[HWPL]

[HWPL] 2025 HWPL Global Peace Leaders’ Conference LP Program Panel Talk 1

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 2025 HWPL Global Peace Leaders' Conference of 11th World Peace Summit :)

2025 HWPL Global Peace Leaders’ Conference LP Program Panel Talk: Four Stories of Peace-Building Success – ①

Join us as we discover four key accomplishments that define the 11th Anniversary of the September 18th HWPL World Peace Summit through an engaging panel session.

Rt. Hon. Dr. Jemma Nunu Kumba, Transitional National Legislative Assembly of South Sudan

Q1. Could you share with us why you support the DPCW and HWPL peace initiatives, Madam Speaker?

A1. Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, the Transitional National Legislative Assembly of the Republic of South Sudan has chosen to support and adopt the DPCW resolution for a simple but profound reason: our people long for sustainable peace. DPCW provides practical standards for ending conflict and building peace within institutions. Its principles align with the values of justice, human rights, and reconciliation enshrined in our Constitution, and they offer guidance for addressing the challenges we face today.

Even during months when the assembly was not in session, the Peace and Reconciliation Committee maintained continuous engagement with the HWPL team. In the first half of the year, the Committee held regular meetings to discuss and consolidate support for a DPCW-based resolution. As soon as the assembly convened in July, the Committee promptly initiated the legislative process.

Through these efforts, many Members of Parliament came to share the vision and supported the resolution. The proposal was formally submitted to the ABC Committee and is now actively being pursued in the Whole House for adoption. With full understanding, the President of the Republic of South Sudan, the former Chief Justice who has long cooperated with HWPL, and key national leaders have endorsed it, officially expressing South Sudan’s support.

The DPCW is more than a declaration; it is a promise that inspires hope. It strengthens the foundation for peace, opens paths for reconciliation, and fosters coexistence among our people. Moreover, it shows how South Sudan can contribute to peace and stability both regionally and globally.

The TNLA stands firmly in support of the DPCW and is committed to putting its principles into practice. This is our duty to our citizens and our mission to humanity.

Q2. You said that the reason the South Sudanese National Assembly supported and adopted the DPCW was because the people desperately yearned for peace. So, what contributions do you think each sector of society should make to achieve peace?

A2. Resolutions like the DPCW remain words on paper unless all sectors take responsibility to make them real. The TNLA must ensure that peace principles are reflected in our laws and institutions. The government must uphold political agreements, and civil society must promote reconciliation and peace in daily life. When these efforts come together, peace becomes achievable. Our Assembly is focused on three priorities: strengthening political peace and reconciliation processes; promoting dialogue among diverse communities; and supporting grassroots, community-based peacebuilding. Through these efforts, we aim not only to secure sustainable peace in South Sudan, but also to contribute to the collective peace of humanity.

                          

[HWPL]

[HWPL] HWPL 11th World Peace Summit Brings Together 800 Global Leaders

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 2025 HWPL 11th World Peace Summit :)

HWPL 11th World Peace Summit Brings Together 800 Global Leaders to Present Achievements and a Vision for Peace

Showcasing Achievements and Future Vision of Cooperation among International Organizations, Governments, and Civil Society for Peace

11th Anniversary of the September 18th HWPL World Peace Summit

Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), an international peace NGO based in South Korea, hosted the 11th Anniversary of the September 18th HWPL World Peace Summit on September 18–19 in Cheongju under the theme, “Uniting for Peace and Fulfilling Humanity’s Duty Together.” The commemoration will continue across 78 major cities worldwide through October.

This year’s summit gathered more than 800 global leaders—including former and current presidents, prime ministers, speakers of parliament, chief justices, cabinet ministers; and leaders in education, religion, media, and youth sectors—who voluntarily traveled to Korea, demonstrating expanding global support for HWPL’s peace initiatives.

Since the inaugural HWPL World Peace Summit in 2014, the organization has pledged practical approaches for conflict resolution through international law, interfaith cooperation, and peace education. At this 11th anniversary, HWPL presented its key achievements from the past year, notably the development of public–private partnership models for embedding sustainable peace within diverse national contexts.

Panel discussion on adopting the DPCW support resolution

A central agenda item was the global expansion of support for the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), HWPL’s proposed legal framework to end wars and establish lasting peace. The DPCW sets out principles such as the prohibition of the use of force, conflict prevention and mediation, and ensuring sustainable peace.

Over the past year, 17 international and regional bodies—including the Latin American and Caribbean Parliament (PARLATINO), the legislatures of Paraguay, the Dominican Republic, and South Sudan, as well as local governments in the Philippines, Mongolia, the U.S. state of Georgia, Madagascar, Mali, and India—adopted resolutions in support of the DPCW.

Former President of Croatia Ivo Josipović stressed that “all of us must be aware that our activity for banning war throughout the world is more important now than ever” and that this year’s achievements are the guarantees that humankind will one day achieve eternal peace.

Chairman Lee Manhee of HWPL emphasized global cooperation for peace, saying, “Conflict can never be good. Only the achievement of peace is truly good. If we fail to establish a peaceful world in our time, we will burden future generations with conflict. What we leave behind must be a world of peace, not one of conflict. The work before us today is to commit ourselves to acts of goodness.”

In the religious sector, the launch of the Solidarity of Religions’ Peace Committee (SRPC) was highlighted as a milestone. HWPL currently operates 292 WARP Offices across 132 countries, facilitating scripture-based dialogue and interfaith discussions. Since 2023, the HWPL International Religious Peace Academy has been implemented as an interfaith learning program, formally recognized in several countries as a platform for leaders and citizens to engage in peace-centered dialogue.

Appointment Ceremony of HWPL Solidarity of Religions’ Peace Committee

In education, progress was made in institutionalizing HWPL Peace Education into public school curricula. Zambia introduced the program across schools in its capital, Lusaka, and announced plans for nationwide expansion in cooperation with the Ministry of Education. Mongolia also reported advancements in integrating HWPL Peace Education into both lifelong learning institutions and public education.

At the Global Peace Education Conference, Mr. Ian Miyoba, Director of Education Policy at Zambia’s Ministry of Education, stated, “Through peace education, we are amplifying citizens’ voices for peace and fostering a culture of peace. It can prevent issues like child rights violations, child marriage, and drug use, creating tangible change in the community. That’s what makes the HWPL Peace Education so unique and why it was the perfect fit for Zambia.”

Participant listening to HWPL’s achievements at the event

The summit also featured the 2025 International Conference on Preparing for Peaceful Korean Reunification, where discussions centered on “Inter-Korean Free Movement Through Public-Private Partnership.” Following the launch of the Preparatory Committee for Peaceful Unification on the Korean Peninsula (PCPUK) in March, this year’s conference discussed action plans focusing on inter-Korean exchanges, unification education, and international cooperation.

Over the past year, HWPL’s global membership increased by 140,000, surpassing 580,000. HWPL Secretary-General Kang Tae-ho noted this in his progress report: “Citizens worldwide, suffering from wars and conflicts, strongly yearn for genuine peace beyond the current order. This collective aspiration has directly led to the rapid growth of HWPL’s membership.”

While the Cheongju summit served as the centerpiece, HWPL emphasized that anniversary events will continue in 78 countries through October. More than 15,000 leaders from international organizations, governments, and civil society are expected to participate in in-depth discussions on long-term strategies for sustainable peace, tailored to their respective national contexts.

                         

[HWPL]

[HWPL] 2025 HWPL International Religious Peace Academy

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 2025 HWPL International Religious Peace Academy :)

HWPL International Religious Peace Academy

On September 18, religious leaders from around the world gathered at the 11th Anniversary of the September 18th HWPL World Peace Summit to hold a session of the “HWPL International Religious Peace Academy (IRPA),” which conveyed the message, “Let us prevent conflict by learning from and understanding one another.”

The IRPA first began as offline lectures in Korea in 2023, attracting over a thousand participants at each session. As of 2025, it has brought together 2,300 people from 100 countries, with a cumulative total of 9,445 participants from 108 countries. This demonstrates a growing trend of religious leaders and believers worldwide uniting with one heart toward peace.

 

In my ministry in Cagayan de Oro and across Mindanao, I have seen both the pain of conflict—families displaced, mistrust between Christians and Muslims, and the wounds of division—and the hope that dialogue brings.

On December 3, 2023, a bombing struck Marawi City, Mindanao. Through HWPL’s mediation, a dialogue was held in Cotabato in January 2024 between Mindanao bishops and Islamic leaders, resulting in a joint statement that helped prevent violence and preserve peace in BARMM.

Even small conversations have opened doors to reconciliation. The Mindanao Peace Agreement affirmed this truth: we can choose dialogue over violence.

Today, that work continues. HWPL has expanded its efforts beyond agreements to engage youth, women, educators, and most especially through the Religious Peace Academy (RPA). I have been privileged to serve as a lecturer here, where leaders of different faiths study their scriptures side by side—to deepen understanding, discover shared values, and strengthen bonds of peace.

In the Philippines, through the IPYG and HWPL peace clubs, students also join the RPA in their schools. Afterward, they experience Youth Peace Camps, visiting both Christian and Islamic places of worship to put their learning into practice. The RPA empowers both leaders and youth to grow together, ensuring that the next generation carries forward the mission of peace.

– The Most Rev. Antonio J. Ledesma, Archbishop Emeritus of Cagayan de Oro, Philippines

 

The session began with congratulatory remarks from the Most Rev. Antonio J. Ledesma, Archbishop Emeritus of Cagayan de Oro, Philippines, followed by an introduction to the HWPL International Religious Peace Academy (IRPA), special presentations on Buddhism, Islam, and Confucianism, and a special lecture on Christianity. Religious leaders from each tradition shared the depth of their faith while learning from one another’s scriptures. Through this exchange, they confirmed that the path of learning together and living with mutual respect is the very image of peace that humanity must create and the vision for future religious integration.

First, Ehsan Mirza, Imam of Daejeon Islamic Center, delivered a presentation on the theme “The Teachings of the Qur’an for Peace and an Invitation to Interreligious Understanding.” Imam Mirza stated that the International Religious Peace Academy (IRPA) is now growing significantly as a global peace platform, encompassing not only religious leaders but also political and social leaders from various countries. He explained that leaders from major religious denominations including Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Sikhism are engaging in profound dialogue and lectures while discussing their scriptures. He further noted that recently, diverse social leaders such as legal professionals, educators, youth, women, and members of the media have joined, establishing IRPA as a large-scale international event with participation from governments and public institutions of various countries.

He also cited the Qur’anic teaching that “there is no compulsion in religion” (Qur’an 2:256), emphasizing the importance of interreligious understanding. He stated that this principle of Islam, based on freedom of faith, diversity, and respect for other religions, demonstrates that all humanity can become one.

Kim Boo-eoun, Executive Vice President of the National Federation of Confucian Scholars, presented on the theme “Solidarity and Sharing: Humanity’s Mission for Peace — The Wisdom of the Confucian Scriptures.” He explained Confucian thought, which teaches that when one first cultivates and rectifies one’s own body and mind, the family becomes harmonious; when the family is well-governed, one can govern the nation; and only after the nation is upright can there be peace under heaven. He appealed that we must first govern our own minds with peace.

Beop-ryun, Abbot of Geumdangam Temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, presented on “The Common Truths in Buddhist Scriptures and the Path to Harmony.” He emphasized that since all existence is interdependent, practicing an altruistic attitude and compassion is indispensable in life. He particularly highlighted that in interdependent relationships, it is important to understand and know one another, and to this end, we must learn the scriptures of each religion.

In the special lecture on Christianity, Chairman Lee Man-hee, who serves as the Chairman of HWPL and the Chairman of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, participated as a speaker and shared insights on Christian scriptures. The diverse religious leaders in attendance spent time discovering anew the universal values and meanings contained in Christian scriptures.

Through this session, participants discovered the common values of peace and harmony that each religion fundamentally pursues. On the 20th, special lectures on Buddhism, Confucianism, and Islam were held in various regions. Notably, the special lecture on Islam was held at Daeyaksa Temple of the Yeorae Order of Korean Buddhism, carrying the special significance of learning Islamic scriptures in a Buddhist temple. This demonstrated that practical interfaith exchange and harmony through HWPL’s religious peace initiatives are leading to concrete results.

HWPL plans to continue taking the lead in spreading a culture of peace based on interreligious dialogue and education through collaboration with religious leaders around the world.

                        

[HWPL]

[HWPL] 2025 Global Peace Education Conference

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 2025 Global Peace Education Conference :)

2025 Global Peace Education Conference

Peace Education: Institutionalization for a Sustainable Future

On September 18, the “2025 Global Peace Education Conference” was held under the theme “Institutionalizing Peace Education: Building a Peaceful Society Together.” The conference, organized in commemoration of the 11th anniversary of the HWPL September 18th World Peace Summit, was attended by the Speaker of the National Legislative Assembly of South Sudan, the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Antigua and Barbuda, former Presidents of Mali and Croatia, the former Vice President of Taiwan, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Education of Zambia, the Mongolian Lifelong Learning Center, and dignitaries from more than 30 countries. The conference served as a platform for global educators and peace practitioners to discuss the institutionalization of peace education in public education, share achievements and case studies, and strengthen international solidarity.

Rt. Hon. Dr. Jemma Nunu Kumba, Speaker of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly of South Sudan, emphasized the importance of peace education in her congratulatory address, stating, “Peace cannot be sustained by agreements alone. It must be nurtured and inculcated into the minds and hearts of all citizens—through education and practice. Peace education is the tool that breaks cycles of hate and replaces them with understanding, respect, and tolerance. If there is a message that South Sudan can offer the world, it is this: peace is never given; it is built. Building it requires tolerance, resilience, courage, patience, and above all, inclusion.”

Hon. Osbert Frederick, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Antigua and Barbuda, reiterated the necessity of expanding peace through education, saying, “This annual gathering stands as proof that HWPL is not merely calling for peace, but actively living it—showing the world that peace is a mission to be carried out, not simply an idea to be admired. If we wish to see a world of peace, then we must teach peace. Education is the foundation upon which a person is built. Let us ensure that peace education is realized not only in schools, but in parliaments, communities, and nations across the globe.”

Following the congratulatory remarks, presentations were delivered on the current status and outcomes of peace education institutionalization.

Ian Miyoba, Principal Education Officer at the Ministry of Education of Zambia, introduced the accomplishments of institutionalizing peace education in Zambia. He explained, “Despite being home to approximately 72 diverse ethnic groups, Zambia has never experienced war or civil conflict since its independence. We institutionalized HWPL Peace Education in public schools to preserve this peace. Through peace education, we witnessed students practicing forgiveness and reconciliation. Some schools reported a decline in social issues such as child marriage and substance abuse among youth.” He also stated future plans, saying, “Looking ahead, Zambia plans to work with the Curriculum Development Center to incorporate peace education into the national curriculum and introduce a peace teacher certification system for a sustainable nationwide framework.”

Oidov Otgonbayar, Director of the Lifelong Learning Center in Orkhon Province, Mongolia, presented on Peace Education and LP Initiatives in Mongolia’s Lifelong Learning Centers. He shared, “Among 30 lifelong learning centers nationwide, 27 have signed MOUs with HWPL, and 71 teachers have been trained as peace educators. Through the ‘Green Wave of Peace’ tree-planting campaign, over 6,000 trees have been planted with the participation of more than 5,000 people. Peace is not only a concept but a practice that must take root in communities through education.”

The conference concluded with a special performance. A choir of 24 children took the stage to present a performance titled “The Miracle of Peace Created by a Small Flap of Wings,” delivering a hopeful message that a small action can lead to a miracle that changes the world.

Table Discussion

The conference was livestreamed on YouTube in nine languages—Korean, English, French, German, Czech, Mongolian, Thai, Spanish, and Taiwanese. On-site, interpretation booths for Korean, French, and Mongolian were provided, and ZOOM interpretation was offered in five languages to support communication among global participants.

This conference marked a turning point in establishing peace education as a core agenda of national education policies beyond just a civic movement. The international consensus formed through the direct participation of national governments and ministries of education is expected to lay the foundation for future generations to embrace peace as a natural value, ultimately building the basis for sustainable peace.

                       

[IPYG]

[IPYG] IPYG's 2025 International Youth Peace Conference

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 IPYG's International Youth Peace Conference in 2025 :)

2025 International Youth Peace Conference

– Sharing Progress and Strategies of YEPW Worldwide –

On September 18, in Cheongju, Republic of Korea, the IPYG hosted the “2025 International Youth Peace Conference” as part of the 11th Annual Commemoration of the HWPL September 18th World Peace Summit. A total of 111 organizations around the world, including government ministries, supported the event by sharing their logos in solidarity.

HWPL has been building peace through cooperation across sectors in areas such as international peace law, religious harmony, peace education, and youth engagement. In particular, IPYG youth have become leaders in their local communities, sparking waves of peace.

Over the past year, through the Youth Engagement & Peacebuilding Working Group (YEPW), youth have led change in their communities through education, volunteer work, policy efforts, and cultural initiatives, while also expanding collaboration with businesses, local governments, and international organizations. As a result, the number of partner organizations that resonated with IPYG’s mission has increased to 297 in 9 countries.

This conference served as a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the peace activities carried out by youth over the past year and explore directions for future implementation. It also introduced five YEPW activity models—Public Awareness, Volunteering, Training, Policy Advocacy, and Creative Collaboration—as strategies for developing and expanding regional peace projects. Best practices were shared for each type.

The following are the five activity models of YEPW:

• • The Public Awareness model promotes the importance and value of peace by supporting and collaborating with civil organizations, governments, local authorities, or companies. It builds public consensus through peace-centered messaging.
  • The Volunteering model involves youth directly participating in solving local community issues and contributing to positive change through volunteer work.
  • The Training model fosters new leaders and carries out peace projects through lectures, mentoring, workshops, and the implementation of action-oriented educational programs.
  • The Policy Advocacy model supports and seeks the institutionalization of the DPCW (Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War) at local, regional, and national levels.
  • The Creative Collaboration model strengthens youth community awareness and helps participants experience peace through collaboration in arts, sports, and creative activities.

 

At the conference, successful case studies from each model were shared.

 

1. Korea YEPW (Public Awareness)

Topic: The power of youth

 

Mr. Chung Young-min, General Director of the IPYG, introduced the “Korean Peninsula Peace and Unification Campaign” led by Korea YEPW as an example of the Public Awareness model. To address one of the most urgent issues in global peace—peaceful unification of the Korean Peninsula—they are conducting workshops and campaigns to promote the necessity of free movement within the peninsula, thereby drawing international attention and support.

 

2. Zambia YEPW (Volunteering)

Topic: Youth-led Community Actions for Peacebuilding)

 

 

Mr. Andrew Junior Mwima, President of the Chreso Youth United Nations Association of Zambia, introduced how Zambian youth have been reducing crime and creating change in their communities through the Volunteering model. Recognizing these efforts, 38 youth committees in Lusaka officially partnered with IPYG. With support from the Lusaka City Council, peace signs were erected in support of DPCW Articles 5 (Right to Self-Determination), 9 (Freedom of Religion, Ethnic Identity, and Peace), and 10 (Spreading a Culture of Peace). This initiative was reported by 11 media outlets including the national broadcaster ZNBC, reminding citizens that peace is a shared responsibility.

 

3. The Philippines YEPW (Training)

Topic: Expanding Filipino Youth Peace Leadership through the Youth Empowerment Peace Class Program

 

 

Dr. Reynaldo Nama, Assistant Principal of Signal Village National High School of the Philippines, presented the Youth Empowerment Peace Class (YEPC) as a Training-type model. He shared how the program fosters youth into peace leaders and spreads peace across the Philippines. Started in 2023 in Manila and Mindanao, the program has now expanded to Hinagaran and Kawit, Cavite, with around 9,000 youth participants.

4. The U.S. YEPW (Policy Advocacy)

Topic: United for Peace: YEPW’s Policy Journey toward Humanity’s Mission

Dr. Maya Taylor, Founder of Arrow Youth Leadership Council International of USA, presented the Policy Advocacy model showing how youth voices have been institutionalized into actual policies for peace. The Atlanta YEPW developed a toolkit to help municipalities implement YEPW activities and pushed cities to adopt resolutions supporting DPCW Article 10 on “Spreading a Culture of Peace.” As a result, five cities and counties—South Fulton, Stonecrest, Fairburn, DeKalb County, and Fulton County—officially adopted the resolutions and designated a “Peace Week.”

The conference demonstrated that youth united for peace are transforming their communities. It also served as a platform for youth from different countries to learn from each other’s experiences and strengthen their determination to act.

Prior to the 2025 International Youth Peace Conference, the “2025 Regional Youth Engagement & Peacebuilding Working Group (YEPW) Strategy Meeting” was held. During this meeting, each working group developed practical peacebuilding strategies through table discussions.

At this regional meeting, heartfelt support was extended to the youth committed to peace activities. In particular, organizations that had participated in the U.S. YEPW’s achievement of adopting the DPCW resolution in Georgia and the designation of “Peace Week” contributed by donating supplies. Contributors included the Atlanta Boys and Girls Club, Gwinnett Stripers Baseball Team, Emory University School of Law, Gwinnett Police Department, City of Stonecrest, and Arrow Youth Leadership Council International of USA.

Looking ahead, it is anticipated that youth around the world will apply and develop the five YEPW activity types to realize peace in their regions.