HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light) is an international peace NGO, registered with the United Nations and is now Special Consultative Status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
In 2017, about 1,000,000 People are walking for peace in 106 Cities in 41 Countries. Unlike most peace organizations, the results of each year are considered great. They are trying to bring a new international law to the United Nations soon.
I brought up to top five videos that I have seen so far. 🙂
1. Media Facade 2019
It’s an art…
2. IPYG Card Section Performance 2019
3. Card Section of 12,126 People 2018
They are all volunteers. Is it possible?
4. 2018 HWPL World Peace Summit
Parades are also tremendously attractive, and the speeches of former presidents are touching. I definitely recommend seeing it.
5. Media Facade 2017
I think HWPL has the answer to peace. The power of HWPL is best represented by the slogan “We are one!” There is nothing we can’t do if we’re one mind to solve everything.
But the world is now so confused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). There is no one at street, everyone stays at home. Even WHO declared novel coronavirus disease a pandemic. (more than 121,000 cases in 118 countries)
At times like this, if we try for quarantine in one mind without blaming anyone without discrimination, we will all survive. 🙂
P.S my heartfelt condolences to all the families who lost loved ones…
Compared with many African countries, Ethiopia is remarkably safe – most of the time. Serious or violent crime is rare; against travellers it’s extremely rare. Outside the capital, the risk of petty crime drops still further. The new Prime Minister was Abiy Ahmed, 2019 Nobel Peace Prize Winner, who made a historic visit to Eritrea in 2018, ending the state of conflict between the countries.
Ethiopia is a melting pot country, enriched in diverse cultures, peoples, and religions. However, such diversity sparked many conflicts in history, some of which are ongoing. These conflicts have stripped the country and people apart emotionally, and the Ethiopian government is actively working to peacefully resolve them for the better future of the country.
HWPL Peace Education in Ethiopia
In December, the professors and students at Kotebe Metropolitan University participated at the ‘Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) Peace Education’ sessions which are also joined by 214 schools in 36 countries.
To bring the peaceful reconciliation in the country, the Ministry of Education in Ethiopia and 9 other states had previously signed MOA with HWPL to implement HWPL’s Peace Education. The curriculum is designed to empower citizens to properly recognize the value of peace and take the pioneering role of spreading the culture of peace.
After signing MOA with HWPL, the Ministry of Higher Education in Ethiopia is currently reviewing the ‘HWPL Peace Education’ to incorporate and implement it as formal curriculum in all the universities. Addis Ababa School of Science and Technology (AASTU) also held the peace education sessions right after the Kotebe Metropolitan University.
A student who participated at the peace education said, “I learned why peace education is important for resolving conflicts in Ethiopia. It taught me to act as a messenger of peace. It is also important to present 10 Articles and 38 Clauses of the DPCW to the UN to fundamentally eradicate war and conflicts. To this end, we must continue to participate in peace education.”
Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita recently said that his government was ready to hold talks with the main jihadist leaders in the country. (VoA)
“Why not try to contact those who we know are pulling the strings,” Keita told French media last week. “The number of deaths in the Sahel is becoming exponential. It’s time for certain avenues to be explored.”
The United Nations reported that the number of children killed in the conflict in the first six months of 2019 was twice as many for the entire year of 2018. Many of the children have been killed in inter communal attacks attributed to ethnic militias, with the majority of attacks occurring around Mopti.
A day ago, at least three Mali soldiers were killed and five wounded Sunday in a suspected jihadist attack. Also, other recent conflicts in West Africa caused several casualties.
Since this is a place where people know the importance of peace, there are also many people who seek the path to peace.
Mali Parliament in West Africa Unites for Peace
At the Mali parliament, 25 congressmen and 4 national executive officials gathered for the proclamation ceremony for the ‘Network of Parliamentarians for the Culture of Peace and the Cessation of Wars’. This meeting, held on December 21, 2019, was held to discuss spreading the culture of peace, eliminating unnecessary sacrifices caused by internal conflict and terrorism in Mali.
Aurora Celestin, the representative of HWPL France Branch, introduced the Global Declaration of Peace and Cessation of war (DPCW) as a solution to Mali’s existing conflict and poverty. As a result, the congressmen stressed that “DPCW is a legal document that is much needed in Mali” and that “the president, senior government officials and other congressmen will actively implement the contents of the DPCW in their country.”
Especially, Diarra Moussa, a member of the Parliament and the Presider of the meeting said, “Many are working for peace in Mali and there are many laws. However, implementation of the law had always been the problem. Therefore, there needs to be a solution like the DPCW to spread the culture of peace where people start to abide by the laws.”
Kane Babba Hama Sidy, a member of the Mali Parliament, who signed the DPCW Support Letter said, “It is the right time to establish this network, bearing in mind the current situation of Mali. It is time to work for peace,” emphasizing the act of spreading the culture of peace through DPCW.
That day, HWPL’s Daejeon Chungcheong Branch prepared a time to prepare plans and resolutions for world peace with about 100 people from political, social, religious and educational circles as well as peace-related organizations.
Jang Bang-sik, chairman of HWPL’s Daejeon Chungcheong branch, said in a welcoming speech, “We are grateful for all those who wish for peace and peace on the Korean Peninsula,” and stressed that the HWPL will move forward this year to enact international law on peace, education and inter-faith harmony to end the war.
“If you are here with us, it will not only be of great help, but will be remembered forever as a person who has left true peace to posterity.”
Former Ethiopian Transport Minister Mekuria Haley, who attended the 2020 New Year’s party, said, “I’m sure that world peace will be achieved if everyone from all over the world, from adults to children, will love peace.”
“HWPL is already doing this all over the world,” he said. “I will also go back to my homeland and pursue a plaza of dialogue and a WARP office for religious people that HWPL is pushing, and make efforts to bring the DPCW to international law.”
HWPL Busan-Gyeongnam Western Branch held the first Peace Loving New Year Conference on 18th of January. The event was organized as a time to share last year’s activity series and 2020 activity plan reports with 150 members and citizens attending.
“I sincerely thank you for being with HWPL at this time of the New Year,” said leader Kim Jung-soo, who attended the event and gave a welcoming speech. “This year, HWPL will continue to promote peace, international law, peace education, and harmony among religions for peace and war on the Korean Peninsula.
In particular, the event drew the attention of participants as a video of a celebration featuring voices on peace was shown at all levels of Afghanistan.
“Everyone in the world is partly responsible for stopping the war and bringing peace to everyone around the world,” said Wali Kabir, the head of news at Afghanistan’s state-run news agency. “It’s a great opportunity for a journalist to deliver a message of peace.
I look forward to hearing a lot of news of peace from now on.
The assassination by the US of Iran’s most powerful general, Qasem Soleimani, has caused an escalation in tensions between the two countries.
In the wake of an Iranian ballistic missile attack on air bases which house US forces in Iraq, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reiterated his call for the United States and Iran to stop the conflict and pursue peace.
President Trump’s speech after Iran’s strike
As a reaction to Iran’s strike, Donald Trump said “Iran has been the leading sponsor of terrorism, and their pursuit of nuclear weapons threatens the civilized world. We will never let that happen.
Iran’s hostilities substantially increased after the foolish Iran nuclear deal was signed in 2013, and they were given $150 billion, not to mention $1.8 billion in cash. Instead of saying “thank you” to the United States, they chanted “death to America.”
Iran must abandon its nuclear ambitions and end its support for terrorism. The time has come for the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Russia, and China to recognize this reality.
Today, I am going to ask NATO to become much more involved in the Middle East process.
Finally, to the people and leaders of Iran: We want you to have a future and a great future — one that you deserve, one of prosperity at home, and harmony with the nations of the world.”
These are just a summary of what I think is important in his speech. If you want to read the full speech, just click on the video and the link below.
UN Secretary General said “The world cannot afford Wars”
In a brief media address, Guterres said “we are living in dangerous times” worldwide as “geopolitical tensions are at their highest level this century.”
Also in a statement released by his Spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, on Monday António Guterres made a passionate appeal for peace.
His message to world leaders was simple:
UN Photo / Mark Garten / 06 January 2020
“Stop escalation. Exercise maximum restraint. Re-start dialogue”, and “renew international cooperation.”
This appeal remains as important today as it was on Monday.
For his part, the Secretary-General will continue his active engagement with relevant actors. “It is our common duty to make every effort to avoid a war in the Gulf that the world cannot afford. We must not forget the terrible human suffering caused by war. As always, ordinary people pay the highest price.“
I condemn the Iranian missile attacks on US & @coalition forces in Iraq. #NATO calls on Iran to refrain from further violence. Allies continue to consult & remain committed to our training mission in Iraq. pic.twitter.com/6PdXMZxSNB
Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary General, said like this.
The use of weapons must stop NOW to give space for dialogue. We are called upon to do everything possible to rekindle talks. There cannot be enough of that. We have established and timetested relations with many actors in the region and beyond to de-escalate the situation.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, emphasized the importance of not using weapon for dialogue. European countries such as Britain and France have also appealed for easing tensions.
I also think we can’t afford war. It’s really unclear whether our future will be a tragedy or a happy one. In fact, our daily lives begin again tomorrow. I don’t think we have many options. Forget it or fight it. I hope we risk our lives for peace.
Because peace is just as valuable, and war is too painful to be explained in words. The aftereffects are enormous. Who can be held accountable?
The Seoul and South Gyeonggi branch of International Women Peace Group (IWPG) won a thank-you medal at the 8th Annual Awards for 2019 Person of the Year. This award is given to those who shine on the Republic of Korea. It was held at the Convention Hall of Kim Gu Memorial in Yongsan on December 21.
The event was held successfully with winners from all walks of life and some 300 celebratory guests, as a meaningful occasion to look back on the year. It is to mark the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea with those who contributed to national security and peace.
Park Young-sook, president of the Korean Women’s Press Association, said, “The winners and the VIPs are opinion leaders of this era and we hope that they will become leaders who will lead the nation and serve society by building strong friendship with each other through the ceremony.”
At the event marking its 8th anniversary this year, the Seoul and South Gyeonggi of IWPG received a plaque of appreciation from the organizers in recognition of their contributions to protecting women’s rights and rights. Lee Kyu-ae, branch leader, said, “Let’s all women from around the world become one and take the lead in achieving world peace and unification of the Korean Peninsula.”
If you look at one event, you can see it more directly.
The IWPG is a global female NGO registered with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC) and the U.N. Department of Global Communications (UN DGC), actively carrying out activities to support and urge for the international law on peace, education on women’s peace, network of peace and culture around the world.
Turkey has a very diverse culture that is a blend of various elements of the Turkic, Anatolian, Ottoman and Western culture and traditions. Also, Turkey is not the only country in the world that is famous for its beautiful textiles, but only Turkey has Tulu, an amazing shop with a myriad of exceptionally colorful goods. Turkish culture is a product of efforts to be a “modern” Western state, while maintaining traditional religious and historical values.
The news of peace is also heard in Turkey, which is so beautiful.
Türk Gençler Sultanahmet’te Barış Etkinliği Düzenledi
The event took place in cooperation with the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG) and HWPL, under the leadership of the Chairman Man Hee Lee. In the event, historical beauties such as Sultanahmet and Hagia Sophia were in the middle of the square. The participants painted the Turkish flag and showed their support for the peace campaign. Turkey was also performed simultaneously with similar events in many places in the world.
Stating the importance of DPCW, the Chairman Man Hee Lee said, “DPCW represents the will of global citizens. Societies want to be at peace and to live together in peace. This declaration advocates that everyone should build peace. The DPCW’s 10 articles and 38 clauses provide the basis for the peace of all world communities.”
About Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW)
The DPCW dates back to South Korea, where 150,000 people called for and participated in the Peace Letter Campaign. The declaration focuses on resolving conflicts in many regions around the world through international cooperation. It is also stated that the implementation of international law is of critical importance for achieving world peace and spreading the culture of peace.
India is the country of the oldest religions of the world. It was home to many great Saints, yogis and high minded people from the ancient time. All religions preach Peace. So, Religiously, India is a peace loving nation.
But now, India’s rank has slipped five places to 141 among 163 countries on the Global Peace Index 2019. India, the US, China, Saudi Arabia, and Russia are the top five countries with the largest total military expenditure. Also, the score for internal conflicts fought had the highest rating at five in both India and Pakistan.
Peace most important: India after Iran warns of revenge on US for Soleimani death
India is on the brink of disaster. Increase in tensions had alarmed the world. “Peace, stability and security in this region (are) of utmost importance to India,” the External Affairs Ministry said. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that a “harsh retaliation is waiting” for the US.
Hundreds of people in Tehran, the capital of Iran, shout slogans against the United States as they stage a demonstration in the Muslim-majority region. “The axis of any evil in America, the motto of religion and the Koran is death to America,” they said in unison.
Even under these circumstances, there have always been people who strive for peace.
2014~2020: HWPL footsteps with India
In 2014, Dr. Bharti Gandhi attended the HWPL World Peace Summit and signed the World Alliance of Religions Agreement as a representative Bahaism. Since then, she has been actively working and cooperating with HWPL.
On the 16th World Peace Tour, HWPL Chairman Man Hee Lee attended the International Conference of Chief Justices of the World held in the City Montessori School of India, a school ran by Dr. Bharti Gandhi and her husband, Dr. Jagdish Gandhi. Chairman Lee has been maintaining a close relationship with them for peace.
In 2018, the City Montessori School signed an MOU with HWPL for Peace Education, and they began to implement HWPL’s Peace Education which marked the beginning of a new phase in their peace work.
In 2019, about 4,000 students from the City Montessori School organized the Legislate Peace project which supports the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), and many HWPL members were in attendance. The City Montessori School asked HWPL to teach them how to embody the spirit of peace culture and cultural performances; afterward, the school’s staff visited South Korea and learned about the cultural performances of the World Peace Summit.
In 2019, the 20th International Conference of Chief Justices of the World was held in the City Montessori School from November 6 to 12. The City Montessori School learned how to organize a World Peace Summit parade and held a cultural performance of peace. Greatly impressed and inspired by the performance, chief justices and political leaders were introduced to HWPL and the DPCW, and they promised to take part in HWPL’s peace movement. The culture of peace, which gathered the hearts of distinguished leaders around the world as one, proved that it is the answer to achieve peace.
In 2019, on November 11, HWPL Religious Peace and Harmony was held and brought harmony among religious leaders in India. At this event, religious leaders of Buddhism, Hinduism, the Catholic Church, Islam, Jainism, Sikhism, and Bahaism from Lucknow attended and discussed the issue of peace and harmony among religions.
Dr. Jagdish Gandhi, the Founder of the City Montessori School, notably emphasized that all religions are one. The presider was Mr. Manu Singh, the Chairman of Sarva Dharma Samvaad, and religious leaders from each religious group signed the World Alliance of Religions Agreement.
What comes to your mind when you think about your school days? What did you do? I think all I did was eating, studying and playing with my friends.
Let’s take a look at what these 80 students have done.
DPCW Article 10 : Spreading the Culture of Peace
To celebrate United Nations Day, 24 October, students of Bethel Knox paraded in a variety of costumes representing different cultures and nations. Paraders dressed in respective national dresses marched and chanted, “Spread the culture of peace,” the title of the 10th article of the DPCW, stirring air of hope amongst the audience for a world united with peace.
There is a reason why this is more meaningful. The Philippines has a history of many conflicts and wars. So people have a longing for peace in their hearts. These are expressed in children’s pure behavior. What happens when these kids grow up? Will the world change?
Philippines is changing
Bethel Knox students recently started taking the HWPL Peace Education program, and their faces gleamed with excitement and anticipation for a future of peace throughout the event. Bethel Knox is offering the HWPL Peace Education program to inspire students with the spirit of peace and nurture future peace activists.
Peace Education is set to serve as a building block to bring people of diverse ethnicities and cultures together to call for peace. Students who finish the Peace Education courses will become the beacon of a brighter and more peaceful future.
After the parade, students presented dance performances to celebrate “a day of marching toward peace,” followed by a multicultural feast with international cuisines including a boodle fight, a traditional Filipino meal.
I hope that this will serve as an opportunity to think about what we can do about peace. 🙂 Supporting DPCW is one way.
