HWPL Marks 10 Years of Global Peace Efforts with Worldwide Ceremonies

The Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) organization commemorated its 10th anniversary of the World Peace Conference with a series of ceremonies held across 40 countries. The main event, themed "Building a World Peace Community through Interregional Cooperation," took place on September 18, 2024, at the Cheongpyeong Peace Training Center in Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.

Over the past decade, HWPL has made significant strides in promoting peace awareness and fostering understanding between cultures and religions. The organization now boasts 500,000 members across 170 countries, a testament to its growing influence in the global peace movement. HWPL's efforts have been particularly noteworthy in conflict resolution, as exemplified by its role in facilitating a civil peace agreement in the Philippines.

The anniversary ceremony featured progress reports, video presentations of peace activities, and speeches by key figures including HWPL CEO Lee Man-hee and IWPG CEO Un Hyun-sook. A highlight of the event was the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) and the awarding of appointment certificates, underscoring the organization's commitment to expanding its peace initiatives.

HWPL's approach to peace-building has garnered international recognition for its practical strategies in establishing harmony between nations. The organization's affiliation with the United Nations Economic and Social Council and the Office of Public Information further solidifies its position as a leading force in the global peace movement.

A significant focus of the 10th-anniversary celebrations is the establishment of 'regional networks' designed to create peace strategies tailored to the specific needs and characteristics of different areas. This approach aims to enhance the effectiveness of peace-building efforts by addressing local challenges while fostering global cooperation.

In conjunction with the anniversary, HWPL launched a public campaign called 'Together: Connecting the Republic of Korea.' This initiative, supported by approximately 230 civic groups, seeks to promote social harmony and overcome conflicts by engaging citizens across generations and cultures. The campaign draws inspiration from the Saemaul Movement and plans to collaborate closely with local governments to implement region-specific activities.

The significance of HWPL's 10th-anniversary celebration extends beyond commemorating past achievements. It represents a crucial juncture in the organization's mission to create a more peaceful world. By strengthening interregional cooperation and expanding citizen participation, HWPL aims to develop more practical and sustainable peace-building strategies.

As global tensions persist and new challenges to peace emerge, the work of organizations like HWPL becomes increasingly vital. The 10th-anniversary ceremonies serve not only as a reflection on past successes but also as a platform to reinvigorate efforts towards achieving lasting peace. The emphasis on regional networks and citizen engagement demonstrates HWPL's adaptive approach to peace-building, recognizing the need for localized solutions within a global framework.

The impact of HWPL's work over the past decade and its plans for the future highlight the ongoing importance of grassroots peace initiatives in complementing governmental and international efforts. As the organization moves forward, its focus on interreligious dialogue, youth engagement, and practical conflict resolution strategies positions it as a significant contributor to global peace efforts in the years to come.