CaribPR Wire

-       HWPL’s 8th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) Held on March 14th

CARIBPR WIRE, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, Weds. March 20, 2024: In 2023 alone, conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war, the Israel-Hamas war, and numerous international disputes tragically claimed the lives of over 33,000 civilians and displaced millions. Recognizing this dire reality, Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), an international peace NGO, held its 8th annual commemoration of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) on March 14th at its peace training institute in Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. The event’s theme resonated deeply: “Building the Minds of Peace: Promoting Institutional Peace via Intercultural Dialogue and Understanding.”

Since the DPCW’s proclamation on March 14, 2016, HWPL has consistently held annual commemorative ceremonies to advocate for the institutionalization of peace. This year, the event gathered about 12,500 distinguished experts from diverse fields – political, legal, religious, educational, media, and representatives from women and youth sectors – both online and in person. Among participants, about 10,000 HWPL members moved in an orderly manner under the guidance of staff and filled the commemorative ceremony venue.

Drafted in collaboration with international legal specialists from 15 countries, the DPCW comprises 10 articles and 38 clauses. It outlines the principles and tools necessary to prevent and resolve conflicts, cultivate a peaceful global society, and defines clear roles for individuals, communities, and nations in achieving lasting peace.

In his congratulatory speech, H.E. Vidura Wickramanayaka, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs of Sri Lanka, said, “The commitment and dedication shown in the pursuit of peace projects have not only been commendable but have also laid the foundation for a more harmonious world. The tireless efforts of individuals and organizations working towards the common goal of ending war and fostering understanding among nations are truly inspiring.”

As President of the Daegak Buddhism Jogye Order in South Korea, Ven. Beopsan who has been participating in interreligious dialogue for nine years, emphasized the importance of religious leaders’ participation in peacebuilding efforts including comparative study of scriptures. He said, “Intercultural dialogue and understanding can be found at HWPL’s World Alliance of Religions’ Peace Office. The root of religion is one and its meaning is a truly noble value.”

Having pointed out that conflicts caused by religion have threatened global peace, Chairman Man-hee Lee of HWPL said, “Different religions should come together, learn each other’s values and become one by comparative study on scriptures. Religious communities should practice faith based on scriptures, so they can live with humanity on this earth. We must create a world where people communicate, cooperate, and help each other regardless of religion.”

Lastly, the ceremony concluded with a variety of performances depicting the journey of peace. During the performance, there was a session where the contents of Article 10, 38 clauses of the DPCW were explained through performance, and expressed an image of a paradise filled with flowers where peace was achieved.

Recently, various activities are being carried out around the world to institutionalize peace. In East Timor, a training course for journalists is planned to be held in 2024 to raise public awareness of peace. Mr. Otélio Ote, President of the Timor-Leste Press Council, said, “I am proud to announce our collaboration with HWPL through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to implement peace journalism education. This partnership underscores our shared commitment to promoting freedom of expression, press freedom, and the independence of media institutions. As we look ahead to 2024, the Timor-Leste Press Council is committed to supporting HWPL’s endeavors for the sustainable development of institutional peace based on intercultural dialogue and understanding.”

EDITOR’S NOTE: Images for use with this article is available HERE and HERE

CaribPR Wire, WASHINGTON, D.C., Thurs. July 7, 2022: After the end of the Cold War, ethnic-religious identities have emerged as a primary source of conflict. The emergence of new conflict requires a new approach. The achievements of the Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWP), presents a ‘New model of peace’ to the global community.

Mindanao was the site of one the largest conflicts in Southeast Asia. The Moro Islamic Liberation Front, (MILF), was an armed force in Southeast Asia and the Philippine government declared an all-out war resulting in over 120,000 casualties. In October 2012, the government and MILF signed a Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro due to the intervention of the international community, recognizing Muslim autonomy in Mindanao.

However, the deep-rooted conflict did not end. In September 2013, Antonio Ledesma, former Archbishop of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro, requested Chairman Lee of HWPL to mediate the settlement.

On January 24, 2014, Chairman Lee visited Mindanao and held a Peace Walk, inviting more than 1,000 people including students from Mindanao State University to the City of General Santos. Chairman Lee then asked Fernando Capalla, former Davao Archbishop, and Esmael Mangudadatu, Governor of Maguindanao to sign a peace agreement.

The government and MILF finally agreed on the final annex of the Preliminary Peace Agreement on January 25, 2014. The agreement is to recognize Muslim autonomy and gradually disarm the MILF in the Bangsamoro region in southern Mindanao. This is considered the biggest progress in the 18-year negotiation process. In May of that year, the Parliament began to enter the so-called Bangsamoro Basic Law into the legislative process, and the civil war of Mindanao was over when President Rodrigo Duterte finally signed this Law in August 2018.

The Peace Agreement arbitrated by HWPL was Mindanao’s declaration of permanent peace. Since then, all parties, including local-national politics, religion, and society, have cooperated. With signing MOUs with 70 educational institutions in February 2016, HWPL implemented peace education curricula that has since been presented by the United Nations-UNESCO. HWPL signed an MOU with The Commission on Higher Education in 2018 resulting in 2551 teachers, from 557 educational institutions in the Philippines being trained to teach peace education to up to 23,000 students.

On May 25, 2015, “the 2nd Anniversary of Peace Walk in Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace ” was held in Buluan, Maguindanao Province. During the January 24th celebrations, MILF Chairman Hon. Ahod Ebrahim declared January 24 as ‘HWPL Day.’ This announcement was to recognize contributions to achieving peace in Mindanao. HWPL Peace Monument was erected on July 19, 2021, in the Barangay Bagua Mother, Cotabato City, Mindanao.

About HWPL

HWPL is a non-governmental organization in South Korea seeking peace and cessation of war and it is registered in special consultative status with the UN Department of Global Communications (DGC) and the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

Learn More : https://www.hwpl.kr/language/en/about-hwpl-_en/