Peace News Archives - A STEP TOWARDS PEACE

Celebrating a Decade of Peace Journey: 918 HWPL World Peace Summit’s 10th Anniversary

Get ready for a global celebration! 🎉 The 10th Anniversary of the September 18th (918) HWPL World Peace Summit will be set to be commemorated in 122 countries around the world, including right here in Korea. This event is a golden opportunity to explore peaceful strategies for future world harmony. 🌐💖

Theme: Creating World Peace Community Through Regional Collaboration

📍 Location: 18 major cities in Korea and also 122 countries, too.

This grand commemoration will honor the incredible contributions of world leaders and global citizens toward peace over the past decade. The goal? To foster a global culture of peace. 🌿✨

In Korea, events will light up 18 major cities, including Seoul and six other metropolitan areas. Tens of thousands of people nationwide will join in, participating in a variety of peace events aimed at overcoming conflict and seeking harmony. 🕊️🤝

But it doesn’t stop there! Representatives and citizens from 122 countries, including the USA, UK, France, Germany, Japan, Australia, Ukraine, India, and the Philippines, will engage in discussions and campaigns to build unique peace models for their countries. 🌏🌍🌎

Reflecting on a Decade of Peace Efforts

The international peace NGO, Heavenly Culture World Peace Restoration of Light (HWPL), led by Chairman Man-hee Lee, first held the HWPL World Peace Summit in Seoul back in 2014. Over 1,000 leaders from political, religious, women, and youth sectors, along with journalists from about 140 countries, attended to discuss dispute resolution, religious harmony, and establishing legal mechanisms for sustainable peace. 🗣️📜

Chairman Lee’s powerful words still resonate: “So many young people were sacrificed due to war. But for whom? How long must this continue?” He emphasized that peace cannot be achieved just by talks and urged everyone to leave a legacy of peace for future generations. 🌟🕊️

This 10th-anniversary commemoration aims to review past peace projects, outline future plans, and build networks to establish peace strategies tailored to regional characteristics. An HWPL official highlighted the importance of strengthening regional networks for a quick and active response to peace-threatening forces. 🌐🤝

Empowering Individuals to Become Peace Messengers 🌍

Moreover, this event emphasizes individual responsibility in building peace. HWPL plans to collect peace messages from citizens worldwide with the slogan, “Let everyone in the world become peace messengers,” using these messages as a driving force for achieving peace and unity. 📝

Since 2014, HWPL has tackled issues like military tensions, economic disputes, climate change, and cyber security threats through inter-regional cooperation and collective action with global partners. Their efforts have laid the foundation for peace governance, connecting international organizations, governments, and civil society. 🌿🌍

Join us in celebrating a decade of peace and let’s continue to build a harmonious world together! 🌏✌️✨

Official : https://www.hwpl.kr/language/en/home-hwpl-_en/

Peace is up to you :0 Good luck!

Global Peace in Action: HWPL’s Latest 4 Inspiring Initiatives

1. 🌍 Building a Better World Together: HWPL Peace Forum in Madagascar 🕊️

On April 29th, HWPL and INSCAE hosted a peace forum at INSCAE in Madagascar. The event had 200 attendees, including former ministers, government officials, educators, and youth groups. The forum featured a main session and sub-sessions, focusing on peace initiatives.

Key highlights:

Main Session: MOU signing between HWPL and educational institutions, including INSCAE and 14 public elementary schools involved in the HWPL Peace Library Project.
Sub-Sessions: Topics included peace journalism, youth empowerment, volunteerism, religious harmony, and women’s peace initiatives. Sessions aimed to form working groups for ongoing peace efforts.

INSCAE emphasized the importance of such events for student growth. A Former Minister praised HWPL’s progress and pledged his support.

Let’s keep building a peaceful world together! ✌️🌟

Source :
‘Building a Better World Together’, HWPL Peace Forum Held in Madagascar – HWPL

2. 🏃‍♂️ Marathon Magic: HWPL Volunteers Rock the 6th Gijang Bada Run! 🏃‍♀️

On April 28th, over 100 volunteers from HWPL Global4 branch supported the 6th Gijang Bada Marathon at Osiria Question Mark Park, Busan. They ensured a smooth event, helping with baggage storage, race guidance, water stations, medal distribution, and more. Their efforts allowed participants to enjoy the marathon safely and comfortably.

Key highlights:

Volunteer Roles: Managed baggage, guided race start, operated water stations, distributed medals, assisted stage events, and ran a service center.
Post-Marathon Cleanup: Volunteers cleaned and sorted trash, leaving the venue spotless.
Community Engagement: Introduced HWPL’s peace activities, gaining new supporters.

A Head monk praised the volunteers’ dedication, crucial for the event’s success. An HWPL official shared the joy of seeing marathoners happy and enjoying the event.

Let’s keep spreading peace and joy! 🌟🏅

Source :
HWPL Global4 Branch Office: Promoting and Volunteering Activities for the 6th Gijang Bada Marathon Tournament – HWPL

3. 🌍 Honoring Sacrifice: HWPL’s 11th Annual Peace Commemoration in Incheon 🌍

On May 25, 2024, HWPL Global 9th Branch held the 11th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace at Wolmido, Incheon. Themed “Peace Born from Sacrifice, Toward a Universal Value Transcending Time,” the event was co-hosted with the Korea War Allied Nations Friendship Association and sponsored by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs. About 300 attendees, including Korean War veterans, gathered to honor the sacrifices made for peace.

HWPL’s Chairman, Man-Hee Lee, is also a Korean War veteran. As a frontline combatant, he experienced the horrors of war firsthand, which is why he was able to speak out for peace.

Key highlights:

Event Theme: Honoring the sacrifices of Korean War veterans and promoting peace.
Activities: Letters of appreciation were presented to veterans, recognizing their service.

Dong-Mun Shin, honorary president of HWPL Global 9th Branch, pledged to continue spreading awareness of the sacrifices made during the Korean War. An IPYG member highlighted the importance of learning from history to prevent future conflicts.

Let’s honor the past and build a peaceful future together! ✌️🌟

Source :
HWPL Global 9th Branch Held the 11th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace in Incheon – HWPL

4. ❤️ Giving Hope: HWPL’s Heartwarming Dinner for Guinea’s Children ❤️

On May 24th, HWPL Global 5 Branch and Guinea GSP Antag Plus hosted a volunteer event in Conakry, Guinea, themed ‘Giving Hope to Children for a Better World of Peace.’ This event supported children affected by the December 2023 oil tank explosion. With the help of six volunteers, food was provided to 2,000 students.

Key highlights:

Event Theme: Supporting children affected by the oil tank explosion.
Volunteer Efforts: Provided hamburgers and drinks to 300 students and snacks to 1,700 students at Soloprimo Elementary School.
Community Impact: Introduced HWPL’s peace activities, with students expressing gratitude and unity by shouting “We are one!”

A CEO emphasized the importance of this activity as a foundation for future HWPL peace efforts in Guinea. The event also allowed staff and parents to experience HWPL peace education.

Let’s keep spreading hope and peace! 🌍❤️

Source :
Giving Hope to Children for a Better World of Peace – HWPL

🌟 Let’s Spread the Culture of Peace Together! 🌟

As we’ve seen through these incredible events, from peace forums in Madagascar to volunteer activities in Guinea, the spirit of peace and unity is alive and thriving. Each of us has the power to make a difference, no matter where we are. 🌍✨

By coming together, supporting one another, and participating in peace initiatives, we can build a better world for future generations. Let’s continue to honor the sacrifices of those who came before us and work tirelessly to create a harmonious and peaceful world. 🕊️❤️

Remember, every small act of kindness and every effort towards peace counts. Let’s shout “We are one!” and spread the culture of peace far and wide. Together, we can achieve a brighter, more peaceful future. 🌟✌️

HWPL Official homepage : https://www.hwpl.kr/language/en/home-hwpl-_en/

Peace is up to you :0 Good luck!

Spreading Peace: The 1st Bangsamoro Peace Education Conference

Launching Peace Education 📚✌️

In May, HWPL’s Philippine branch announced peace education textbooks for Southern Leyte, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, and Laguna Province. They aim to sign an agreement with the Philippine Department of Education to spread peace education nationwide.

Southern Leyte’s Pilot Classes 🏫✨

Southern Leyte’s Department of Education created localized HWPL peace education textbooks and held pilot classes. This was inspired by the peace textbooks for Bangsamoro, introduced at the Bangsamoro Peace Education Conference in January.

The 1st Bangsamoro Peace Education Conference 🎉📖

On January 29, the first Bangsamoro Peace Education Conference took place in Mindanao. Co-hosted by the Department of Education in Cotabato City and HWPL, the conference showcased peace education textbooks with Islamic values. They showed how these textbooks could be used from Grade 1 to Grade 12 through demo classes.

The Peace Education Conference was attended by a total of 668 participantsincluding five high-ranking government officials such as the Minister of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education of Bangsamoro, 50 principals of elementary, middle, and high schools under the Department of Education in Cotabato City, and approximately 613 faculty members.

Looking Ahead 🌟🚀

The Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE) will validate the textbook. Once approved, it will be distributed to about 4,000 schools, bringing peace education to around 1.26 million students in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.

We hope this news will be of great help to you in your quest for peace. We are connected everywhere. Peace is possible, if we bring our minds together.

Peace is up to you :0 Good luck!

Who can spread a culture of peace? IPYG Australia branch

What do you do when you wake up in the morning and throughout the day?
And how do each of those actions impact our humanity?

Most of the time, we live for ourselves, or we live for our family or significant other.

What would happen if we expanded our thinking a little further outward? IPYG Australia branch gave it a try.

Last December, the IPYG Australian branch collaborated with Community Friends organization in the Brisbane City to conduct volunteer activities providing free food and clothing to those in need at Bunyapa Park in West End, Brisbane City.

The IPYG Australian branch initiated volunteer work to disseminate a culture of peace to neighbors and marginalized individuals within the community.

During the recent volunteer activity, the IPYG Australian branch, alongside Community Friends, prepared food to distribute to the homeless and facilitated dialogue sessions to strengthen community networks for people with multi-national backgrounds to have social cohesion.

Why do IPYG Australia branch spread a culture of peace?

What is a culture of peace? Where did that phrase come from?

4. States should promote a culture of peace, including ensuring conditions in which-
(a) citizens are able to participate in the political affairs of the State as equals, regardless of religious or ethnic differences;
(e) the wellbeing of all human kind, with the participation of women and men, to ensure peaceful coexistence amongst Nations, States, and peoples may be guaranteed.

I only took (a) and (e) from Article 10 of the DPCW. I admire IPYG Australia for continuing to practice international law, the DPCW, as the answer to peace.

Peace is up to you :0 Good luck!

Beyond Headlines: What is Peace Journalism?

On 17th February, the international peace organization, Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), hosted an online event with approximately 160 media persons from 49 countries in attendance.

This year, HWPL International Workshop on Peace Journalism marked the publication of its 2nd journal, ‘Peace Journalism Studies’, produced in cooperation with 9 journalists worldwide.

With the theme of “Media Perspective on Conflict Resolution,” this event aimed to sharing the ideas of peace journalism, bringing out collective voice of international network of media for peace.

Everyone has a role in life. Answers to Why are you alive? We live in a society, and each of us has a role to play.

What do you think is the role of a journalist?
I think of it as an informing role. To be unbiased, neutral, and objective in presenting the facts.

Among the contributors, 6 speakers delivered addresses on the role of media in building peace, peace-related issues, peace journalism and global security.

For more information, follow the link here. You’ll know what the speakers said. I was very impressed.

Menafn – Beyond Headlines : Global Journalists United for Peace Journalism amidst the Challenges of the Unstable International Situation
https://bit.ly/42Pv0b2

We can’t just listen and be done, we have to do something, and I think we can start with the smallest things around us.

Peace is up to you :0 Good luck!

2023 Nobel Peace Prize “Narges Mohammadi” for Women in Iran

Narges Mohammadi, a leading Iranian women’s rights activist and anti-government figure, was selected as the winner of the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize.

It’s for her fight against the oppression of women in Iran and her fight to promote human rights and freedom for all.

This year’s peace prize also recognises the hundreds of thousands of people who, in the preceding year, have demonstrated against Iran’s theocratic regime’s policies of discrimination and oppression targeting women.

The motto adopted by the demonstrators – “Woman – Life – Freedom” – suitably expresses the dedication and work of Narges Mohammadi.

“Iran arrested Mohammadi 13 times and convicted her five times,” Andersen said. The sentence is 31 years in prison and 154 lashes at the moment of announcement.

She couldn’t attend the ceremony in person. Her 17-year-old twin children, who had not seen their mother for eight years, attended the ceremony as surrogate winners. And there was an empty chair between the children. It was for Mohammadi.

Mohammadi has been imprisoned in Tehran’s Evin Prison since he was arrested after participating in a street protest held in 2021 to commemorate the victims of the 2019 anti-government protests. Mohammadi continues to face prison, fines and penalties in an ongoing trial in a separate case while imprisoned.

As Mohammadi was chosen on the day, the number of female Nobel Peace Prize winners increased to 19. Iran has produced two female Nobel Peace Prize winners. The Nobel Peace Prize, which is given to those who contribute to human peace, was awarded for the 104th time this year since 1901.

Narges Mohammadi commented on her Peace Prize as follows: “I will never stop striving for the realization of democracy, freedom and equality. Surely, the Nobel Peace Prize will make me more resilient, determined, hopeful and enthusiastic.” (It is her full letter)

I think I can only say that I pay tribute to her. She’s amazing. Her will is sublime and I wonder how powerful it is. I respect her…

The IWPG also has a strong influence on women’s human rights. There’s nothing we can’t do if we work together. In order to have power, you have to raise your awareness from the civic level, and we have to be one.

That’s a clear fact. If citizen don’t care from the bottom, no matter how tall the tower is, it will collapse.

Reference: Narges Mohammadi – Facts – 2023 (nobelprize.org)

Peace is up to you :0 Good luck!

Peace Documentary “GREAT LEGACY” Highlight Review

Do you know a peace documentary? There are still quite a few people in the world who seek peace.

I really admire them. Because they endure things that are difficult for others to pursue easily. I think it’s more noble.

The peace documentary was very touching. As if it were not easy to see plants grow, I felt like I was watching peace bloom like a flower right next to me.

A STEP TOWARDS PEACE Peace Documentary "GREAT LEGACY" Highlight Review Philippine Mindanao Peacebuilding Peace walk Mindanao Peace Monument MILF manheelee peace biography hwpl man hee lee

It’s a breakthrough in ending the 50-year bloody conflict in Mindanao, the Philippines

A procession of 10,000 people who filled a total distance of 19.9km is shouting.

Has the peace that men and women of all ages desperately shouted for come?

Mindanao Island in the southern Philippines.

The land where death was closer to life than to say, “When peace comes to Mindanao, world peace comes.”

The armed conflict between the Philippine government and Mindanao militants, which began with the “Massacre in Morocco” in the 1960s, has turned into a confrontation between Catholic and Islamic religions, killing 120,000 people over the past 50 years.

The peace documentary “The Great Legacy” captures the end of the conflict through HWPL’s movement that began in 2014 in Mindanao, Philippines.

In particular, the Philippine locals, who melted the weapons used in the civil war to create an HWPL peace monument and wished for peace on the divided Korean Peninsula, resonated with the hearts of the audience and applauded.

The film highlights the HWPL civilian peace agreement ceremony held in Mindanao General Santos City, Philippines on January 24, 2014.

The Chairman Lee Man-hee brought together leaders and locals from both sides who were at the center of the Mindanao conflict. He asked them to raise their hands if they wanted peace, and when all the participants raised their hands, Lee led the two leaders to sign for peace.

Upon hearing the news of the peace agreement, government forces and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) finally agreed on the final annex of the preliminary peace agreement on January 25, and the civil war was effectively ended with the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) in March 2014.

The Chairman Lee Man-hee said “We are a family of peace that will achieve peace born in this era. Do you want conflict or peace?”

All people shouted “PEACE!”

HWPL’s sincere efforts and the Chairman Lee’s sincerity made a dramatic peace, which was considered a challenge that could never be solved.

It’s a dangerous place for terrorism and accidental danger. The situation in the Philippines is not easy to push ahead with work among soldiers with guns. Even in such a place, not everyone can risk death to enter. I was really touched by this.

One field participant said, “The first overseas volunteer destination I went to was the Philippines, and I personally found it fascinating to see the first scene people cheering. Since our country is a divided country, we should be more interested in peace than anyone else.

But I really felt that Filipinos are more interested in peace activities than anyone else. After watching this preview, I felt that peace was really coming, so I thought about various activities, including small things and talking about joining together.”

The miracle of peace achieved by everyone being united is recorded as a “great legacy” in later generations. I hope we can all be messengers of peace.

Peace is up to you :0 Good luck!

“GREAT LEGACY” Peace Documentary Trailer Review

“GREAT LEGACY” A Peace Documentary | Official Trailer

00:00 ~ 00:43 tragedy of war

More than 60,000 soldiers were killed and 5,000 civilians were killed in the recent war. Does the death of soldiers mean enough to the death of civilians?

Was their sacrifice worth it? Who was the sacrifice, and what was the death for what?

There have been countless wars in human history. What did the father and mother think after sending their sons to war?

A STEP TOWARDS PEACE "GREAT LEGACY" Peace Documentary Trailer Review Philippine Mindanao Peacebuilding Peace documentary Man Hee Lee biography Great Legacy — The Chairman Lee Man-hee is written on the picket.

It often appears as a subject in movies. There has never been a movie in which their deaths were not sad. And the sadness is entirely up to the comrades and their families.

From 43 seconds of the video, there is a tremendous scene.

00:43 ~ 1:37 Countless people shout the end of the war

It is an unprecedented story in the history of Philippines. Aren’t there so many people standing on the street? To be honest, I was very surprised.

There are so many people who want peace! What were they told to come out on the street? What kind of expectations?

The documentary will show the story of 2054 days in Mindanao, where the war was stopped and peace was realized.

This is a record of HWPL and the Chairman Lee Man-hee’s movement.

Why is it a great legacy? There’s an answer from what CEO Lee Man-hee said. Let me know in the comments if you found it.

I haven’t watched the main episode yet, but I’m looking forward to it! I can’t wait to see it and post a review.
I really want you to see it, too.

Peace is up to you :0 Good luck!

1st National Peace Convention : peace quotes

In the Philippines, the 1st National Peace Convention was held on January 25, 2023 with the theme, “Peace Builds One Nation, One Future: Peace is Here”, attended by over 1,500 peace advocates.

The project was spearheaded by the Rotary Club of Manila Metro (RCMM), in collaboration with a South Korea-based organization, Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL).

Dr. Ronald Adamat, Commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Founding Chairman of Volunteer Individuals for Peace (VIP), spearheaded the event.

“We want peace to reign in our country. We want peace to be the language everyone of us will speak and every Filipino and every foreigner will understand. Today, let’s declare peace as a pandemic. Infect people not to rest in peace but to live in peace,” said Dr. Adamat.

In attendance also is HWPL Chairman Lee Man-hee from South Korea who is visiting the Philippines for the 11th time. He said, “As I have toured the world 32 times and talked about the cessation of war as we have to leave a land of peace as a legacy for the future generation, and this country, the Philippines, is showing this. Let’s do everything we can to do the work of peace.”

“Peacebuilding in Mindanao after conflict is becoming known worldwide. This is the case of transforming death into life for peace. Starting with Mindanao and the Philippines, when we unite in love, peace will come to our world. For this reason, everyone in the Philippines has to become one and work together as messengers of peace,” said Chairman Lee.

The five resolutions were consolidated during the second Plenary Session to call for President Bongbong Marcos to proclaim January 24 as ‘National Peace Day’ or “Truce Day”.

I am grateful that there are still people doing the work of peace. Even if it’s hard and difficult, I hope you don’t lose your strength and keep going. 🙂

1st National Peace Convention Plenary 1

1st National Peace Convention Plenary 2

Reference:
Philippine Star – Peace advocates attend the unveiling of the Peace Monument at the Plaza Asuncion in Manila on Tuesday.
https://bit.ly/3wBf4db

[D-Day] 1st National Peace Convention in the Philippines

1st National Peace Convention Plenary 1 – 10:00AM (GMT +8)

Date and Youtube Link: Jan. 25, 2023
Plenary 1 – 10:00AM (GMT +8)
https://bit.ly/3HrCqbg
Plenary 2 – 14:00PM (GMT +8)
https://bit.ly/3WzQMus

A STEP TOWARDS PEACE [D-Day] 1st National Peace Convention in the Philippines Philippine Mindanao Peacebuilding Philippine National_Peace_Conference Mindanao Peace Monument HWPL Great Legacy Chairman_LeeManHee 1st National Peace Convention

Mindanao is geographically home to 13 ethnic groups.
The Mindanao conflict dates back 40 years.
The conflict arises in the Philippines when Moro people are reduced to a minority.

Many people suffered from prolonged conflicts between Moro and Christians in southern Mindanao. So the Moros formed a group for independence in southern Mindanao. That’s how the Moro-Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) was created.

There were 120,000 casualties in Mindanao over 50 years. After 20 years of negotiations with the Philippine government, the civil war ended.
Motive for that was the Civil Peace Agreement on January 24, 2014.

To commemorate this, they built a peace memorial inside the MILF, designated January 24 as Peace Day, and continued to attend the Peaceful Conference of HWPL.

The process of continuing the ongoing and practical efforts for peace was not easy, but they really tried hard to make it. In the process, they thanked HWPL and Chairman Man-hee Lee for leading the world peace movement.

1st National Peace Convention Plenary 2 – 14:00PM (GMT +8)

The Chairman Lee said, “We are transcending borders, races, and religions for the end of war and peace in the global village. Just as the light, rain and air in the sky give life to many people, we are trying to make peace happen to everyone.”

“We are a family of peace born in this era and making peace. Do you want conflict or peace?”

There was a special event in Cotabato City, where the third peace memorial was erected. One of the combatants returned the weapon, melted it, made a globe, and decorated it on the monument.

Most of the former fighters said they would farm or run small businesses. They are looking forward to spending more time with their families and moving away from the familiar fights.

In each session of the 1st National Peace Convention, there will be speeches followed by an open forum to produce a resolution from each sector group.

These resolutions will be consolidated into one which will be presented to the President during the second plenary session.

The event is organized and spearheaded by the Volunteer Individuals for Peace (VIP), a local peace organization chaired by Dr. Ronald Adamat, Commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

Through the partnership of VIP and CHED with HWPL, the introduction of peace education at the national level and collaboration of peace activities at the international level have been pursued.

I am sure that today’s event will be of great help in achieving peace in the Philippines. We’re going to join the music festival!

I hope you can participate in the scene of peace and develop your sensitivity to peace.