequately heard in society. He highlighted the media’s role in bringing attention to conveying the stories of people who may find it difficult to speak for themselves, including persons with disabilities and older people.
Participants agreed that while it is important to consider a range of perspectives, reporting should remain grounded in fact-checking and accurate information, listen carefully to the voices of those directly affected, and place human dignity at the center.
Shedding light on human rights issues from different contexts—from the 80-year displacement of Bikini Islanders to the educational rights of schoolgirls in Malawi and due process for elderly defendants—the event reaffirmed the media’s responsibility to document these issues and bring them to the attention of the wider world.

HWPL Official Homepage

https://www.hwpl.kr/language/en

Monday, October 19, 2026

[HWPL] HWPL's Humanitarian Day event in Tanzania

[HWPL]

[HWPL] HWPL's Humanitarian Day event in Tanzania

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 Humanitarian Day event in Tanzania

Tanzania: A Peace-Advancing Nation — Youth Leading the Way on World Humanitarian Day

HWPL and IPYG Join Tanzania’s Prime Minister’s Office and UN Agencies to Promote Youth-Led Disaster Preparedness and Environmental Cleanup Activities

Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Environmental Protection Campaign

On August 19, an event commemorating World Humanitarian Day (WHD) was held at Danken Hall in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The event was jointly planned and organized by HWPL and IPYG, together with the Tanzania Disaster Management NGO Network (DINGONET), the Disaster Management Department under the Prime Minister’s Office of Tanzania, United Nations agencies including UNICEF, the Green for the Future Community (G4TC), and SISI Tanzania. Approximately 180 government and UN officials, NGO representatives, youth, and community members participated in the event.
At the heart of the event was the Youth Engagement & Peacebuilding Working Group (YEPW) in Tanzania. YEPW youth directly planned a plogging activity exhibition and disaster preparedness and environmental protection campaigns to raise the local community’s awareness of disaster preparedness and environmental protection. The event featured an interactive exhibition showcasing the plogging projects and environmental and disaster preparedness activities carried out by the youth, as well as Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) education, an environmental protection picket campaign, and a community environmental cleanup around the event venue.

On the day of the event, Hon. Palamagamba J. A. Kabudi, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office of Tanzania, visited the HWPL exhibition booth and learned about youth-led humanitarian activities and efforts to promote a culture of peace. Emphasizing the importance of citizen participation in disaster preparedness, he stated, “Reducing the impact of disasters requires the participation of citizens who follow the precautions and guidelines provided by experts and relevant authorities.” He also highlighted that “a country’s disaster response capacity depends on effective systems and concrete cooperation between the government and humanitarian actors,” adding that the Tanzanian government continues to collaborate with various institutions and the private sector in responding to disasters. He further noted that “there are few countries like Tanzania that have maintained such a strong spirit of unity and harmony,” and encouraged all citizens to continue upholding solidarity and unity.
Federika Mazinge, HWPL’s representative in Tanzania, stated, “In order for human dignity to be truly respected and valued, peace must come first. Together with young people, we aim to create a peaceful environment where everyone can become one without discrimination.” She further explained that if the Parliament and other government institutions embrace and support Article 10 of the DPCW, “Spreading a Culture of Peace,” together with youth-led initiatives, this could become an important opportunity for Tanzania and the world to achieve sustainable peace.

Exhibition Showcasing YEPW Plogging Activities

These youth-led activities in Tanzania are not achievements accomplished in a short period of time. The WHD event was also the result of a foundation of collaboration that HWPL and IPYG have built with local institutions, which has developed into meaningful community-based action.
On November 16, 2024, when a four-story commercial building collapsed in the Kariakoo area of Dar es Salaam, youth volunteers provided clean drinking water and emergency relief supplies to rescue workers and volunteers. Following this incident, HWPL and IPYG worked with DINGONET to support young people in utilizing their capabilities to contribute to disaster preparedness and address community challenges.

Certificate of Appreciation Presented by the Disaster Management Department of the Prime Minister’s Office of Tanzania

In recognition of these contributions, HWPL and IPYG received an official Certificate of Appreciation from the Disaster Management Department under the Prime Minister’s Office of Tanzania at the DINGONET seminar, “Disaster Management is Everyone’s Responsibility,” held on January 5, 2025. At the time, major local media outlets, including Azam TV, ITV, Channel 10, Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC), and Star TV, gave significant coverage to the event.
Since then, the IPYG Tanzania Branch has expanded locally tailored, youth-led activities centered around YEPW. One notable example was a large-scale plogging campaign held on April 25 this year at Mwenge Bus Terminal, in collaboration with the Kinondoni Municipal Council, Juhudi Mwenge Group, G4TC, Coca-Cola, and DINGONET, among others. Approximately 200 youth and community members participated in the campaign. In addition, IPYG operated the “Educate Peace, Ensure Safety” program in cooperation with the Tanzania Fire and Rescue Force (FRF), combining fire safety education with peace education and presenting a model for a youth-led culture of safety.

Major Tanzanian media outlets, including Mwananchi, Channel 10, and TBC, covered this activity. The youth demonstrated that they are not merely participants in events, but key actors in creating safe, sustainable, and peaceful communities. HWPL and IPYG will continue to work with government institutions, UN agencies, and civil society organizations to support Tanzanian youth in taking the lead in disaster preparedness, environmental protection, and the promotion of a culture of peace.

HWPL Official Homepage

https://www.hwpl.kr/language/en

Friday, October 16, 2026

[IPYG] IPYG's Environmental and Peace Campaign in Mongolia

[IPYG]

[IPYG] IPYG's Environmental and Peace Campaign in Mongolia

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 youth affiliate group, IPYG's environmental and peace campaign in Mongolia :)

IPYG Mongolia Introduces Youth-Led Environmental and Peace Campaign at UNCCD COP17

IPYG Mongolia participated in the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP17), held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from August 17 to 28. During the conference, IPYG operated a booth in the Green Zone on August 19, 21, and 22, where it introduced its key initiatives and the youth-led campaign “Youth’s Unity–Green Gateway,” encouraging members of the public to take part.
The Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is the Convention’s supreme decision-making body. Held biennially since 2001, the international conference brings together stakeholders to address global land degradation, desertification, and drought. This year’s conference, held under the theme “Restoring Land, Restoring Hope,” took place in Mongolia, a country significantly affected by climate change and desertification, where environmental issues have drawn considerable international attention.

At the event, IPYG Mongolia introduced the Green Gateway campaign and highlighted its efforts to connect environmental action with peace education and responsible citizenship. Since 2023, the campaign has planted approximately 20,000 trees at more than 100 locations and trained over 3,000 peace educators. IPYG’s participation through the booth provided an opportunity to demonstrate the tangible progress that youth-led peace campaigns have made in improving the environment.
During a presentation at the booth, Khulan, a member of IPYG Mongolia, emphasized the importance of sustaining the campaign, saying, “Sustainable environmental action begins with a change in awareness. When awareness changes, attitudes change. When attitudes change, everyday habits change. When habits change, collective action becomes sustainable. And only sustained collective action can bring about lasting social change.” She also expressed her commitment to continuing these efforts in the future.
The booth attracted numerous visitors, including citizens and representatives from organizations such as the Youth Initiative for Land in Africa (YILAA) and the Youth Organization of Ulaanbaatar Railway. Visitors showed interest in IPYG’s activities, with some expressing their intention to become members of HWPL and participate in future campaigns. Jaap van Hierden, the UN Resident Coordinator in Mongolia, also attended IPYG’s booth presentation at its invitation, listened to the presentation, and expressed his appreciation for IPYG’s continued peace efforts.

The United Nations in Mongolia also featured IPYG’s booth activities on its official social media channels, while Mongolia’s national broadcaster MNB reported on IPYG’s participation in COP17. TV9 livestreamed IPYG’s entire presentation and conducted a follow-up interview, further bringing attention to its activities.
Through its participation in COP17, IPYG Mongolia introduced its youth-led environmental initiatives and peace education efforts to the international community, while creating an opportunity to broaden public interest and participation in continued tree-planting efforts and a range of peace and environmental activities.

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

Sunday, October 25, 2026