Monday, June 29, 2026

[HWPL] South Sudan’s Parliament Officially Adopts Resolution Supporting HWPL's DPCW

[HWPL]

[HWPL] South Sudan’s Parliament Officially Adopts Resolution Supporting HWPL's 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 DPCW Supporting Resolution Officially Adopted by South SUdan's Parliament :)

South Sudan’s Parliament Officially Adopts Resolution Supporting DPCW

Advancing the Institutionalization of Peace Through the Executive, Judicial, and Legislative Branches of Government

On September 15 of last year, South Sudan’s Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) officially adopted Resolution No. 29/2025 in support of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) during a plenary session held in Juba, the nation’s capital.
The adoption of this resolution marks the culmination of a decade-long journey that began with initial engagements with judicial leadership in South Sudan and was continued through President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s official endorsement of the DPCW in 2024. The DPCW was ultimately completed through the commitment of the legislative branch. As a result, South Sudan has become a notable example of a nation in which all three branches of government—executive, judiciary, and legislature—have embraced the DPCW as an official framework for establishing lasting peace. This achievement carries particular significance as it represents a legal foundation for national unity and a meaningful effort to break the cycle of civil conflict that has persisted since the country gained independence in 2011.
Reflecting the values embodied in the DPCW’s 10 Articles and 38 Clauses, the key provisions of the resolution include:
International Recognition of the DPCW: Recognizing the DPCW as an international declaration aimed at the cessation of war and the achievement of world peace, while supporting the adoption of the DPCW as a United Nations General Assembly resolution.
Peace-focused Reallocation of Resources: Recommending that military resources and public funds be prioritized for peaceful purposes and sustainable development, including human rights, education, and healthcare.
Promotion of a Culture of Peace: Systematically integrating peace and human rights education into public education and public policy, while institutionalizing peacebuilding programs involving youth and citizens, such as the Youth Empowerment Peace Workshop (YEPW) and the Youth Engagement and Peace Class (YEPC).
At the center of the resolution’s adoption were two South Sudanese leaders who transformed the pain of war into a driving force for peace: Former Speaker of Parliament Jemma Nunu Kumba and Hon. Bona Deng Lawrence, Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Peace and Reconciliation.

Hon. Jemma Nunu Kumba, Former Speaker of the South Sudanese Parliament on Strengthening Her Commitment to Peace Through her Experience as a Refugee

For Jemma Nunu Kumba, the first female Speaker of the National Legislative Assembly of South Sudan, peace is a value directly connected to survival. When civil war broke out in 1991, Former Speaker Kumba joined the hundreds of thousands who crossed the border and lived as refugees. During those years, there was only one thing she longed for—to return to her homeland and live together with her people.
“Life in exile is never a good experience. Leaving your country is like losing a part of your soul. I simply wanted to live in my homeland together with my people.”
After returning to South Sudan and becoming Speaker of Parliament, Kumba had a clear reason for taking an interest in HWPL and the DPCW. After witnessing numerous peace agreements collapse, she saw the DPCW as a “solution for achieving lasting peace.” She became convinced that although the DPCW is not an international treaty, it serves as one of the most practical milestones through which countries can voluntarily develop laws and policies. Based on this conviction, she supported the legislative process surrounding the DPCW.
“The war has displaced a vast number of people who now urgently need resettlement. Furthermore, the ongoing conflict in a neighboring country has adversely affected the economy of the Republic of South Sudan, creating additional obstacles to the implementation of the peace agreement. Government resources alone are insufficient to sustain its implementation. Government resources alone are insufficient to sustain its implementation. Now the DPCW is an important tool for us, which can be used to complement the efforts of the government.”
— From an interview conducted during the 11th Anniversary Commemoration of the HWPL September 18 World Peace Summit

Hon. Bona Deng Lawrence, Chairperson of Standing Committee on Peace and Reconciliation, Carries Forward His Father’s Legacy of Peace

For Chairperson Bona Deng Lawrence, who leads the Standing Committee on Peace and Reconciliation, peace was a mission inherited from his father. In 1972, his father served as a member of the negotiating team for the Addis Ababa Agreement. During a deadly attack in which all of his colleagues were killed, he was the sole survivor. Thereafter, he devoted himself to peacebuilding efforts in South Sudan, which greatly influenced Lawrence as well.
Last year, he attended the HWPL 11th Anniversary Commemoration of the September 18th World Peace Summit. When asked in an interview what led him to dedicate himself to peace activities, he responded as follows:
“Part of the question you are asking is partly about the history of my country. It goes back to 1956 when we gained our independence from the British. Since then, our country has never truly been at peace. Throughout our history, we have known nothing but a continuous cycle of conflict and war, punctuated only by agreements that ultimately failed.”
“The entire history of my country has been defined by war, conflict, and suffering. Having never experienced the goodness and sweetness of peace, we now yearn for peace and are committed to advancing its cause. We have had more than enough of war. It has brought us no benefit, only devastation for generations; it has brought us no benefit, but has instead devastated our generations. It is high time we pursued peace.”
When he introduced the resolution to the plenary session, some fellow lawmakers expressed reservations. During the discussions, questions were raised such as, “Does this declaration carry binding force under international law?” and “Is it legally appropriate for our parliament to adopt it voluntarily?” However, Chairperson Lawrence had the provisions of the DPCW thoroughly reviewed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Justice. After securing official letters stating that there were no objections to the introduction of the resolution, he persistently persuaded fellow lawmakers. As a result, Members of Parliament agreed that the DPCW could contribute to peacebuilding and social integration in South Sudan, and the resolution was passed.
“In South Sudan, the DPCW embodies deeply significant values. A closer look at its 10 articles and 38 clauses reveals that human rights lie at the very core of the document. These provisions focus entirely on fostering the positive values needed both for our nation and the international community.”

The Beginning of Change Through Action

The adoption of the resolution was regarded not as the completion of a legal procedure, but as the starting point of change across South Sudanese society. Chairperson Lawrence described what the resolution meant to the people as follows:
“The adoption of the DPCW holds profound significance for our nation. Although we are currently pursuing the peace process, we face numerous challenges and obstacles along the way. In this context, the adoption of the DPCW provided immense reassurance to citizens who felt that the implementation of the 2018 peace agreement had stagnated.”
“When Parliament demonstrated its commitment to peace by adopting the DPCW as a national resolution, it brought profound relief to the public, who welcomed the decision with great joy. This reaction clearly demonstrated the people’s deep-seated love for peace and their earnest yearning for its realization.”
Former Speaker of Parliament Jemma Nunu Kumba and Bona Deng Lawrence, Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Peace and Reconciliation.
The journey began from different starting points: one shaped by refugee life and the other by a mission inherited from his father. Through their actions, both leaders have demonstrated that peace is not simply given, but must be actively chosen and pursued. The adoption of The DPCW is the fruit of that choice. It signals that South Sudan is moving beyond the memories of war and advancing toward peace.

HWPL Official Homepage

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

Friday, June 26, 2026

[HWPL] HWPL's Peace Education in Afghanistan

[HWPL]

[HWPL] HWPL's Peace Education in Afghanistan

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 in Afghanistan :)

[Afghanistan Special Feature] Peace Grows in the Land Where Education Has Stopped

Stories of HWPL Peace Education Teachers and Students Creating Change in Afghanistan

– Girls deprived of educational opportunities beyond the 6th grade
– Afghan educators become peace teachers, leading the way in education on the values of peace
– Peace education is creating positive change for future generations

A Path to Learning Reopened Where Education Has Stopped

Afghanistan’s education system is facing one of the most severe education crises in the world today. In particular, restrictions on girls’ access to education beyond the sixth grade have excluded millions of girls from schools and universities. UNICEF projected that by the end of 2025, more than 2.2 million adolescent girls will have been excluded from education. UNESCO describes Afghanistan as the only country in the world where girls and women are systematically denied access to secondary and higher education today.
The disruption of education goes beyond academic loss. When the path to education is blocked, students simultaneously experience uncertainty about the future, psychological distress, and social isolation. Even in such circumstances, some seek to continue learning. One of them is the Afghanistan Girls International Online Educational, Academic, Research and Media Complex (Afghan Girls). This institution provides free online education to girls who are physically unable to go to a classroom, and it was established as a comprehensive platform encompassing an online university, schools, an academy, a research center, and a media network — founded with the determination to “act rather than wait” even amid difficult realities.

Sayed Wahidullah Sadat, Founder and President of Afghanistan Girls International Online Educational, Academic, Research and Media Complex

President Sadat, drawing on his experience in education, healthcare, and social development, has made it his mission to provide quality education to Afghan girls who have been excluded from learning. He described the current educational situation in Afghanistan as “very concerning,” while emphasizing that online platforms and community-centered educational activities can serve as alternative pathways to education, even in difficult environments.

Why Did Afghan Educators Choose Peace Educator Training?

Educators from 12 educational institutions across Afghanistan, including Afghan Girls and Mukhtar School, participated in HWPL’s Peace Educator Training (PET). The reason they chose PET was not simply to learn a new educational program. It was because they wanted to help students develop the inner strength to protect themselves, respect others, and live peacefully within their communities, even amid social instability.

“We believe that education is not simply about knowledge, but about building character and values. In a society facing instability and tension, peace education is essential.”
— Sayed Wahidullah Sadat, Founder and President of Afghan Girls

Farzane Akrami, a teacher at Afghan Girls, has witnessed firsthand the remarkable resilience students have developed through peace education despite the loss of educational opportunities. For her, the online platform is not merely a teaching tool but a lifeline connecting students to education and hope. Now serving as an HWPL peace educator, she said she hopes to teach students about inner peace and global citizenship, adding that the lessons focused on the value of life and coexistence were particularly meaningful to her.
Mukhtar School, located in Mazar-i-Sharif, became the first school in Afghanistan to implement HWPL peace education in 2020 and has continued the program ever since. Mohammad Nadir Azedpana, principal of Mukhtar School and an HWPL Goodwill Ambassador, has long implemented peace education into the school curriculum.

Mohammad Nadir Azedpana, Principal of Mukhtar School

“We were seeking effective ways to create a more peaceful environment for our students. After reviewing the HWPL peace education program, we recognized the program’s sincere commitment to promoting a culture of peace, which encouraged us to become part of the initiative.”
— Mohammad Nadir Azedpana, Principal of Mukhtar School

Students of Mukhtar School during a class.

Changes Began in the Classroom

Once peace education began, the first signs of change appeared in students’ attitudes and the overall classroom atmosphere. President Sadat explained that students became more actively engaged in class, while the classroom atmosphere grew calmer and more respectful. Students who had previously been highly sensitive to stress or emotionally vulnerable began to show greater composure and responsibility after participating in peace education.
Similar changes were also observed at Mukhtar School. Principal Azedpana shared that both students and teachers responded very positively to the peace education program. Students began showing greater respect toward one another, while their conflict-resolution skills and capacity for empathy improved noticeably.

Students of Mukhtar School during a class.

“In contexts like Afghanistan, where many students are exposed to ongoing stress and uncertainty, peace education helps young people develop resilience and hope. We have also seen that it encourages students to make constructive decisions and build healthy relationships.”
— Mohammad Nadir Azedpana, Principal of Mukhtar School

“The most significant change was in the students’ mindset and perspectives. Before participating in peace education, many believed they had to look after only themselves rather than support one another. However, through various activities and discussions, they began to develop the values of peace, mutual acceptance, kindness, patience, and forgiveness.”
— Hanifa Hashemi, Teacher at Mukhtar School

The change in one student that Teacher Farzane observed makes the meaning of peace education even clearer. A female student had been feeling deep despair due to the restrictions on school education. However, as she participated in peace education, she regained her motivation to learn, and she is now leading conversations that encourage and support her peers.

Farzane Akrami, Teacher of Afghanistan Girls International Online Educational, Academic, Research and Media Complex

“Peace education helps students overcome frustration and develop values based on empathy rather than resentment. In an unstable social environment, peace education is serving as an emotional anchor for students.”
— Farzane Akrami, Teacher at Afghan Girls

These changes extended beyond the classroom atmosphere itself. Students began to change the way they viewed one another. Rather than responding to differing opinions with hostility, they increasingly saw them as opportunities for deeper understanding and growth. When conflicts arose, they also became more willing to seek resolution through dialogue and empathy rather than reacting impulsively.

What Students Say About Peace: “Peace Is No Longer Just a Theory”

The student representative of Afghan Girls is studying economics and management. For her, school and university are not simply places to earn a degree, but spaces where students learn how to think, solve problems, and contribute to a better future. University, in particular, has also become a symbol of hope for her.

The student representative expressed her will toward learning, saying that knowledge is power. At the same time, she honestly conveyed the realities the students face. She noted that multiple difficulties — security issues, poverty, limited resources, gender discrimination, interruption of education, lack of digital tools, and uncertainty about the future — are causing great stress to students.

“I used to think that peace simply meant the absence of war or conflict. However, after participating in peace education, I learned that true peace begins within ourselves and starts with changing the way we think. I also came to understand peace as being like the harmony found in nature, where everything coexists beautifully.”
— Student Representative of Afghan Girls

For the student representative, peace is no longer a distant ideal. Although students in online classes have never met in person, mutual respect and support are alive even within the online classroom. Even in an online environment, students are learning to encourage one another, respect cultural differences, and work together toward shared goals.
The student representative explains that many of Afghanistan’s challenges stem from a lack of awareness and limited communication skills. For this reason, the “change in mindset” encouraged through the HWPL peace education curriculum is especially important. She believes that when young people begin to see differences not as sources of hostility but as opportunities for growth, Afghanistan’s future can gradually change.

‘Peace Education’: Seeds of Change for Afghanistan’s Future

What many educators in Afghanistan identify as the core of peace education is a “change in mindset.” Planting seeds of peace in young people means preparing a generation that chooses dialogue over violence, and they believe this is the path toward addressing Afghanistan’s long-term challenges.

“HWPL peace education addresses the root causes of conflict by focusing on the human mind and way of thinking. By planting seeds of peace in young people, we help prepare a generation that chooses dialogue over violence. I believe this is one of the most important paths toward long-term social change.”
— Farzane Akrami, Teacher at Afghan Girls

Students of Mukhtar School during a class.

Principal Azedpana said that it is necessary to change the mindset of the current generation and spread the spirit of peace and mutual understanding. Mukhtar School has already been continuing peace education since 2020, making change one step at a time. President Sadat also emphasized that peace education starts from the individual and spreads to society, and that when youth learn to resolve conflicts through dialogue, violence decreases and a culture of peace can be built.
Afghan Girls aims to expand its educational programs and further integrate peace education into its curriculum. Farzane said she also hopes to incorporate the values of peace into every subject she teaches. Her wish is for every girl participating in the online classes to become an “ambassador of peace” and help rebuild Afghanistan, beginning from the hearts of its students.
The student representative’s dream reflects the same vision. She hopes to become someone who does not lose her humanity or sense of ethics even in the most difficult circumstances, and who can show future generations that it is still possible to dream despite limitations.

Students of Mukhtar School during a class.
Peace education in Afghanistan may still be in its early stages. But when one teacher teaches peace, one student embraces its values, and a classroom begins to nurture a culture of respect and dialogue, change has already begun.
“Peace education is an investment in long-term social stability. Even small efforts in the classroom can create meaningful change over time. If we integrate peace values into everyday lessons, we can build a generation that chooses understanding over conflict, and cooperation over division.”
— Mohammad Nadir Azedpana, Principal of Mukhtar School

“Peace is a skill that must be taught. We cannot wait for the world to change on its own. We must empower students to become the change the world urgently needs.
— Farzane Akrami, Teacher at Afghan Girls

“We must not forget that beyond borders and race, we are all human beings. Let us begin with small actions — respecting one another and supporting education. If we stand together, peace will no longer remain a dream, but become a reality we build together.”
— Student Representative of Afghan Girls
Afghanistan’s future may not change overnight. But where education continues, there is hope, and where students learn the values of peace, there is the possibility for change. Believing in that possibility, HWPL Peace Education continues to plant seeds of peace alongside teachers and students across Afghanistan.

HWPL Official Homepage

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

Wednesday, June 24, 2026

[HWPL] HWPL's Arts and Peace Talk in Zambia

[HWPL]

[HWPL] HWPL's Arts and Peace Talk in Zambia

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 Arts and Peace Talk in Zambia :)

HWPL Zambia: From Pieces to Peace… Becoming One Through Dialogue and Art

An interfaith and art-based peace event titled “Art & Peace Talk Zambia: Zambia Moves Us from Pieces to Peace” was held on April 22 at Hillcrest Baptist Church in Ibex Hill, Lusaka.
The event was co-hosted by Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) Zambia Branch and MUZU Arts Collective, with the participation of the National Guidance and Religious Affairs (NGRA), and co-organized by Family Development Initiatives (FDI) and the Zambia Interfaith Networking Group (ZINGO).
In line with the “Brand Zambia Initiative,” launched in March by President Hakainde Hichilema, which emphasizes national unity and social cohesion, the event was held as a participatory program combining dialogue and artistic expression, bringing together religious leaders, youth, and community members. Participants experienced the process of coming together as individual “pieces” to form collective “peace,” while exploring new approaches to sustainable peacebuilding.

The program began with a Collective Peace Artwork activity where participants visually expressed peace. Participation began even before the official program, as attendees filled a large canvas with colors, experiencing the idea of “creating peace together.” In addition, artworks by MUZU Arts Collective and participants were displayed at the venue, allowing attendees to visually engage with the meaning of peace through various pieces.
In the opening remarks, HWPL emphasized that “peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of solidarity, dialogue, and mutual respect,” highlighting the role of art as a tool that transcends language and connects people in the process of building peace.
This was followed by praise and prayer sessions from different religious traditions. Christian choir performances and Islamic nasheed were presented in the same space, demonstrating that despite differences in faith and expression, the shared aspiration for peace can unite people. This moment went beyond a performance, symbolizing harmony among diverse beliefs.
The core session of the event, the interfaith dialogue, featured representatives from Christianity, Islam, Baha’i, and Hinduism, who addressed the question: “What is the key connection that enables people from different backgrounds to become one?”
Sheikh Yussuf Ayami (Islam, Team Leader of Family Development Initiatives) emphasized that universal values such as respect, compassion, and justice—rooted in shared humanity—connect people. Swami Divyabodhananda (Hinduism, Representative of Ramakrishna Vedanta Centre) explained that unity does not require sameness, but arises from a deeper connection, presenting the concept of spiritual oneness beyond religious and cultural differences.
Participants further shared diverse perspectives on the meaning and practice of peace, building consensus across religions and generations. Mr. Victor Kagoli, Director of the Public Health Department of Lusaka City Council and Director of Lusaka City Junior Council, highlighted that peace is a key determinant of community health, stating that “communities that are united, inclusive, and respectful are healthier and more resilient.”
Since 2017, HWPL has continued interfaith dialogue through its World Alliance of Religions’ Peace Office, building a foundation for cooperation among religions. This event demonstrated the potential of a new form of peace activity that incorporates art, serving as an opportunity for a culture of peace to spread throughout Zambian society beyond religion and community boundaries.

HWPL Official Homepage

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

Monday, June 22, 2026

[IPYG] IPYG's Peace and Safety Program in Tanzania

[IPYG]

[IPYG] IPYG's Peace and Safety Program 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 IPYG's peace and safety program in Tanzania :)

Over 200 Tanzanian Youth Participate in Peace and Safety Program Organized by IPYG and Local Community

On April 25, the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG) conducted an integrated peace and safety program for local youth in Mwenge, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Held under the theme “Educating Peace and Securing Safety: Article 10 of the DPCW,” the event was organized to promote a culture of peace as outlined in Article 10 of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) while strengthening youth awareness of peace and enhancing community safety capacity.
Participants taking part in plogging, which combines jogging with litter collection
The program began with plogging that brought together more than 200 youth volunteers and local residents. Participants collected litter and cleaned public areas around the Mwenge Junction and New Mwenge Bus Terminal, contributing to environmental improvement efforts and encouraging active civic participation in community development.
Participants attending a fire extinguisher training session conducted by disaster management NGO Dingonet.
Following the plog-walking, a public awareness campaign titled “Educating Peace and Securing Safety: Article 10 of the DPCW (Spreading a Culture of Peace)” was held. Combining peace education with practical safety training, the campaign was designed to encourage youth to take an active role in maintaining safety and public order within their communities.
As part of the program, Dingonet, a non-governmental organization specializing in disaster management, provided hands-on training on fire extinguisher operation and emergency response procedures. Participants learned how to respond during the initial stages of a fire and practiced essential safety measures, strengthening their capacity to address emergency situations in everyday life.
The program was implemented through collaboration with various organizations, including Juhudi Mwenge Group, GPOTC, British School, Kilimanjaro Institute, Kinondoni Municipal Council, World Environmental Organization, No Limit Foundation, the University of Dar es Salaam, Dingonet, Tanzanian youth organizations, and Sisi Tanzania. Participating institutions supported participant mobilization and on-site operations, demonstrating the value of multi-stakeholder cooperation in community-based peacebuilding initiatives. Coca-Cola also contributed by providing beverages for participants.
An IPYG representative stated, “Our focus is on empowering youth to practice peace and safety in their daily lives. We plan to expand these initiatives through continued collaboration with local partners.”

HWPL Official Homepage

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

Friday, June 19, 2026

[HWPL] HWPL's International Education Webinar

[HWPL]

[HWPL] HWPL's International Education 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 education webinar :)

HWPL hosts international peace education webinar,
“Beyond the Desk: Shaping the Future Generation”

On March 28, HWPL hosted an international peace education webinar under the theme “Beyond the Desk: Shaping the Future Generation.”
The webinar brought together about 100 participants from various regions around the world, including Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean. The event served as a multinational platform for dialogue, where participants shared challenges faced in the field of education and explored ways to address them based on the universal values of peace. In particular, the participation of youth leaders, education professionals, public institution officials, civil society representatives, and students showed a strong interest in peace education.
Representatives from seven countries presented the current state of education in their respective countries. They held in-depth discussions on common challenges faced worldwide, including school violence, conflicts in digital environments, and deepening social inequality.
First, Feggie Mphasi Mwale, Chief Education Officer of the Southwestern Education Division in Malawi, delivered a presentation on “Creating a learning environment that protects, empowers, supports, and inspires teachers and learners.” He emphasized the importance of consistently practicing peace education, saying, “When the message of peace is continuously delivered, students can internalize the value of peace.”
Dr. Judith Siakalima Muzona, Education Standards Officer at the Lusaka District Education Board in Zambia, pointed out that “social media and drug abuse are undermining peace within schools.” She stressed the need to introduce peace education so that students can develop empathy and conflict-resolution skills.
The participation of educators from Europe, including Belgium and the Netherlands, as well as Stephanie G.D. Croes, an advisor to the Ministry of Education of Aruba, showed that international consensus is growing on the importance and practical need for peace education.
The event also introduced HWPL’s peace education model, which helps students practice values such as respect, consideration, and coexistence in everyday life. In particular, through a demonstration of Lesson 6 of the peace education textbook on the theme of “consideration,” the session showed in detail how the curriculum can be effectively applied in educational settings.
During the webinar, participants identified common challenges faced by countries worldwide. They also agreed that, in a world where the effects of conflict and war continue to be felt, the values of understanding, tolerance, and unity must be intentionally taught to future generations. In addition, they reaffirmed the need to strengthen international networks among education professionals and to provide education based on the universal values of peace in order to address the challenges facing modern society.
To help educators apply peace education in practice, HWPL successfully completed its peace teacher training program from April to May and continues to lead efforts to expand peace education.

HWPL Official Homepage

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

Monday, June 29, 2026