Amidst the backdrop of escalating global conflicts, the Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), a renowned international peace NGO, recently marked its 8th annual commemoration of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW). The event took place on March 14th in Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, drawing attention to the critical need for peace and understanding across nations and cultures.
The year 2023 has been marred by significant conflicts, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas war, resulting in over 33,000 civilian casualties and the displacement of millions. These grim figures underscore the urgency and relevance of HWPL’s peace-building mission. The commemorative event, themed “Building the Minds of Peace: Promoting Institutional Peace via Intercultural Dialogue and Understanding,” aimed to foster a global culture of peace through dialogue and mutual understanding.
HWPL’s consistent advocacy for peace since the proclamation of the DPCW on March 14, 2016, has led to annual gatherings that promote the institutionalisation of peace. This year’s event saw the participation of around 12,500 individuals, including political, legal, religious, and educational experts, media representatives, and members of women and youth sectors, who convened both online and in person. The assembly was a testament to the collective desire for peace, with approximately 10,000 HWPL members participating under the organised guidance of the event staff.
The DPCW, crafted with the input of international legal experts from 15 countries, is composed of 10 articles and 38 clauses. It serves as a comprehensive framework for preventing and resolving conflicts, fostering a peaceful global society, and delineating the responsibilities of individuals, communities, and nations in the pursuit of lasting peace.
Notable figures, including H.E. Vidura Wickramanayaka, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, lauded the ongoing peace initiatives. Wickramanayaka praised the commitment and efforts towards building a harmonious world, highlighting the inspiring work of individuals and organisations in ending conflicts and promoting international understanding.
Ven. Beopsan, President of the Daegak Buddhism Jogye Order in South Korea and an advocate for interreligious dialogue, stressed the importance of religious leaders in peace-building efforts. He underscored the unity and noble values shared across religious traditions, which can be explored through HWPL’s World Alliance of Religions’ Peace Office.
Chairman Man-hee Lee of HWPL addressed the negative impact of religious conflicts on global peace, advocating for unity and cooperation among different faiths through comparative scriptural studies. He emphasised the need for religious communities to practice faith aligned with their scriptures, fostering a world of mutual communication and cooperation.
The event culminated in performances that illustrated the peace journey, including a creative depiction of the DPCW’s principles, envisioning a world where peace prevails, symbolised by a paradise of flowers.
In Victoria, Australia, HWPL’s commitment to peace extends through multicultural festivals involving over 15 cultural communities. These festivals, alongside roundtable discussions, aim to institutionalise peace across societal sectors. Figures like Mohamed Mohideen OAM, Vice President of the Islamic Council of Victoria, and Professor Costas Laoutides have praised these initiatives for enhancing interfaith dialogue and societal harmony.
Looking forward, HWPL plans to host a conference in 2024 for journalists and media organisations committed to peace journalism. This event will explore the role of Australian media in shaping the nation’s ethos and culture, highlighting the partnership between journalists and HWPL in promoting peace globally.
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Amidst global conflicts, HWPL commemorated its 8th DPCW anniversary, advocating peace through dialogue. Notable figures praised efforts, emphasising unity across religions. Future plans include a peace journalism conference. 🕊️🌍🤝🌺✍️ #TheIndianSunhttps://t.co/JJKKK2y8i2
— The Indian Sun (@The_Indian_Sun) March 18, 2024
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