[HWPL]
[HWPL] HWPL's Youth Peace Festival in the U.S.
Singing for Peace Through the Voices of Youth
— First Washington, D.C. Youth Peace Festival
Group photo of attendees at the D.C. Youth Peace Festival.
Group photo of attendees at the D.C. Youth Peace Festival.
On May 30, the voices of young people echoed through Washington, D.C., in the United States. At historic Franklin Park near the White House, HWPL and the IPYG Washington, D.C. Branch hosted the First Washington, D.C. Youth Peace Festival (DC Youth Peace Festival). Approximately 400 young people, citizens, and human rights and cultural leaders participated in the festival, sharing messages of peace for three hours from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The event was part of IPYG’s Youth Engagement & Peacebuilding Working Group (YEPW) activities carried out around the world. Reflecting Washington, D.C.’s symbolic significance as the center of American politics, the event was launched under the name “YEPW in Washington, D.C., USA.” The festival began with the goal of expanding awareness of peace within local communities through everyday and cultural approaches led by young people and building a new, sustainable youth peace network.
The event opened with welcoming remarks. Muriel Bowser, Mayor of Washington, D.C., conveyed the significance of the festival through a letter of appreciation, saying, “On behalf of the more than 700,000 residents of Washington, D.C., I extend my heartfelt appreciation for your dedication to peace, youth leadership, and community unity throughout Washington, D.C.”
Traditional dances performed by Latin American cultural and arts groups.
The congratulatory remarks that followed emphasized the role of young people and the importance of protecting human rights.
Azhar Haq, Director of the Washington, D.C. Branch of Youth for Human Rights International, emphasized that dignity and respect for human rights are the foundation of peace, saying, “Peace begins with understanding, dignity, and respect for human rights. Around the world, countless young people are facing enormous challenges, including division, violence, discrimination, bullying, and hatred, while also holding a strong desire to create change.”
Adeola Shonubi Kikelomo, Miss Africa USA 1st Princess, said, “Many of the decisions that shape our future are made without the voices of young people at the table. Decide that you will not just watch the world happen to your communities, but you will happen to the world. And together, we will rise,” emphasizing that young people should engage in meaningful participation and action.
Lastly, Asha-Gaye Cowell, Co-Chair of the Caribbean Development Bank Future Leaders Network and Jamaica Representative, emphasized that young people are not only the leaders of the future but also active agents shaping the world today, saying, “I have witnessed the extraordinary power of young people when they are given the opportunity to lead. Young people are often told that they are the future, but believe me when I tell you that young people are also the present.”
The HWPL cheer squad performs to close the Peace Festival.
Following the welcome and congratulatory remarks, a diverse lineup of performances added to the festive atmosphere. Latin American cultural and arts groups showcased traditional dances from their respective countries, filling the park with the distinctive colors of their cultures. Performances ranging from classical music and hip-hop to songs and performances by young people created a sense of connection across generations and cultures. The event also featured interactive booths introducing the peace activities of HWPL and IPYG, allowing participants to naturally encounter messages of peace.
The event was made possible through broad support from the local community. Local organizations, including DowntownDC BID, which provided the venue, as well as the Washington, D.C. Branch of Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI), The Value String LLC, and Centerstage Academy of Arts, also contributed to the event.
At the heart of this collaboration was the dedication of YEPW members. Every morning, they came together to refine their plans, discussing “how to proclaim peace in Washington, D.C.,” and personally reached out to local organizations and performance groups to encourage their participation.
A Latin American dance troupe gives a finale performance alongside flags symbolizing a global village of peace.
An IPYG representative said, “This was an opportunity to see firsthand that cultural and artistic exchange can serve as a powerful catalyst for connecting people and building peace,” expressing a commitment to continue working with local organizations and take the lead in establishing a youth-centered culture of peace.
The D.C. Youth Peace Festival will not be a one-time event. IPYG plans to make the festival an annual event and develop it into a symbol of a culture of peace representing Washington, D.C. The next step has already been set. On August 29, IPYG will continue taking steps toward peace in the local community through volunteer activities at the Culture Kids Festival.
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