HWPL Marks 10 Years of Global Peace Initiatives with Worldwide Summit

The Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) is commemorating its 10th Anniversary World Peace Summit with events spanning 122 countries. The summit, which began on September 18, 2024, in South Korea, focuses on 'Creating World Peace Community through Regional Collaboration,' reflecting on a decade of global peace initiatives and charting future strategies for promoting international harmony.

HWPL, an international NGO affiliated with UN ECOSOC and headquartered in Seoul, has grown significantly over the past decade. With 500,000 members across 170 countries, the organization has established partnerships with 1,014 organizations in 105 countries, demonstrating its extensive reach and impact in global peace efforts.

Chairman Lee Man-hee of HWPL emphasized the critical role of religious dialogue in fostering peace, stating, 'We must work together to create a world of peace and leave it as a legacy for future generations.' This sentiment underscores the organization's commitment to addressing religious divisions as a key factor in conflict resolution.

The summit has garnered support from influential international bodies. HWPL has formed partnerships with the Group of 7+ (G7+), an intergovernmental organization of 20 conflict-affected countries, and The Latin American Parliament (Parlatino), which includes 23 member states. These collaborations aim to develop comprehensive peace initiatives that address regional and global challenges.

A notable highlight of the summit was the presentation by Dr. Jose Honorio da Costa Pereira Jeronimo, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Culture of Timor-Leste. He discussed a peace education project implemented in partnership with HWPL, involving eight higher education institutions in the country. This initiative exemplifies HWPL's focus on education as a cornerstone of peace-building efforts.

Former Romanian President Emil Constantinescu, now President of the Institute for Advanced Studies in Levant Culture and Civilization, reflected on the 2014 HWPL summit, praising its role in fostering a sense of global unity. His remarks highlight the long-term impact and continuity of HWPL's peace initiatives.

In South Korea, the summit has sparked a national campaign for social harmony called 'Together: Connecting Korea.' This initiative, supported by 230 civil society organizations, aims to bridge generational and cultural gaps while promoting environmental protection, demonstrating the practical application of HWPL's peace principles at a national level.

The 10th Anniversary World Peace Summit represents a significant milestone in global peace efforts. By bringing together diverse stakeholders from governments, educational institutions, and civil society, HWPL is fostering a collaborative approach to peace-building. The organization's emphasis on regional cooperation and tailored peace strategies addresses the complex and varied nature of conflicts worldwide.

As the summit continues, it serves as a platform for assessing past achievements and formulating future plans. The event's global reach and the participation of high-level officials underscore the growing recognition of HWPL's role in international peace efforts. The focus on education, religious dialogue, and regional collaboration highlights a multifaceted approach to creating sustainable peace, potentially influencing policy-making and social initiatives worldwide.