On December 30, the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG) France Branch hosted the second IPYG “Peace and Me” Forum in Paris, France. Many youth in Paris learned about IPYG and IPYG’s determination for peace through the first forum, which was held in October. Many requested for a second forum, and this event successfully brought people from all walks of life together.
The forum began with “High Hopes”, a special dance performance by the IPYG members, and was proceeded by a live talk show, a discussion panel, and a dinner banquet for networking. The live talk show was on the topic of “Education is the Passport to the Future”.
The live talk show’s special guests were Etienne Lemaire, the France coordinator of Plan des jeunes, an international youth group, and two members of the group, Sabrina Touati and Raphaëlle Tanoh. The guests introduced their organizations and activities, and shared their plans for the next year. Plan des jeunes actively holds activities to raise awareness for gender equality in the educational field and it described what kind of education is necessary in current society and what France’s educational system needs to grow further.
Non-governmental organizations, including GRAD Guinée, Association Jeunesse Bara, Association Jeunesse de Madihawaya et Moussala, and fédération des travailleurs africains en France et en Europe were also in attendance and agreed that peace should be fulfilled through education and that it is crucial that children and youth, who are our future leaders, learn about peace. It was also mentioned that peace education is very much needed within Africa as well.
The “Peace and Me” Forum is a platform for youth organizations, big and small, within Paris to share their activities and to create networks among each other. The students showed their maturity throughout the event by taking responsibility for a peaceful future by expressing their thoughts on a peaceful world for the future generations. Many are hopeful that the students in France will continue their peace activities next year as well.
It’s a great pleasure for peace-loving friends to get together so voluntarily. Let’s all speak one voice! We are a small force but we can change the world.
I’m living happily these days. Because it is a university vacation!
These days, I am very interested in startups and AI, and I am happy to read a lot of books. And I recently paid for Netflix, too!
Let’s talk a little bit later, and a letter arrived. Shall we read it together?
Dear family of peace around the globe
I am Man Hee Lee, Chairman of Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL).
A hopeful, new morning of the year 2020 has come.
With all sincerity, I wish all family of peace a Happy New Year filled with hopes and blessings.
Over the past year, we have accomplished together more than any other year for the realization of peace and harmony. All the outcomes would not have been possible without your dedication and hard work for the global community and future generations despite the difficult circumstances. Once again, I humbly thank everyone for working together.
Dear family of peace,
HWPL will do its utmost to make 2020 a year of great leaps toward peace. The 10 articles and 38 clauses of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), a solution for peace, are awaiting submission to the UN General Assembly. To realize a peaceful world without war through international law, please become a messenger of peace, transcending nationality, ideology, and religion. Please introduce the DPCW and urge support for it. With its family of peace, HWPL is creating an eternal legacy of peace and cessation of war for generations to come.
The year 2020 will be a year that goes down in history.
Our wishes and efforts for the global community and future generations will become a great light that shines on the whole world. The waves of peace will cover the world, and the culture of peace that we have planted will blossom and yield great fruits. At the news of such peace, all creation and even the nature will rejoice and dance.
HWPL’s peace messengers and I myself will run at the forefront. I ask for your support and cooperation in the work of peace. With one heart and one mind, let us make 2020 a year of taking a quantum leap toward peace. We are one!
Yours sincerely,
Man Hee Lee, Chairman of Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light
Australia is the world’s 6th largest country by area. Due to its large size and isolation from the rest of the world, Australia is sometimes known as the ‘island continent’. The largest cities in Australia are Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. A desert area known as the ‘outback’ covers much of the land. (Ref)
And the Great Barrier Reef is the largest eco-system in the world. The wind of peace is blowing in Australia, where the natural scenery and big cities are excellent.
Sydney, “Peace Heroes of History” Conference
8th of September, 2019, Sydney held its Peace Conference “Peace Heroes of History.” The Peace Conference had three sub-sections, and began by celebrating and paying tribute to the work of revolutionary peace heroes the world has seen in the past, such as Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela and Imam Hussein.
The next segment showcased the incessant work of peace icons, global spiritual leaders and peace activists of today, such as the 14th Dalai Lama, Thich Nhat Hanh and Man Hee Lee, Chairman, HWPL. The final section focused on the future and explored the next steps for peace. They discussed how to establish the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), and what role each layer can play for peace.
Melbourne, all-day ‘Peace, Harmony and Environmental Sustainability’ peace fair
HWPL Melbourne & IPYG have hosted several peace activities in the last 5 years, in the Melbourne CBD, St Kilda, City of Port Phillip, Manningham and White Horse, including city clean-up drive, tree planting volunteer work, youth peace walks and Youth Ethnic Sports – YES for Peace, monthly WARP office interfaith dialogue forums.
Brisbane, a flash-mob dance in Queens Garden
Based on the 10th Article of the DPCW, Spreading a Culture of Peace, members of the community and several peace organizations came together to dance on the theme “Make Your Mark”, to encourage members of the society to begin taking definitive steps for peace.
I think that the present peace has been achieved because there is someone who is trying for peace. We are perhaps standing on the shoulders of many people. First of all, I would like to thank HWPL Australia for trying to make peace, and this is not just happening in Australia.
With a worldwide phenomenon, no one can stop the enormous flow of peace. We can do it! You can do it! We are one!
The 5th International Religious Leaders Conference was held at TheK Hotel in Seoul, South Korea on 19 September. Over 1,300 people including religious leaders were in attendance at the conference which was a part of the 2019 World Peace Summit. HWPL is hosting HWPL World Alliance of Religions Peace (WARP) Office meetings and Religion Peace Camps around the world.
It’s time to show their achievements and search for ways of improvement. It’s not visible, but the world has changed a lot. If you want to see more specific?
HWPL Chairman Man Hee Lee encouraged other religious leaders to join the HWPL WARP Office meetings by saying “let us gather and compare scriptures to fulfill our goal. We need a common standard to compare scriptures. You have to judge for yourself. Religions cannot achieve harmony until we have a common understanding of scriptures. HWPL WARP Office meetings must do this.”
Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) has been registered with the United Nations and is now Special Consultative Status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and associated with the UN Department of Global Communications (DGC).
HWPL has 170 branches, 158 advisors, 506 publicity ambassadors and over 200,000 volunteers worldwide. HWPL makes worldwide efforts to eliminate war, and is known as the most accomplished NGO in the short run among peace organizations.
Suwon World Cup Stadium (Big Bird)
Built in 2001, the Suwon World Cup Stadium (수원월드컵경기장) is a football stadium in the South Korean city of Suwon. People call it Bigbird because when seen from above, the stadium looks like a bird.
Location: 456, Uman-dong, Paldal-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
Capacity: 43,959
Field size: 425,000 m² (site) 66,595 m² (floorage)
Mr. Man Hee Lee, Chairman of HWPL, proclaimed a message of peace filled with passion through his opening speech by saying “Five years ago, at the WARP Summit, Political leaders pledged to work towards an international legal document for peace and cessation of war, religious leaders pledged to achieve the alliance of religions, and heads of various organizations pledged to urge for the completion of this work.
We are working to keep that promise now. The event is held at the same time in many countries around the world. These efforts will shine in the history of the world and we must be united to achieve the promised purpose (of peace). Let the DPCW be presented and passed to the UN General Assembly as international law of peace. We Are One!”
In particular, events are being held simultaneously in 110 countries, including Korea. Despite the over 10 billion won cost to prepare for the event, the stadium’s action to cancel such events seems to be really problematic.
Also, my friend who was watching at the scene was also very uncomfortable. The sound of loudspeakers from outside the stadium and constant criticism of HWPL events have inconvenienced the 50,000 spectators inside the stadium.
Due to the act of the group shouting outside the stadium, She could not hear well the speech that was conducted inside the stadium, especially the electronic boards installed on the left and right sides of the stadium were turned off, and it was very sad that She could not see the event as a video such as the card section that showed off the event.
In order for peace to be achieved, I think the level of our culture should be higher. Next time, I expect to have a mature culture, not to disturb the peace event.
Under the theme, Expanding 3.7 Billion Women’s Network for Support and Advocacy of the DPCW and Peaceful Unification of the Korean Peninsula, approximately 1,000 women from home and abroad attended the 2019 International Women’s Peace Conference.
IWPG Chairwoman Hyun Sook Yoon gave a speech which highlighted the important role given to the 3.7 billion women around the world. She urged women to take an active role as peace advocates along with the IWPG.
“Although we couldn’t be part of the independence movement, now we can be part of the peace movement — the greatest cause of our time, which can lead to the cessation of wars and a peaceful unification of the Korean Peninsula. Why shouldn’t we be the ones who protect the lives of our children and prevent any more lost lives? I ask you to send a call to action to the presidents of your respective countries so that they will sign in support of the DPCW and bring forth global peace and the cessation of war. Let your fellow citizens also see that the 10 articles and 38 clauses of the DPCW embody the solution for peace. Help encourage them to support the DPCW as you do and put the nation on track to becoming a leading country in peace works.”
Giani Harpreet Singh Ji Jathedar (Head), from Sri Akal Takht Sahib urged all to look past religions and beliefs and become one to achieve peace by saying, “I, on behalf of all the Sikhs of the world, give my good wishes to HWPL for attainment of their noble objectives for DPCW to be submitted to the UN General Assembly as a draft resolution and to become a legally binding instrument. Through the World Alliance of Religions’ Peace Office meetings, Religious leaders are discussing the spirit of peace written in scriptures to step forward onto the road of world peace.”
2019 World Peace Summit: 5th Anniversary of the WARP Summit
This peace festival was held at Suwon World Cup Stadium (Korea) and was broadcast live to a worldwide audience. And “Legislate Peace” Campaign was conducted in 113 countries, 166 locations, 211 events. [138 countries participated] I certainly recommend seeing it in person. Because knowing and feeling are very different. Especially, I recommend you see the IPYG Card Section and Media Facade.
IPYG Card Section and Media Facade at the 2019 World Peace Summit ❤❤
Mr. Man Hee Lee, Chairman of HWPL, proclaimed a message of peace filled with passion through his opening speech by saying “Five years ago, at the WARP Summit, Political leaders pledged to work towards an international legal document for peace and cessation of war, religious leaders pledged to achieve the alliance of religions, and heads of various organizations pledged to urge for the completion of this work. We are working to keep that promise now. The event is held at the same time in many countries around the world. These efforts will shine in the history of the world and we must be united to achieve the promised purpose (of peace). Let the DPCW be presented and passed to the UN General Assembly as international law of peace. We Are One!”
It is the result of 6,000 young people’s effort without any cost. Actually, it’s even more wonderful to see in person. The history of the Korean Peninsula can be seen at a glance from the founding of the country. It also gives an answer to how peace can be achieved.
Card Section may be called “Card Stunts.” In Wikipedia, card stunts are a planned, coordinated sequence of actions performed by an audience. If so many people cannot be united, it cannot be achieved. So, I think it’s more valuable. I recommend you to see it for yourself!
Media Facade – 2019WorldPeaceSummit
It is a technique of projection mapping. It is a projection technique used to turn objects, often irregularly shaped, into a display surface for video projection. I want to call it a “feast of light embroidered in the sky.”
This media facade focused the introduction of HWPL. I think It has many meanings. It is the most beautiful scene I have ever seen. There is no need for a long explanation. You have to see it for yourself!
We will take a look at the 2019 peace activities of IWPG. Families of peace around the world gathered at the 2019 World Peace Summit. IWPG Network has united 3.7 billion women worldwide as one. IWPG strengthened solidarity of peace across borders, race, and religions. In the 2019 International Women’s Peace Conference, the activities of IWPG in each country over the past year was shared and future directions were discussed.
Who is true hero of the world? Marvel? DC? Nope. You and Me who support DPCW
Around 500 influential people from 41 countries participated in the 2018 International Women’s Peace Conference.
“2018 Former and Current First Ladies International Peace Forum” was held. Women leaders who are born again as leaders of peace will take the lead in advocating and promoting DPCW for a peace international law.
The IWPG World Peace Conference—Harmony, Communication, and Peace with the 3.7 Billion Women in the World—attracted attention with the thousands of women participants and high quality events.
IWPG branches are being established throughout the world where women are hungry for peace. During the year 2019, 8 branches in 5 countries were established.
In March 2019, the first IWPG PR center was established. Here, as promised to future generations, we will educate peace and convey the value of true love.
IWPG attended the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in March 2019 and established its position as an international women’s organization. The 10 article and 38 clauses of the DPCW was promoted through various events prepared during CSW. Activities were held to support and promote the DPCW.
The IWPG is conducting a handwritten letter of peace campaign to urge political leaders from different countries to agree to support DPCW and to enact an international law. The Handwritten Letters of Peace has been published as a compilation of letters. It is being delivered to foreign ministers and heads of state of respective countries through the ambassadors of 191 countries.
IWPG Chairwoman said “we declare April 26th as the ‘International Women’s Day of Peace’ so that we can gather the hearts of 3.7 billion women around the world today for the realization of world peace and to eternally remember this day. We also support and urge the DPCW, the key to world peace and a peace international law, and have united women to be the messengers of peace in a new age.”
“IWPG Peace Lecturer Training” allows women around the world to learn and practice the spirit of peace. In 2019 there are 83 graduates from 12 countries around the world and about 200 students from 50 countries around the world.
In 2020, the IWPG’s walk of peace for the cessation of war will continue to be stronger.
“The noble motherhood of women is the strongest force and the answer to peace that protects children from war and leads mankind into a world of peace. Because half of the world’s population is women with the potential for peace, we can turn humanity into a peaceful world without war.
(…) 3.7 billion women from all over the world, and women from South Korea! I ask you to be the main force of peace with IWPG. Let’s add the wisdom we have accumulated and use the expertise we have worked for to make sure that peace is complete in this age of life. If your passion, 3.7 billion women, and the explosive power of youth add to the wisdom of the chairman Man Hee Lee, war will surely disappear in this world. We are one! Thank you.”
The highlight of IWPG is the 2019 International Women’s Peace Conference. The conference was hosted under the theme of “Extending the Network of 3.7 Billion Women to Urge and Support the DPCW and for the Peaceful Unification of the Korean Peninsula”. #DPCW#IWPGpic.twitter.com/dhtawGrTyW
Also, the Chairman Man Hee Lee of HWPL said “Shouldn’t we have a list of all the global women’s groups at the IWPG headquarters? Who should work? As you’ve seen, they’re all in HWPL. Former and incumbent presidents are appointed as peace advisers in our HWPL, including Supreme Court justices, National Assembly speakers, and university presidents. How strong we are!
We can do it, right? I just told you, if you had something like this, there’s nothing you can’t do, right? Isn’t that right? It’s greater than making tens of thousands of nukes, right? It’s more powerful. Let’s be one of you and try to bring the whole world into the IWPG and make peace together. I hope so. Thank you.”
“Thank you all for coming to the 2019 International Youth Peace Conference from afar.
IPYG currently works with about 5 million young people, 851 organizations in 111 countries around the world. The number 111 countries is a lot, right? There are active IPYG youth in more than half of the world.
So every morning when I wake up, there are so many different contacts from all over the world. He said, “I held a peace festival in my country yesterday,” and sent me a video of citizens dancing together. Another said “One thousand college students wrote a Peace Letter together. I’m so happy. I’m going to deliver this to the Chief Justice.”
And sometimes there are many heartbreaking stories. One of the IPYG’s overseas programs is a conference call for youth groups from around the world. There’s a head of a youth organization in Sierra Leone who has to attend it, and he can’t be reached until the day. So I called the local side in a hurry, and it turned out that there was a big flood in the country. “Oh, this is a big deal.” An ominous foreboding hit me. And the next day, a message came from Sierra Leone with a video. “There was a flood in our country yesterday. My house and school are full of water. We lost our place to live. Pray for us.”
Another time, we’re going to have a video conference to plan a youth culture program in Syria, and the head of the Syrian organization won’t be in the meeting. I haven’t been able to reach you for a few days, and a photo and a message arrived. It said that the civil war broke out. His house burned down, many friends were shot to death, and only he lived. I’ve been speechless for a while.
What is IPYG doing?
First, it’s a “Peace Walk.” Every year on May 25, the anniversary of the “Declaration of World Peace” proclaimed by the chairman of HWPL, Mr.Man Hee Lee, young people from all over the world hold a walking event. Young people march through the streets and shout “Legislate Peace.” It means, “Let’s make peace into law, we need a law to achieve peace.”
Second, it is a “Peace Letter Campaign.” Young people all over the world are writing handwritten letters to their presidents. In fact, many leaders have responded. So far, more than 20 national leaders from 17 countries have responded in support of the youth’s activities, including the U.S. President’s.
“First of all, I would like to appreciate to the Chairman of HWPL, Mr. Man Hee Lee as well as IPYG for giving me the chance to be here. My name is Aung Myint Thu who is a Myanmar youth as an earnest supporter of world peace as well as the unification of the Korean peninsula. Just as conflicts are happening in many places around the world, so are the regions where I was born. Most of young people can’t go to school when the war is occurred.
What will happen to the children in the future? They finally can’t receive the proper education and thousands of dreams will disappear. This experience has taught me how terrible war is and how to destroy a generation. Few years ago, I was in real war refugee and assigned to the particular refugee camp.
In there, I started an education activity for the youths and was working as an educator in a school of immigrant. In order to support youths from the region, I have set up the “Manaung Youth Networking Group” as the organization’s executive director in the year of 2011.
Here’s the youth, at the beginning of HWPL’s peace activity. The Chairman of HWPL, Mr. Man Hee Lee was the veteran of the Korean War in 1950 when he was a student. When the war occurs, students and young people are many of sacrificed and killed without power. Nothing can compensate for the lives of young people like flowers.
Therefore, Chairman Lee said he promised to build the peaceful world so that the war would not repeat itself, considering fallen comrades. I was greatly impressed by his motivation, passion and his steady practical ability for peace. Last year, when I attended the 4th Annual Commemoration of the September 18th World Alliance of Religions’ Peace Summit, he asked a favor to young people from all over the world.
Chairman Lee asked us to work with the country’s youth and students for peace as One. When I listened he’s speech and IPYG’s activities, I thought, “Yes, this is what I’ve dreamed of.” And I decided to be the peace messenger. As the result, I went back to Myanmar and I built a school for young people called “Plus/Positive Change Maker.”
After this event, I will return to my school as principal, and implement the IPYG’s peace education curriculum. This curriculum targets youths from elementary school students to under 35 years of age. They will receive about 7 months of basic education include specialization course.
Through the IPYG’s peace education curriculum, Young people properly will recognize themselves as decision makers of the future. And youths realize their empowerment into positive way for peace. Furthermore, I’ll do my utmost to try that peace education and the culture of peace activities will apply throughout Myanmar by signing MOU between HWPL and schools which were carried out the IPYG’s peace education curriculum.
The aim of IPYG’s vision is that youths should become a main part of peace to prevent any conflicts from occurring and to attain peace in the long run. Now, Let us begin with IPYG! WE ARE ONE!