Global Peace Summit Draws 100,000 Attendees, Launches National Campaign

In a significant display of commitment to global harmony, approximately 100,000 people convened at the HWPL Peace Training Institute in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, for the 10th annual World Peace Summit hosted by Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) on September 18. The event, which saw parallel commemorations in about 40 countries worldwide, centered on the theme 'Building a Global Peace Community Through Regional Cooperation.'

HWPL Chairman Man-hee Lee led the anniversary ceremony, emphasizing the importance of unity in his commemorative speech. 'Let us not draw lines that divide us as 'you' and 'me.' Instead, let us unite with love and peace to save our global village,' Lee urged attendees, stressing the need to preserve peace for future generations.

The summit marked a decade of HWPL's efforts towards achieving global peace and unveiled strategies for promoting international harmony. Notably, HWPL announced new partnerships with the Group of Seven Plus (g7+) and the Latin American and Caribbean Parliament (PARLATINO), both significant intergovernmental organizations focused on fostering peace and development among their member nations.

A highlight of the event was the launch of the national campaign 'Together: Connecting Korea,' formalized through an MOU signing ceremony. This initiative, which has been piloted in major Korean cities since July, aims to bridge generational gaps and promote various peace activities in collaboration with over 230 civil society organizations. Kim Dong-hee, appointed as the campaign head, received a certificate from Chairman Lee during the ceremony.

The 'Together' campaign draws inspiration from the New Village Movement, which played a crucial role in Korea's economic development and social transformation in the 20th century. It seeks to address and overcome social conflicts arising from divisions across generations, regions, genders, and ideologies through solidarity and cooperation. The campaign's slogan, 'Let Us All Become Messengers of Peace for the Global Village,' encapsulates its goal of engaging individuals in promoting peace on a global scale.

This summit and the launch of the 'Together' campaign represent significant steps in HWPL's ongoing efforts to foster global peace. By focusing on regional cooperation and citizen engagement, HWPL is addressing the complex challenges of building a harmonious global community. The large turnout and international participation underscore the growing recognition of the importance of grassroots peace initiatives.

The implications of this event extend beyond the immediate participants. By fostering partnerships with international organizations and launching a nationwide campaign, HWPL is creating a model for peace-building that combines top-down and bottom-up approaches. This strategy could potentially influence how other nations and organizations approach the challenge of promoting global harmony.

As the world continues to grapple with various conflicts and divisions, initiatives like the HWPL World Peace Summit and the 'Together' campaign offer hope and practical strategies for fostering understanding and cooperation across diverse communities. The success of these efforts could provide valuable insights for peace-building initiatives worldwide, potentially shaping the future of international relations and conflict resolution.