“Building minds of peace: promoting institutional peace through intercultural dialogue and understanding”, it was around this theme that the 8th annual commemoration of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation took place on March 14, 2024. of wars (DPCW). Organized by the International NGO, Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) based in South Korea, the meeting was an opportunity for international experts to discuss the institutionalization of peace. L‘event brought together approximately 12,500 leading experts from various fields – political, legal, religious, educational, media and representatives of the women’s and youth sectors – both online and in person. Read more
HWPL’s 8th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), held March 14 –
In 2023 alone, conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war, the Israel-Hamas war, and numerous international conflicts have tragically claimed the lives of more than 33,000 civilians and displaced millions. Recognizing this terrible reality, Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), an international peace NGO, organized its 8th annual commemoration of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) on March 14 at its institute peace training in Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. The theme of the event resonated deeply: “Building Minds of Peace: Promoting Institutional Peace through Intercultural Dialogue and Understanding”
Since the proclamation of the DPCW on March 14, 2016, the HWPL has regularly held annual commemorative ceremonies to advocate for the institutionalization of peace. This year, the event brought together around 12,500 leading experts from various fields – political, legal, religious, educational, media and representatives of the women’s and youth sectors – both online and in person. Among the participants, about 10,000 HWPL members moved in an orderly manner under the guidance of staff and filled the memorial ceremony venue.
Written in collaboration with international jurists from 15 countries, the DPCW includes 10 articles and 38 clauses. It describes the principles and tools needed to prevent and resolve conflict, cultivate a peaceful global society, and defines clear roles for individuals, communities, and nations in achieving lasting peace.
In his congratulatory speech, Hon. Vidura Wickramanayaka, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs of Sri Lanka said: “The commitment and dedication shown in pursuing the peace projects has not only been commendable but has also laid the foundation for a more harmonious world . The tireless efforts of individuals and organizations working toward the common goal of ending war and fostering understanding between nations is truly inspiring. »
As president of the Jogye Order of Daegak Buddhism in South Korea, Ven. Beopsan, who has been involved in interfaith dialogue for nine years, stressed the importance of religious leaders’ participation in peacebuilding efforts, including comparative scripture study. He said: “Cross-cultural dialogue and understanding can be found at the HWPL World Alliance of Religions Peace Office. The root of religion is one and its meaning is a truly noble value. »
After emphasizing that conflicts caused by religion threaten world peace, President Man-hee Lee of the HWPL said, “Different religions should come together, learn each other’s values, and become one through comparative study of scriptures.” Religious communities should practice faith based on the scriptures so that they can live with humanity on this earth. We need to create a world where people communicate, cooperate and help each other regardless of their religion.”
Finally, the ceremony ended with various performances illustrating the path to peace. During the performance, there was a session in which the content of Article 10, 38 clauses of the DPCW was explained through the performance and expressed the image of a paradise filled with flowers where peace was realized.
In the majority of West African countries, including Guinea, many people will participate in training HWPL media personnel to ensure press freedom and improve the perception of peace.
“HWPL plans to do peace work in cooperation with the press in many West African countries and we plan to continuously work with the organization with the aim of training journalists and improving our expertise in material for reporting,” said Karim Goundi, TANEKA TV communicator at HWPL. West African Press Forum last December.
This year in New Delhi, the HWPL Peace Education network grew for the future of the next generation. To find solutions to conflicts based on religion, ethnicity and other identities, many activities have emphasized the importance of institutionalized peace.
“Through HWPL’s peace education which began in 2017, many students have become aware of the need for peace education to resolve conflicts that begin with differences in religion, identity and ‘Ethnicity“said Jagran Public School Principal Dr DK Sinha who has dedicated himself towards expanding the peace education network in 2024.
Bhartiya Sarva Dharma Sansad, a religious alliance foundation that has signed a memorandum of understanding with HWPL, has contributed to interfaith understanding through the online religious peace academy.
With SerCom
TogoTimes, Information in real time
