These are the speeches given by the many presidents who passionately spoke regarding their support of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) and some of the important methods for its adoption to the UN at the 2018 HWPL World Peace Summit.
H.E. Samuel Sam Sumana, Former Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, said “Speaking out against inequality and social injustices during his Rivonia Trial on 20 April 1964, Nelson Mandela stated ‘I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live and achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.’
Your Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, the “Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War‟ could not have come at a better time than this. Let me take this opportunity to thank Chairman Man Hee Lee for this brilliant, timely and history making initiative. The world will always remain grateful. Thank you Sir.
Your Excellencies, for this declaration to leave its footprints on the sands of time, make a positive difference in the lives of ordinary people, take hope where there is despair, promote love where there is hate, it has to be owned and led by national and local actors in every country across the world. A bottom-up approach has to be employed to get states and their citizens buy into, own and lead the process.
To ensure this, a set of people committed to global peace and security have to be mobilized to constructively engage members states in ensuring that this declaration is adopted by the United Nations. However, the essence of this declaration should not be limited to its adoption by the UN but rather to help transform mind-sets and change the conversations and narratives around global peace and security.
Countries adopting the declaration have the moral responsibility to engage its citizens and global actors on the inextricable links between global peace and security and the respect for human rights, the rule of law and human dignity. The secretariat of the DPCW should also establish platforms through which dialogue, synergy and harmonization of efforts would be promoted at the Inter-governmental, national and local levels.
We should not fail in this drive, we have to succeed and we must succeed. I therefore call on all global political and religious leaders across the world, to do their utmost to ensure the adoption of the 10 Articles and the 38 Clauses of the Declaration, at the United Nations.”
On January 21, 2019, the historic referendum was held. It was expected this BOL plebiscite could see peace come to the island group after 50 years of unrest. This vote asks the residents whether creating a new self-administered region known as Bangsamoro (BARMM) or not. The government thinks it could bring a peaceful resolution to the Mindanao conflict, which has claimed more than 150,000 lives since the 1970s.
President Rodrigo Duterte, who was mayor of the Mindanao city of Davao before he took office, formally signed the Bangsamoro Organic Law in July 2018. That is why a referendum is being held. Now, President Rodrigo R. Duterte considers Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari as someone who can help in resolving the conflict in Mindanao.
Once the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) takes effect, the island of Mindanao will have an autonomous Muslim government with legislation, administrative and fiscal power. However, the power of national defense, foreign affairs, and monetary policies is left to the central government. The Philippines government expects the establishment of a Bangsamoro self-governing region to maintain a peace regime while suppressing the expansion of Islamic extremists.
A total of 2.8 million registered for the Bangsamoro plebiscite, with 2.17 million in the provinces and cities covered by the January 21 polls. If the “yes” vote wins, then a second plebiscite is set on February 6 in six Lanao del Norte towns and in 67 villages in North Cotabato, where more than 600,000 voters registered.
Road to Peacebuilding in Philippine Mindanao : Past 4 years
Despite the opposition of one governor of the Sulu Islands, the BOL has been praised by the United Nations, the European Union, the U.S. and Japan as “welcome” and “groundbreaking.”
The BOL’s momentum was created in March 2014 when the government and MILF signed the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), which serves as the basis of the draft BOL.
The MILF officially said “The BOL has been the fruit of peace negotiations for 17 years, and it is the result of efforts by various people and outstanding legal experts in the four-year term.”
It was signed by the President Rodrigo Duterte on 26 July 2018.
“Korean Peace Leader,” the hidden hero of peace in Mindanao
As the news of the end of the civil war spread, the Korean peace leader, Man hee Lee, who visited the scene of a dispute at the age of 84 four years ago, is drawing attention again.
On January 24, 2014, at the request of the Philippines` archbishop, Mr. Man hee Lee was visiting Mindanao to end the civil war. The Chairman Lee found that the cause of the Mindanao conflict was a religious conflict between Catholic and Islamic nations, and led a civilian peace agreement. This scene was reported through the Philippines’ state-run PTV and private media.
On June 25, the day after this peacebuilding news of HWPL was delivered to the Philippine government and the Islamic military. On this day, the Philippine government and the Mori-Slam Liberation Front have signed an annex document to recognize the Islamic autonomy of the Bangsamoro and to disarm up to 10,000 people. Accordingly, the two sides prepared detailed bills and signed an official peace agreement in March that year. In June 2015, the actual arms return of the MILF was carried out.
On 24 January 2016, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) held an unveiling ceremony for the Monument to the Declaration of World Peace located in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao Province. To commemorate the historical Mindanao Peace Agreement mediated by Chairman Lee of HWPL, Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim of MILF also decided to designate January 24th of every year as ‘HWPL Day’.
Over 10,000 people from communities in Sultan Kudarat participated in the ceremony. Hon. Al haj Murad Ebrahim, Chairman of MILF said “Today, where people are suffering from wars and conflicts, all leaders of diverse sectors including politics and religions, are taking part in the peace movements of HWPL by implementing an international law on cessation of wars and world peace, and establishing the HWPL World Alliance of Religions’ Peace (WARP) Office, as a follow-up on the pledges they made before God and all people.
Peace is not a matter confined to a single person but to every individual. Therefore anyone who is part of this global family must all become messengers of peace. Let us all participate and become the messengers of peace to pass on peace as an eternal legacy for the future generations!”
Also, the 30th World Peace Tour of Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light or HWPL, will be held in Philippine Sports Stadium in Bocaue, Bulacan on February 15, 2019. The 30,000 participants in Region 3 including social representatives in the Philippines and international peace activists will going to attend the peace summit.
To support Peace Building, the 30th World Peace Tour are organized by the Volunteer Individuals for Peace (VIP) by Dr. Ronald Adamat, CHED’s Commissioner and Mr. Man Hee Lee, Chairman of HWPL.
Chairman Man Hee Lee of HWPL, signed the MOA on peace education with 127 schools in 9 countries including the Philippines, etc. The Commissioner Ronald L. Adamat of the CHED, who proposed MOA to HWPL, expressed hope for HWPL peace education by saying “Children easily imitate war through toys like war weapons, but they don’t know how to play and imitate peace. Promoting peace education through the CHED will affect many Philippine educational institutions and play a crucial role in promoting peace in the Philippines.”
Even if the BOL passes the referendum, there are many challenges facing the path toward a peaceful settlement of Mindanao. For example, disarmament of rebels following the end of the civil war is a controversial issue. A representative case of rebels being incorporated into the government at the end of the civil war is found in Nepal. Nepal suffered greatly due to strong opposition from the previous government and political circles in the process.
How does the Philippines cope with this crisis? I don’t know well, but I think this controversial issue will be expected to be discussed at the peace summit of the 30th World Peace Tour. This is because the Article 1, 2 of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) details the disarmament. Also, through Peace Education of HWPL, the wind of peace will blow in all Mindanao, Philippines.
DPCW Article 1 – Prohibition of the threat or use of force
2. States should refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of military force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations Charter or international law in general.
DPCW Article 2 – War potential
3. States should take measures to ensure that existing weapons of mass destruction, weapons capable of causing widespread and unnecessary suffering and weapons incompatible with international humanitarian law are gradually dismantled or destroyed. States should cooperate in disarmament and the reduction of arms stockpiles, ideally under international supervision. Decommissioned weapons manufacturing facilities should be repurposed, so that they may serve purposes that are beneficial to humanity in general.
4. States should strive to reduce excessive standing armies and military bases.
On January 19, 2019, The 2nd HWPL Gwangju Jeonnam Branch’s ‘Religious Dialogue Table’ was held in Gwangju, Korea. The lecturer Lee of the Shincheonji church, the pastor Gang of the Presbyterian Church and the pastor Gi of the Presbyterian Church discussed very important things in the Bible for religious reconciliation. And other two pastors attended this dialogue. The dialogue table was exciting from the start, and the citizens were all focused on this moment with their desire for peace.
Let me introduce you briefly about the HWPL. The Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), an international NGO affiliated with the UN DPI and ECOSOC, continues peace and public-interest projects to provide peace education for the end of war and peace. And the World Alliance of Religions’ Peace (WARP) Office of HWPL gathered 2,500 religious leaders for religious reconciliation. The religious leaders including Christianity, Confucianism, Sikhism, and others, are participating in 200 cities.
In Korea, the WARP Office was operated in Seoul, Incheon and Gwangju through the Religious Dialogue Table of Seoul Station. Their purpose is not to reason for the fallacy of doctrines, but to practice the love of Christianity.
The host of the WARP Office said “Interest in peaceful reunification in 2019 is rising. As the times go by, more and more pastors are taking steps and joining in for peaceful dialogue. Now, religious people should try to leave peace as a legacy for future generations. Religious people should be able to discuss right and wrong and pass on beautiful culture to future generations.”
Theme 1 : “When is the last times? What will be the sign of the end of the age?” (NIV)
The topic of the dialogue is two things at a time and each one is given seven minutes.
The pastor Gang of the Presbyterian Church said “I think the last times is ‘when the war on the land is over’. The sign of the end of the age is that each one beat oneself. It is the war. We should abandon jealousy, envy, jealousy, arrogance and greed. Furthermore, I believe that this debate culture is God’s desire. We have to be one, spiritually, beyond the denominations.”
Regarding this, the pastor Gi of the Presbyterian Church said “This Dialogue Table is where other people learn what is good and throw away the wrong thing by revealing what we know. The English Bible refers to ‘the last times’ as ‘days’. So, it is not one day. The last times are many days. We should look at the original Bible, such as the English Bible and Greek version. The era we live in is the ‘end of the age’. It’s a matter of how much we feel. I always lives with care, because I don’t know when Jesus will come.”
The lecturer Lee of the Shincheonji church said “Most of the world’s people and pastors who misunderstand the Bible are saying that ‘the last times’ is the end of the world. Jesus said on Matthew 22:29 that “you are in error because you do not the Scriptures or the power of God.” As God said in the Bible, the last times is to judge the corrupt generation and create a new one when one era is corrupt. The signs of the end of the age are detailed in Matthew 24, 2 Thessalonians 2 and The Book of Revelations of St. John. In order to know the signs of the end of the age, we must know who the rebels predicted in the Bible are and who the man doomed to destruction are.”
The theme 2, “Which two kingdoms will fight in the end of the age in Chapter 24 of the Gospel of Matthew?” (NIV) was followed.
The 2nd HWPL Gwangju Jeonnam Branch’s Religious Dialogue Table
Lastly, the host of the WARP Office said “Do you know ‘Butterfly Effect’? A small difference makes a big difference. Our gathering at this time can be a starting point for peace in the world as well as for peace in religion. The God is the God of peace and the God of life. As the bible says, we, who believe in God today, should do the work of peace. Let’s become the messengers of peace and establish a beautiful culture of faith in which we communicate peacefully with each other in peace.”
And finally, the panels are saying how they feel. The pastor Gang said “I think this meeting is really beautiful and God is with us. Korean pastors who are watching this must repent. We, pastors, must really try to lead believers to God.” The pastor Gi said “We must all abandon our vested interests and come before Jesus. And we should welcome Jesus. Few people can throw away their own. We must do it.”
Lastly, the lecturer Lee said “Why is the Book of John’s Important? The Revelation 22:18-19 said ‘If anyone adds something or takes words away from this book, God will add to him the plagues described in this book.’ You should know through the Bible what kind of shepherd I believe. And if it’s done, I want you to go and check and believe.”
One citizen said “It is amazing that the pastors from different denominations can meet and communicate with each other about bible and peace. I think peace and harmony of religions can be achieved as we continue to do this work.”
The WARP Office is active all over the world. For example, The 4th HWPL Intercontinental Online WARP Office Meeting was held on 8th of Dec, 2018. If you want to know more, read my posting, below.
On September, 2018, the Peace Education Development Forum for Global Advancement was held. The Peace Education Project, which is one of the core initiatives of HWPL, was initially proposed as a groundbreaking way to achieve the realization of Article 10, “Spreading a Culture of Peace”, of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW). As a result, 164 schools in 12 countries have signed MOUs with HWPL.
On this day, ministers and vice ministers representing the Ministries of Education in Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Guatemala and Iraq signed an MOA with HWPL and 30 schools in nine countries also signed an MOU simultaneously.
Chairman Lee of HWPL stressed the mission of global families to implement peace education: “This world is not only for adults but also for young children. War and conflict should no longer occur for children who are born in the future. There is a saying, “If the water above is pure, the water below will be pure”. Everyone in the global village should become a messenger of peace. Then our children will see the peaceful environment and learn from it naturally. If we walk all the way to peace together, the children who are born will also walk along the path of peace together, and peace will automatically be passed down as a legacy to future generations. There is no use in passing down a world of conflict.”
He also added, “Everyone has biological parents, but those who create their hearts are educators. I sincerely plea for educators to take the lead in creating a world of peace,” enlightening the educators who conduct peace education.
The Chairman Man hee Lee is a really powerful messenger of peace. It is why 3.6 billion Women and 1.8 billion Youth support him. Everything is up to you!
All peace-loving people are here. What do you think peace is? No matter what country you live in, peace is important. No one wants war. People who think war is a necessary evil cannot help shed tears once they lose their families by war.
It’s not just self-satisfaction. And it’s not just that others are pity. An average person can think of that idea enough. And there is enough doubt about what I can do. But with one leading people, we are confident that peace will be achieved.
He is the Chairman Man hee Lee of HWPL. Who is he?
HWPL Supporters ONE peace quotes
One supporter said “When I saw Chairman Lee of HWPL I thought it was truly amazing. I thought to myself, ‘Where in that small body does the power to carry out the peace movement alongside so many people and the world come from?’ Hearing Chairman Lee’s speech I felt his passionate heart and thought that ‘he is doing the work of peace with a sincere love for all humanity’. I thought that it was a very good thing to be participating in the HWPL Supporters ONE and doing these peace activities.”
“I was also reassured by hearing the speech and congratulatory messages from the former and current presidents (more info) that had come from all over the world. When I thought that all these prominent figures from all walks of life are supporting the peace activities that I am also participating in, such as emphasizing the need for peace and the reunification of the Korean Peninsula, it felt like a genuine diplomatic effort. I now have a strong desire to work together in advocating for the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) to be adopted by the United Nations.”
What did you feel while living today? I wish you to feel that you can achieve peace. Let’s take a look at what he felt when he went to the 918 WARP Summit.
“Above all, I thought that it is truly possible for people to live together so peacefully. Seeing all the people from different races, nations, religions and cultures enter while holding hands was heartwarming. I felt as though everyone watching was witnessing a scene of a peaceful world where everyone was able to dance together and enjoy themselves, which was made possible through the values of peace. I saw the hope that world peace is actually possible.”
On 28th November, the ad about ‘coercive conversion’ was put in the New York Times. This is the second time the advertisement was put following last time. As I said last time, it was just something that happened in Korea at first. And why could it be quieter? Because there was a force to shut this case down. As I said before, this power is the Christian Council of Korea (CCK). Pastors? You can think that ‘Why would a pastor do this? Is it real?’
Because their crimes are revealed. If you think about what is already happening (ex Religious Me Too movement), you can feel it.
But her friends told and told her story all over the world. They didn’t give up for anything. Even when the presidential petition with more than 100,000 people suddenly disappeared, even when the government and the Korean press don’t respond, they don’t give up. Because there are 1,000 victims like her and she’ll be watching from the sky. That means there are more than 1,000 people like her who suffocated by coercive conversion.
Human rights activists and foreign media around the world stand up for human rights
From January to March 2018, there were demonstrations in memory of her around the world. However, the government and the Korean media remained silent. Nothing has changed in a year. If she was watching the situation now, she would have shed tears of blood.
Under these sorrowful circumstances, the New York Times started to help her. When the New York Times, one of the most influential media in the United States, put the ad, so many people stand up for human rights. Human rights activists and foreign media around the world have really helped.
Did you know that there is a sad story here? After hearing this unfortunate news, Ms. Jenifer (New York) began a fund-raising campaign through the GoFundMe. The sad news is that Ms. Jennifer, who started the fundraiser, died of cancer and the Jennifer’s family took the money to run an ad in the New York Times. Because it is her wish.
The 1st Memorial Ceremony for the victim of Coercive Conversion Programs, Ji-in Gu
The 1st Memorial Ceremony for the victim of Coercive Conversion Programs, Ji-in Gu, ‘Remember Gu Ji In, Bloom as a flower of peace’ was held on 6th of Jan. 2019. (Sun) Noon. (UTC +9)
Countless people around the world are mourning her and representing her voice. If you want to know more, my other postings will help you. It will continue until the Korean government and the media admit their mistakes and enact the law against coercive conversion programs! This means that the Christian Council of Korea (CCK) will collapse.
Please help the victims like her. We need your help. Share it on your SNS and join the #Remember_Gu campaign.
HWPL Supporters ONE started an online promotion service from September 1, 2018 in order to make the peace activities of HWPL and other news of peace widely known around the world.
While the performance and parade rehearsals are underway, they are busy moving and working on one side of the stadium to announce the news of peace.
HWPL Supporters ONE peace quotes
One supporter said “Even though we didn’t know each other it was nice to have the opportunity to come together and work side-by-side for peace. It truly feels like a family.”
“I don’t think peace is a story that is far away from us. If you look at the news on the internet, there should be no more news of war and terrorism that is occurring around the world. Unless peace is achieved, we, our children, and even our future generations, cannot escape from the threat of war and violence.”
“However, it is not the work that anyone can do alone. You and I, together with the voices and opinions of many others, must come together and join forces for peace. Through this I believe that we can protect our world from war and terror. I hope more people will join the Supporters ONE and run together with the hope of peace. Peace is something that we can achieve.”
Have you ever thought that peace could be achieved?
Maybe, you can think it is so naive. Is this possible? You can think it is likely that high-ranking people will act in their own interests anyway. Why hasn’t peace been achieved so far?
This is because no one had the answer to peace. Let’s hear the story of people who have answers to peace supported by 3.6 billion women and 1.8 billion young people around the world.
HWPL with Man Hee Lee
HWPL is the international NGO associated with UN DPI and ECOSOC. Its purpose is only to end the war. HWPL is recognized by experts as the most practical and powerful peace group. What is the Answer to peace?
First, DPCW (Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War)
The existing international law allowed for war in part. They thought the war was a necessary evil. But no one wants a war. DPCW is a new international law created with 21 experts on international law to root out war from this global village. This document will be a milestone in human history.
Every year on May 25, young people go out to the streets together. Gather together and walk for peace. On 25 May, 2018, HWPL plans a peace campaign of 5th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace with a slogan: Together for A New Start, Together for Peace. 525 peace walks that take place all over the world are spectacular.
Every year on September 18, the World Peace Festival is held in Korea. As the years go by, a great number of international figures are coming. There are 18 former and incumbent presidents, Supreme Court justices, National Assembly speakers, first ladies, and university professors. They are moved by the sight where 200,000 people become One and return to their country as a messenger of peace. We Are One!
Around 145 representative officials to the United Nations of the respective countries gathered to hold a dialogue on the agenda of peace and development at UN Headquarters in New York on May 31, 2018.
Attended as a special invitee, Chairman Man Hee Lee of HWPL said “I’ve visited all around the world and had a number of agreements with the former and current presidents, the chief justices, and members of the National Assembly to end the war together. All leaders in each country should sign the agreement for the international law (DPCW) to achieve peace if they love the country and the people.”
“To do this, the United Nations must work together to accomplish the task of peace with its spirit of peace at its inception.” After this truthful speech, everyone gave a huge standing ovation!!!
These things are Man Hee Lee Peace Biography. Now, everything is up to you! Please become messengers of peace!
In Wikipedia, Peacebuilding is an approach to an entire set of interrelated efforts that support peace. And as other definition, Peacebuilding is a process that facilitates the establishment of durable peace and tries to prevent the recurrence of violence by addressing root causes and effects of conflict. (Ref) It seems to have a literal meaning.
It is difficult to achieve peace, but there have been many international efforts. First, the UN was founded at October 24, 1945 and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly at its third session on 10 December 1948. And now we’re trying to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that we’re going to achieve by 2030. What do you think of the current peace? Are you satisfied?
Perhaps, the answer depends on your current state of affairs. It would be the same for anyone to answer. But there are some people who didn’t. People who need to get rid of war in this global village. People who sacrifice themselves to achieve peace. Those who want to enact a new international law, saying that the UN should not forget its original spirit. Who are they?
HWPL Peacebuilding Story
They are the members of HWPL. It’s a HWPL Peacebuilding Story.
The Chairman Man Hee Lee of HWPL said, “I’ve visited all around the world and had a number of agreements with the former and current presidents, the chief justices, and members of the National Assembly to end the war together.
All leaders in each country should sign the agreement for the international law to achieve peace if they love the country and the people. To do this, the United Nations must work together to accomplish the task of peace with its spirit of peace at its inception.” at UN Headquarters, around 145 representative officials. After this speech, he received a huge standing ovation.
Today, I’d like to give you a very good example of Peacebuilding.
Philippine Social Representatives Seek Peacebuilding Through Cultural Exchange With International NGO
On February 8, a grand peace festival will be held, which is entitled “We are one for Peace to attain Sustainable Development” at the Philippine Sports Stadium, Bulacan. It had 30,000 participants including social representatives in the Philippines and Volunteer Individuals for Peace (VIP) by Dr. Ronald Adamat, CHED’s Commissioner and Mr. Man Hee Lee, Chairman of HWPL. Why do they get together?
They want to launch nationwide peace movement throughout the Philippine’s State Universities and Colleges. A HWPL Official said “The highlight of this peace event is to give inspiration of citizen participation in peacebuilding. Cultural performances will represent harmony under peace beyond differences in ethnicity, religion or nationality. Also, the principles of peacebuilding with civic participation and national support will be introduced – the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW).”
If you want to know more DPCW
How can HWPL change a country?
They don’t just talk. As a partnership in promoting a culture of peace between the City Government of Paranaque (Philippine) and HWPL, there will be an inauguration of the “PEACE ROOM” in Paranaque City Public Library. According to organizers of this project, “peace corner and peace room will be established in different libraries nationwide to raise awareness of peacebuilding to citizens.”How can HWPL change a country?
Because the CHED and Dr. Adamat helped a lot. Last January 2018, Commissioner of Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and HWPL signed an MOU to promote peace education throughout public colleges nationwide. The Chairman Man Hee Lee emphasized “We should think of how we can achieve peace. It should start by teaching peace to the youths.”
At the 2018 HWPL World Peace Summit: 4th Anniversary of the WARP Summit, HWPL signed MOU with renowned organizations such as the International Centre for Black Sea-Baltic Studies and Consensus Practices, the Institute for Advanced Studies in Levant Culture and Civilization (ISACCL), and other organizations to which Eastern European heads of state belong.
H.E. Gennady Burbulis, Former State Secretary of Russia and President of Baltic-Black Sea Forum, said “Creating a peace culture is a difficult road we must travel until peace becomes stabilized, but at the same time, it will help people to find inner harmony and to fit their lives to the stars in the sky and to the work of humanity.
Regardless of age, position, or field, the work that we are doing will play a pivotal role in actualizing peace through the power of communities. And I believe that that actualization of peace within communities is very well reflected in the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW).
In order to fulfill this goal, we must look at this on a global scale, not on the scale of individual nations,. As long as the foundation is still unstable, we cannot ensure the success of today nor tomorrow. This is why peace is so closely tied to dignity. I am sure that the DPCW needs to be and will be as historical as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.”
Watch again the Lecture for Peaceful Unification on the Korean Peninsula: