918WARPSummit Archives - A STEP TOWARDS PEACE

[D-DAY] A Decade of Peacebuilding: 2024 HWPL 918 World Peace Summit

Today is the day we’ve all been waiting for – the 10th Anniversary of the September 18th HWPL World Peace Summit! This milestone event is being celebrated across the globe, from South Korea to every corner of the world. It’s a day to reflect on the incredible journey we’ve taken over the past decade and to look forward to the future of peacebuilding. 🌐✌️

The HWPL World Peace Summit has brought together leaders from various sectors, including government, religion, and civil society, to discuss and promote peace initiatives. Over the years, we’ve seen the signing of significant peace agreements, the implementation of legal instruments for peace, and the fostering of religious harmony. These efforts have laid the groundwork for a more peaceful and harmonious world. 🕊️🤝

Today’s celebrations will feature a series of exciting events, including panel discussions, cultural performances, and the signing of new peace agreements. We’ll also be paying tribute to the Chairman Lee, whose vision and dedication have been instrumental in advancing the cause of peace. 🌟🙏

5 key points from the 10th Anniversary of the 2024 HWPL World Peace Summit

Global Celebration: The event is being celebrated worldwide, marking a decade of peace efforts and reflecting on the journey so far.
Panel Discussions and Cultural Performances: Leaders from various sectors are engaging in discussions and enjoying cultural performances that highlight global unity and diversity.
Signing of New Peace Agreements: Continuing the tradition, new peace agreements are being signed to foster international cooperation for peace.
Focus on Youth and Women: Emphasizing the crucial roles of youth and women in peacebuilding, empowering them to lead future efforts.
Tribute to Chairman Man Hee Lee: A special tribute to the Chairman Lee, recognizing his vision and dedication to the peace movement.

2024 HWPL Global Peace Leaders’ Conference

https://youtu.be/QuyegkeKDVA

When : Sep. 18th, 2024, 10:30AM(GMT+9)
Youtube Replay : https://youtube.com/live/QuyegkeKDVA

Empowering Youth and Women 👩‍🎓👩‍👧‍👦

One of the key focuses of this year’s summit is the role of youth and women in peacebuilding. Their voices and actions are crucial in creating sustainable peace, and we are committed to empowering them to take the lead in this important work. 👩‍🎓👩‍👧‍👦

As we celebrate this momentous occasion, let’s remember that peace is not just the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice, equality, and harmony. Let’s continue to work together to build a world where peace is the norm, not the exception. 🌍❤️

Join us in celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the HWPL World Peace Summit and be part of the movement for global peace! 🌟✨

🌍 A Practical Solution for Peace: The DPCW 🕊️📜

In today’s complex world, wars are becoming more intricate due to the involvement of non-state actors and religious and ethnic conflicts. HWPL has proposed a practical solution for peace through Article 10, paragraph 38 of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW). This comprehensive response to war and peacebuilding involves the participation of governments, international organizations, and civil society. 🌐🤝

The DPCW has received national endorsements from countries like Seychelles, Eswatini, Comoros, Antigua and Barbuda, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Notably, the Central American Parliament and the Pan African Parliament have also shown their support. HWPL is working tirelessly to advance the DPCW as a binding international law of peace and will present a resolution to the UN General Assembly. 🌍📜

🌟 The Visionary Behind the Movement: Man-hee Lee🌟✈️

At the heart of this remarkable peace effort is Mr. Lee Man-hee. At 93 years old, he continues to travel tirelessly on peace tours, spreading the seeds of peace. As a Korean War veteran, he experienced the horrors of war firsthand, fueling his passion for peace. Since hosting the first WARP Summit in 2014, he has been leading practical peace activities for a decade. 🌍🕊️

🌍 A Growing Movement: HWPL’s Global Impact 🌐✨

HWPL’s peace movement has become a major topic of discussion in the international community. Thanks to the Chairman Lee’s efforts, the HWPL 918 World Peace Summit is held annually, fostering global partnerships and achieving numerous peace agreements. HWPL has signed MOAs and MOUs with 1014 organizations in 105 countries, including the Baltic Black Sea Council and the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO. 🌍🤝

HWPL’s membership is also growing significantly, with about 500,000 members in 170 countries. The International Peace Youth Group (IPYG), HWPL’s umbrella organization, is one of the largest youth peace organizations in the world, with more than 1,200 organizations in 119 countries. 🌍👩‍🎓👨‍🎓

Join us in celebrating this incredible milestone and let’s continue working together to create a world where peace prevails! 🌟😊

Official Homepage : http://worldpeacesummit.org/

Peace is up to you :0 Good luck!

[D-1] 10th Anniversary of the September 18th 2024 HWPL World Peace Summit

We’re only one day away from the September 18th Peace Summit! I’m so excited, and with the YouTube livestream tomorrow at 10:30am, I’m not sure I’ll be able to sleep tonight, haha. 😊✨

2024 HWPL Global Peace Leaders’ Conference

When : Sep. 18th, 2024, 10:30AM(GMT+9)
Youtube livestreaming : https://youtube.com/live/QuyegkeKDVA

I wrote about the 2023 Global Peace Leaders’ Conference last year, and while there wasn’t a lot of content last year, I’m looking forward to more this year. Because there were some things that were secret. I can’t wait to see it live on YouTube this year!

2023 9th HWPL World Peace Summit: Global Peace Leaders’ Conference

[D-1] 2024 HWPL(Chairmam Man Hee Lee) 918 World Peace Summit : 10th Anniversary Ceremony 🚀

It’s a so cute video. In fact, one of the most powerful peace leaders I know is the Chairman Man Hee Lee. His powerful visionary speech moves many young men and women. I was also greatly motivated by his words. I can’t wait to see what he has to say this year.

Achieving peace together just in one minute : HWPL Registration

Here’s a nice video explaining how to sign up for HWPL. Once you sign up, you’ll receive emails and have a system in place to work together for peace. We often forget about peace in our daily lives. But HWPL reminds me. I hope you’ll join too.

HWPL Funny Video🤣🤣

The peace runners’ posture is so funny.🤣🤣 It must have been hard to hold that pose. I’d like to try to replicate it as a challenge.

I’ll be back with a post tomorrow.

Official page : http://worldpeacesummit.org/

Peace is up to you :0 Good luck!

[D-3] 2024 HWPL Global Peace Leaders’ Conference

Get ready for an incredible celebration as we mark the 10th anniversary of the HWPL World Peace Summit on September 18, 2024! This milestone event will take place in South Korea and various locations worldwide, commemorating the groundbreaking 2014 summit and highlighting the progress we’ve made in global peace efforts. 🌐✌️

Perth Pickets

Reflecting on a Decade of Peace 🕊️✨

Back in 2014, HWPL hosted the first September 18th World Peace Summit in Seoul, South Korea. Leaders from politics, religion, women’s groups, youth groups, and the media came together to discuss conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and mutual cooperation.

They signed landmark agreements to implement legal instruments for peace, build religious harmony, and promote peace activities by state actors and citizens. These agreements have been the foundation for ongoing discussions and peace strategies every year since. 📜🤝

Sydney Picket

2024 HWPL Global Peace Leaders’ Conference

· When : 2024. 9. 18 AM 10:30
· Youtube: https://youtu.be/QuyegkeKDVA
· Where : Held in 122 countries including South Korea
· 2024 Summit Official page: http://worldpeacesummit.org/en

Melbourne Pickets

Global Efforts for Peace 🌍🤝

The global community has been tirelessly working to end wars and resolve conflicts. International organizations have been addressing cross-border disputes and establishing norms to help peace take root.

States worldwide have been promoting harmony and reducing conflicts through international collaboration. NGOs have been driving peace activities at the local level, fostering tolerance and reconciliation through voluntary civilian engagement. 🌐🌿

Key Achievements:

Ending wars and resolving conflicts.
Promoting international collaboration.
Fostering local peace activities.

Adelaide Pickets

Challenges and New Threats 🚨🌪️

Despite these efforts, significant challenges remain. Emerging threats like military and economic tensions, the war in Ukraine, post-pandemic recovery, climate change are complicating peace efforts and increasing global uncertainties. 🌍

Current Issues:

Military and economic tensions.
Climate change and cyber security.
Disinformation and migration.

Brisbane Pickets

Strengthening Regional Networks 🌏🤝

At this critical juncture, HWPL and its partners are doubling down on efforts to ensure peace takes firm root. This year’s anniversary will focus on establishing regional networks to promote peace, resolve regional issues, and harness collective capacities.

By connecting the actions of international organizations, governments, and civil societies, HWPL aims to build a robust peace governance system. 🌐🌿

Event Highlights:

Regional events worldwide.
Strengthening peace networks.
Collaborative efforts for regional peace.

Georgia Pickets

Be a Messenger of Peace 🌈✊

Under the slogan, “Let’s have everyone become a messenger of peace,” HWPL emphasizes that each individual has both the right and responsibility to promote peace at all levels.

Through the proactive efforts of citizens, we can establish lasting global peace and create a true world peace community. 🌍❤️

Join us in celebrating this incredible milestone and let’s continue working together to create a world where peace prevails! 🌟😊

Peace is up to you :0 Good luck!

Re-review: 2017 HWPL World Peace Summit

Let’s dive into the amazing events of the third anniversary of the September 18th HWPL World Peace Summit, held from September 17-19, 2017. This celebration caught the world’s attention with simultaneous events in 63 cities in Korea and 45 overseas! 🌐✨

HWPL: Pioneering Global Peace 🌏✌️

HWPL is truly rewriting the history of the peace movement. Their global activities aim to end the era of war and conflict, ushering in a new era of peace. Leaders and civil society from all walks of life have responded to HWPL’s call to become messengers of peace. It’s incredible to see everyone joining hands for this noble cause! 🤝🕊️

Key Achievements:

Ending the era of war and conflict.
Ushering in a new era of peace.
Uniting leaders and civil society globally.

A Festival of Unity and Peace 🎊❤️

The ceremony was packed with exciting events like parades, performances, and a card section. There was a unified call to sign Article 10, paragraph 38 of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW). Through these performances, people could feel peace with all five senses. Imagine the energy and unity! 🌈🎶

Event Highlights:

Parades and performances.
Card section displays.
Unified call to sign the DPCW.

Building Collaborative Governance 🏛️🤝

During the meeting and discussion sessions, practical talks were held to build “collaborative governance” between governments and civil society. The goal? To evolve the DPCW into a legally binding document. The fifth meeting of the HWPL Commission on International Law saw 248 participants, including high-level officials and civil society representatives, coming together for this cause. 🌍📜

Discussion Points:

Building collaborative governance.
Evolving the DPCW into a legally binding document.
Participation of high-level officials and civil society.

A Global Call for Peace 🌐✊

The 2017 Global Peace Leader Conference, themed ‘Implementing the DPCW through Peace Governance,’ was a major highlight. With 1025 attendees, including government officials and civil society representatives, the conference was a powerful call for global peace. 🌟🕊️

WE ARE ONE 🌍✊

HWPL’s credo of making peace a lasting legacy for future generations has united the global family of peace. Despite different cultures, lifestyles, and religions, everyone was united in their desire for peace. The faces of 100,000 participants from Korea and abroad were filled with emotion and joy as they celebrated the feast of peace. 🌟😊

Unity in Diversity:

Different cultures and lifestyles.
Various religions.
Shared desire for global peace.

The Korean folk song “Arirang” echoed through the venue, expressing the determination to achieve global peace. Traditional Korean instruments, dances, songs, and martial arts created a powerful image of global unity. 🎶🕺

Peace is up to you :0 Good luck!

Re-review: 2016 HWPL World Peace Summit

Man Hee Lee, The Chairman of HWPL, said “Here today at the Peace Festival for the 2nd Annual Commemoration of the WARP Summit, the spirits of heaven and people of the earth are gathered, as well as the eyes, ears and hearts of the global community.

Messengers of peace around the world, both heaven and earth have seen your dedicated efforts. We are one family, messengers of peace. Let us accomplish our purpose: world peace. Let us urge heads of state and religious leaders around the world to fulfill their promises.”

Why Do HWPL Members Love Peace? 🌍✌️

Inspiration from Leadership 🌟

The leadership of HWPL, especially Chairman Man Hee Lee, inspires members with his dedicated efforts. His speeches and actions motivate members to work towards peace.

Global Network and Community 🌐🤝

HWPL members feel a sense of support and belonging through a global network of like-minded individuals. This network helps them share ideas, collaborate on projects, and encourage each other in their peace-building efforts.

Personal Fulfillment 😊✨

For many HWPL members, working towards peace brings a sense of personal fulfillment. Knowing they are contributing to a greater cause and making a positive impact gives them profound satisfaction.

2016 IPYG Cards section in statistics 🌍

Time for making cards : 3 months
Weight of each card book : 5kg
Numbers of cards : 54 cards for each people
Length of practice time : 18 weeks, about 160 hours total
Number of card moves : about 300 moves
Number of IPYG members : 12,126

How much effort did they put in to become one like that? When you see the shorts in person, many people are moved to tears. For them, peace is a necessity, a desperate need. Thank you to the IPYG members.

Let’s all take a moment to think about how we can contribute to peace in our own lives. Whether it’s through small acts of kindness or getting involved in larger peace initiatives, every effort counts.

🌟 By spreading the message of peace and working together, we can create a better world for everyone. So, let’s make peace a priority and inspire others to do the same! ✌️😊

Peace is up to you :0 Good luck!

Re-review: 2015 HWPL World Peace Summit – 2

Let’s take a trip down memory lane to the 2015 HWPL World Peace Summit. This event was a game-changer in the world of peacebuilding and left a lasting impact on everyone involved. 🌐✨

What Went Down? 🤔

Back in 2015, leaders from various religions, nations, and organizations gathered in Seoul, South Korea, with one common goal: world peace. 🌏❤️ The summit was all about breaking down barriers and fostering a spirit of unity and cooperation. It was a melting pot of ideas, cultures, and beliefs, all coming together to promote peace.

A Symbol of Unity: The Bibimbap Experience 🍲🌍

At the 2015 Peace Festival, participants came together to create a giant bowl of bibimbap, a traditional Korean dish. This culinary activity wasn’t just about sharing a meal; it was a powerful symbol of peace. Each ingredient in bibimbap, from the vibrant vegetables to the savory meats, represents different cultures and communities.

When mixed together, they create a harmonious and delicious dish, much like how diverse groups can come together to create a peaceful world. This act of making bibimbap highlighted the beauty of unity in diversity and the importance of working together for a common goal. 🌍🥗✨

Key Highlights 🌟

International Law for Peace 📜🕊️: One of the major outcomes of the summit was to enact a international law for cessation of war. This law aimed to provide a legal framework to end wars and promote peace globally. This has brought together many international law experts. It was a bold step towards making peace a tangible reality.
Unity Among Religions 🙏🤝: Religious leaders from different faiths pledged to transcend their differences and work together for peace. This was a powerful moment, showing that despite our diverse beliefs, we can all unite for a common cause.
Youth and Women in Action 👩‍🎓👩‍👧‍👦: The summit emphasized the role of youth and women in peacebuilding. Their voices were heard loud and clear, highlighting the importance of inclusive participation in creating a peaceful world.

Join the Movement! 🌈✊

The 2015 HWPL Peace Summit wasn’t just a one-time event; it sparked a movement. The discussions and agreements made during the summit laid the groundwork for ongoing peace initiatives.

Peace isn’t just a lofty ideal; it’s something we can all work towards in our daily lives. Whether it’s through community service, spreading awareness, or simply being kind to one another, every little action counts.

Let’s keep the spirit of the 2015 HWPL Peace Summit alive and strive for a world where peace is the norm, not the exception. And the 2024 HWPL 918 World Peace Summit is coming up. We can’t wait.😊😄

Feel free to share this post and spread the message of peace! 🌟🕊

Peace is up to you :0 Good luck!

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!

[D-day] 918 HWPL WARP Summit Press Conference

What is HWPL?

What is this abbreviation about?
Maybe, you haven’t heard ever it. But it is truly nessary to know about this, if you want to be a peace maker.

HWPL, a non-governmental organization, is associated with the UN Department of Global Communications (DGC) and in Special Consultative Status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

A STEP TOWARDS PEACE [D-day] 918 HWPL WARP Summit Press Conference PressConference hwpl world peace summit hwpl manheelee 918WARPSummit 2023 HWPL World Peace Summit

HWPL aims to achieve world peace through the heavenly culture and restore the global community with light across the world.

Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) has led initiatives that propose multidimensional strategies inclusive of governments, intergovernmental organizations, and civil society in the efforts for implementing conflict resolution and establishing peace.

HWPL is leading an international peace movement with leaders in all walks of life without being limited by national, cultural, or ideological boundaries.

What is the value of journalists?

HWPL always holds press conferences when it does 918 events. Why is that?

As mentioned above, HWPL is really aware of the value of the role of journalists.

The ability of journalists seems to be in writing. With the power of powerful writing, something intangible is embodied.

If you want to experience the power, you should listen to the press conference for yourself. If you analyze every word, it feels deeper. 🙂

Press Conference for the 9th Anniversary of the September 18th HWPL World Peace Summit

Date: 2023. Sep. 18th, 10:30AM(GMT+9)
Link: https://youtu.be/dP_7MBgPUXc
Event site: http://worldpeacesummit.org

You can check the scene of peace yourself!!

Event site: http://worldpeacesummit.org

Peace is up to you :0 Good luck!

The Chairman Man Hee Lee Quotes #5

On September 19th, ‘2018 IWPG International Women’s Peace Conference’ was held by female leaders from around the world as part of the 2018 HWPL World Peace Summit: 4th Anniversary of the WARP Summit. In the conference themed, ‘The Role of Women to Realize Peace in the Korean Peninsula and World Peace’’, Former President, Professor, current and former heads of state and First Ladies, ministers, members of the National Assembly, and 380 female leaders gathered to find practical solutions for peace.

Lastly, Chairman Lee of HWPL gave a special request to those in attendance stating, “The strength of one person, is only that one person’s strength. But if we come together for this work of peace, then it will become a great power. Everyone woman living in the global village should become one through the common objective and shout together with a common voice. You should write letters to former and current presidents. We need to write not only to our president but to those all over the world.”

He then continued, “Also you should tell not only the people of your own countries but the people from other countries as well about the method of becoming one together with the women of the IWPG. Two is more powerful than one, but if there are many it will never be broken. Since the goal is peace, nothing is more precious and important than the work of making the world of peace that can be left as a legacy for future generations. I believe in the women’s group and the youth group.” After finishing, he shouted “We are one!”, urging all participants to become one.

He is a really qualified person to say these words when we think Man Hee Lee biography. Now, what is left is our action! We Are One!

Reference: http://hwpl.kr/en/news/view/180922343/12/2018IWPGInternationalWomen%E2%80%99sPeaceFemaleLeadersoftheWorldFindtheRoleofWomenforPeaceintheKoreanPeninsulaandWorldPeace

Peace is up to you :0 Good luck!

H.E. Emil Constantinescu 2018 Interview with Media #3

Emil Constantinescu Biography

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World War 2 (1939-1945)
: The most devastating war in human history

A child became a refugee by the terrible war.

Poor living conditions were hard to bear for the refugee boy, yet he felt desperate for peace. The boy lived in a town located in [dniester] River of the Soviet Border until the age of 50 under dictatorship. He saw and felt the fall of communism himself, and he became aware of the power of culture. He was in the process of settling the democratic conscious.

In 1996, the boy grew up to become the 3rd President of Romania. Emil Constantinescu became the President in order to achieve peace.

First, he devoted his efforts to bring reconciliation and harmony within the Balkan Peninsula suffering from conflicts of nation, religion and race. He was in the forefront of liberty and democracy of Romania. He has conducted Peace Education to spread peace.
(In fact, he has done more work. More info 1, info 2)

“Introducing the DPCW to the UN is an important
step in the right direction.”
– Emil Constantinescu, former president of Romania

He was the dean of Bucharest University. He spent 6 years of my life in [Bucharest] University and [other] University throughout the world.

Now, he is the chairperson of Institute for Cultural Diplomacy (ICD) which is the largest NGO in Europe. Also, he is a member of HWPL Advisory Council.

HWPL (more info) is an international peace nonprofit organization registered with the United Nations Department of Public Information (DPI) and the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). It is surprising to the world with its enormous execution and actions no one has heard or seen.”

As of 2018, he is in the forefront to establish a culture of peace, calling for the cessation of war. Now, it is time to begin a new history of peace.

Emil Constantinescu 2018 interview

It seems to be the most appropriate sentence to describe him. Emil said “I am one of the survivors of this tragic history of Europe that have a deep and sincere empathy for the Korean people, and one of the few that can perhaps intuit what is going on in the hearts of North Koreans across the border.”

Having dreamed of a world without war, he met Man Hee Lee, Chairman of HWPL in 2014 like destiny, and became a partner of peace.

Q. I know that you are actively involved as the President of the Institute for Advanced Studies in Levant Culture and Civilization (ISACCL). What kind of organization is it, and with what purpose did you establish it?

I (Emil Constantinescu) founded the Institute for Advanced Studies in Levant Culture and Civilization in order to transfer to Romania the experience and the projects I have undertaken as President of the Academy of Cultural Diplomacy in Berlin, where I had the opportunity to launch “The Levant Initiative for Global Peace”.

The Institute for Advanced Studies in Levant Culture and Civilization aims to rewrite the history of the Levant, through which we understand a broader space that does not solely refer to the Middle East, but also to Northern Africa, the Balkans and the Caucasus.

Let us rewrite history through the lens of what brings us together, not what sets us apart. This is not an easy feat, because history, as it has been written until now, is a history of incessant warfare, in which the protagonists are the lords of war, not the lords of peace.

The above is an excerpt from full interview

Q. How did your relationship with the HWPL organization begin?

I first met Chairman Man Hee Lee in Germany, at a reception hosted by the Institute and Academy of Cultural Diplomacy (ICD) in Berlin, where I learned of the noble goals that the HWPL had set for itself. They coincided, for the most part, with the goals I had dedicated my efforts in cultural diplomacy to, aiming towards not only the resolution of open or frozen conflicts, but especially towards the creation of a culture of peace through the understanding of the Other, the only way, in my view, to ensure a lasting, durable and sustainable peace.

Q. What do you think of Chairman Lee?

I believe Chairman Lee is a leader in the true sense of the word, which is easy to see in the way he wins the hearts and the minds of the younger generation, in particular because of his destiny: a man who fought in the Korean War which, like all wars, pits man against man; but what is even more striking is that, in the case of the Korean war, it was pitting brother against brother. When youth and women’s associations were established, I think Man Hee Lee astutely picked up on the fact that herein lay the key, as youths are sent to die in wars by populist and ultranationalist leaders with dictatorial tendencies while women during war are not only victims but also suffer for their parents, children and brothers. We must never forget that while 20.000.000 soldiers died in World War II, 40.000.000 civilians, mostly women, children and the elderly, perished in that conflict as well.

Q. I know that you participated the first WARP Summit.

In 2014, I was markedly impressed by the participation of the young people at the events. On the Olympic stadium, there were approximately 120,000 pupils and students, and nearly 200,000 took part in the March for Peace. When I had the honour of holding my speech on the Olympic Stadium, I felt the vibration of the crowd and I thought back to what had happened to the first president of Romania, Nicolae Ceauṣescu, when he attended the festivities organized by Kim Il-Sung in Pyeongyang in his honour. Because I had lived among the students which, during the Communist dictatorship, were forced to take part in events organized following the North Korean model, I had a realisation of how great the fundamental difference is between youth that are forced to attend rallies for fear of consequences that could drastically affect their futures and careers, and volunteers. You cannot fake volunteering, and for me this was the most striking impression of my trip to South Korea, and the main reason I decided to return this year, to attend the fourth anniversary of the 2014 Summit.

The above is an excerpt from full interview

Q. What was your impression of the 4th anniversary of the WARP Summit?

Even though this time the rally was held on Incheon Stadium, with only 30.000 participants, I found myself surrounded by the same sincere enthusiasm and the same dedication to peace. Your people are models of solidarity.I think it was an important event not only for Korea, but for the entire world, as it demonstrates once again that the promotion of peace is the only solution, that the threat of war is not the only solution, as happened during the Cold War. In the end, dialogue is the most important.

Q. Do you think the Declaration for Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) will be presented to the United Nations?

The level of publicity surrounding this Declaration, in correlation with the fact that through its signing religious leaders, people in positions of authority, presidents and democratic heads of government are joined by a large number of young people supporting the same ideal, makes it possible that military leaders, heads of state and military subcontractors are made to listen to the voice of the people. I believe the United Nations will indeed accept this Declaration, and I consider it an important step in the right direction because, despite the permanent criticism of UN ineffectiveness, we must keep in mind that it is the only forum that offers a platform for smaller states from across the globe to make their voices heard.

The above is an excerpt from full interview

more info about DPCW

[D-1] International Day of Peace: DPCW is Right to Peace