Sikhism is one of the five major religions of the world, and the temple in Pocheon is the only Sikh temple in Korea. Sikhism is a faith whose followers are called “Sikhs”. The word Sikh means Student or Discipline. Their holy book is the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Sikhs believe in reincarnation and karma concepts found in Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. Population of Sikhs in the world is around 27 million. Out of these 27 million approximately 83% live in India with 76% of all Sikhs living in Punjab.
HWPL Religious Youth Peace Camp: Sikhism
The HWPL Religious Youth Peace Camp (Religious Camp) took place on October 26th, at a Sikh temple in the city of Pocheon, Gyeonggi-do, with the purpose of understanding different religious cultures and of wishing for peace.
HWPL Religious Youth Peace Camp is a program developed to overcome religious differences and to spread peace awareness by promoting dialogues and cultural exchanges between religions, going beyond races, beliefs, and ideologies. Seventy-two people attended this religious peace camp along with 40 IPYG members, to experience various aspects of Sikh culture in its etiquette, worship, and dining.
Babaji Sovinder Singh from Gurudwara Shri Singh Sabha Sahib said, “Sikhism teaches us that we should all have to be like brothers to the same parents. If we go in this direction, world peace will surely be achieved. I believe that peace that HWPL purposes to achieve and our teachings are in the same direction. On behalf of Sikhism, I would like to thank you for your efforts.”
An IPYG participant, Kim Tae-jin (29), said, “It was my first time experiencing a Sikh service, and making chapati was very fun. I had a good impression today in particular because the Sikhs welcomed us with such bright smiles.”
I think it is really important to experience different cultures. Then we can broaden our horizons, broaden our thoughts, and understand others. It’s just behind the times in a narrow-minded way. 🙂
The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided to award the Nobel Peace Prize for 2019 to Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali for his efforts to achieve peace and international cooperation, and in particular for his decisive initiative to resolve the border conflict with neighbouring Eritrea. The prize is also meant to recognise all the stakeholders working for peace and reconciliation in Ethiopia and in the East and Northeast African regions.
After he heard the news of the award of Nobel Peace Prize, he said “I was so humbled and thrilled when I just heard the news. Peace is a very expensive commodity in my country.” (If you want to hear more)
Aron Simeneh / PM Abiy Ahmed at an inauguration event in Addis Ababa
When Abiy Ahmed became Prime Minister in April 2018, he made it clear that he wished to resume peace talks with Eritrea. In close cooperation with Isaias Afwerki, the President of Eritrea, Abiy Ahmed quickly worked out the principles of a peace agreement to end the long “no peace, no war” stalemate between the two countries.
Peace does not arise from the actions of one party alone. When Prime Minister Abiy reached out his hand, President Afwerki grasped it, and helped to formalise the peace process between the two countries. In Ethiopia, even if much work remains, Abiy Ahmed has initiated important reforms that give many citizens hope for a better life and a brighter future.
In line with this joyful news, there are so many efforts to achieve peace in Ethiopia.
On the 19th of October, the 2019 Ethiopia Peace Press Forum was held at the meeting hall of IPSS in Ethiopia, and Ethiopian journalists were in attendance. The theme of the forum was the “Realization of Peace Journalism and Public Journalism.”
They emphasized the role of a journalist in spreading the news of peace. Attendees also discussed freedom of expression based on Article 19 of the Declaration of Human Rights.
In addition, the journalists who attended the forum wrote and signed the Pledge of Peace Initiative, in which they promised to deliver peace news through the platform called Peace Initiative (PI) (http://peaceinitiative.net) and participate in peace projects. HWPL is running a Peace Initiative platform with journalists all over the world. This platform raises awareness of peace based on social atmosphere and the freedom of speech and press, and aims to ensure that the news of peace, which contributes to conflict resolution, can be delivered to people from all over the world.
Mr. Zelalem Girma, the Senior Editor to the Ethiopian Herald and who has participated in the Peace Initiative, emphasized the importance of a peace news channel saying, “Peace Initiative (PI) is a global journalist network in efforts of facilitating a culture of peace as contribution to conflict resolution and peace building through press freedom and freedom of information stipulated in the UN resolutions and international agreements. Individual journalists and media agencies affiliated with PI dedicate to spreading news of peace to enhance human rights and protect democracy.”
2018 Addis Ababa Summit
On 9th of July, 2018, Ethiopia and Eritrea declared an end to the conflict that has been raging for 20 years, thus promoting further peace and prosperity within Africa. Immediately after that, the work of peace was done quickly. The 2018 Addis Ababa Summit was held in Medium CR, African Union Commission and co-hosted by international organizations including the Inter-African Committee on Traditional Practices (IAC), the International Law Association (ILA) and HWPL. Politicians from Africa and the Middle East discussed the need for an international law for peace to bring out stability in the region and promote peace-related projects at all levels of society.
Mrs. Dagmawit Moges, Deputy Mayor of Addis Ababa’s municipal government, gave a speech at the event and addressed the participants saying, “Addis Ababa city administration has a deep conviction that the launching of peace education in the universities could help promote harmony among students regardless of their nationalities, cultural background and religions.” She emphasized the necessity of the integration of peace education and also stated that the City Administration will pledge to extend every support necessary to institutions engaged in the implementation of this peace education project. An MOU agreeing to implement HWPL’s peace education curriculum was also signed by the university representatives in attendance laying the foundation for peace education in Ethiopia.
The country has been locked in conflict since 2013 when President Salva Kiir fired his then Vice-President Riek Machar. A peace deal signed in September 2018 has never been implemented. In the five years of conflict, nearly 400,000 people have been killed and more than four million have fled the country. Will peace come to South Sudan like magic?
HWPL Media Forum in South Sudan
‘The 1st HWPL Media Forum’ in South Sudan took place at The Dawn Newspaper Office in Juba, South Sudan on the 31st of August. The HWPL Media Forum is where journalists discuss what they can practically do for peace and development of the society. At the forum, journalists, youth leaders and all participants discussed the role of public education for peacebuilding and made an action plan.
Samir Abdalkarim Bol Monok, the president of The Mail, said that, “We should not write wrong information and should check it before releasing it to public consumption. In that sense, the forum is good for us to bring peace among our communities.”
Jukeji Paul, a newscaster of SSBC, said that, “We as journalists can a play big role in bringing peace to the world, especially by working together with citizens and governments.”
The 7th HWPL Intercontinental Online WARP Office Meeting is held now. The topic is “About Food.” Food is inextricably linked with culture.
It is also an inseparable element in Religion. We hope that through this time, we will be able to understand and communicate the teachings of each religion through the meaning of food.
I will introduce some about WARP Office. The Intercontinental Online WARP Office meeting is a special platform where panelists, representing their respective religions, from around the globe gather to discuss their religious scriptures in the spirit of peace. You also can participate in the discussion to ask any questions.
Aren’t you curious about what each scripture is saying?
Session 1 : Islam, Sikhism and Hinduism
Date: Nov. 21 2019, UTC 6:00~8:00
Session 2 : Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism
Date: Nov. 21 2019, UTC 13:00~15:00
What is HWPL WARP Office?
I’m trying to explain briefly to some people who don’t know. In WARP Summit 2014, certain politicians and religious people get together and promise each other something to do for peace. At the center was HWPL Chairman Man Hee Lee.
HWPL then figured out the fundamental reason why conflicts between religions are caused by misunderstanding, and worked on the comparison of the scriptures of each religion. It is the HWPL WARP Office. Conversation on the basis of the scripture is to enhance mutual understanding and to bring religious people together first.
At the 2019 world peace summit, 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.”
Berlin, Germany, The Conference for the Sustainable Peace
On the September 9th and 10th 2019, the “5th Annual Commemoration of the September 18th World Peace Summit” was held in Hilton Berlin, Germany hosted by Heavenly Culture World Peace Restoration of Light (HWPL), an international peace NGO, in cooperation with international community organizations and governments.
The Summit was joined by 100 participants including Former Prime Minister of East Germany, the Ambassador of South Sudan in Germany and delegates from the government of Germany and Romania, legal experts, religious leaders, and representatives from media, youth, and civil society.
Topic is that “The Spreading of Culture of Peace in Europe”
However, it is a century plagued by conflict, terrorism, extremism, fundamentalism and all types of threats created by mankind, as a result of differences in ideology, religion and culture.
In this regard, there is an acute need to implement a culture of peace and the adjoining education efforts. Implementing a culture of peace is easy, as long as people and institutions are dedicated to fully endorsing it. Campaigns must be performed in order to raise the awareness among people, from the youngest to the oldest, that peace is the ultimate solution in the face of disaster.
The very words ”peace” and ”cessation of war” have inside the roots of establishing a new international community, one that would be open to dialogue and that would thus prosper. Peace brings prosperity; war brings financial collapse.
People from Various Sectors Gathered in Fiji to Call for Sustainable Peace and Development
The “2019 HWPL World Peace Summit” was held at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva, Fiji, on September 3rd with the theme of “Legislate Peace – Implementation of the DPCW for Sustainable Development.” In attendance were the representatives of women and youth organizations, religious leaders, media, and political leaders, including the Minister of Youth and Sports and the Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports.
The participants discussed the necessity of bringing peace in the South Pacific Islands and the plan to urge the heads of each state in the South Pacific Islands to cooperate with the peace projects. After the MOU signing ceremony between HWPL and media outlets including ‘The Island Sun’ of Solomon Islands and ‘Nuku’alofa Times’ of Tonga, about 100 participants wrote letters to support the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW).
Through the “Legislate Peace” projects, HWPL has received supporting signatures and peace letter responses from various sectors of global society including Tuvalu and Kiribati among the South Pacific nations.
The 5th International Religious Leaders Conference was held at the 2019 World Peace Summit. It is to present their achievements and search for ways of improvement.
The religious leaders conference was held in different regions around the world and South Korean religious leaders also came together under the topic of “Religious Peace through the Spread of a Culture of Comparative Scriptural Studies”. All the participants are an example to other religious people in ending religious conflicts and achieving peace.
Imam Abdulganiyi Ibraheem who has been at Seoul Yongsan Mosque Al Imam for the past 20 years and a participant of the WARP Office meetings since 2018 said, “however WARP Office’s Scripture discussion tries to see and listen to other Scripture from objective perspective in an atmosphere not criticizing one another as presenting according to each Scripture instead of claiming their own experience and value system.”
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.”
Since the founding of IWPG in 2013, many diverse peace activities and campaigns to spread the culture of peace has been held for the realization of world peace and for the peaceful unification of the Korean Peninsula. As a part of creating the policy for the realization of world peace, we must lead the children and youth, who will be the future leaders, into a culture of peace.
In order to create a wind of peace, the the 1st International Loving-Peace Art Competition under the theme, “Peace, let’s be friends!”, was planned and held last year and hosted for the 2nd time this year. Starting this year, the event expanded internationally and is currently being recognized as a high quality event, not only in Korea but also internationally.
I had a lot of fun watching the Drumline when I was young.
2nd Award Ceremony of “International Loving-Peace Art Competition”
It’s a 1st prize-winning painting.
I want these children to grow up and live in peace. The best thing we can do is to leave peace as a legacy to future generations. No one knows, but IWPG strives for peace like this. As peace NGOs like IWPG are moving, peace can surely be achieved.
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.
It was so sad that the light board was off.
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.”
![A STEP TOWARDS PEACE [IWPG] The 2nd Award Ceremony of "International Loving-Peace Art Competition" Together_Peace Peace man hee lee peace LovingPeaceArt IWPG HWPL friend DPCW Competition AwardCeremony 2ndArtcompetition #LegislatePeace](http://www.peacestep.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/IWPG-International-Loving-Peace-Art-Competition-5-1024x577.jpg "A STEP TOWARDS PEACE Together_Peace Peace man hee lee peace LovingPeaceArt IWPG HWPL friend DPCW Competition AwardCeremony 2ndArtcompetition #LegislatePeace")
![A STEP TOWARDS PEACE [IWPG] The 2nd Award Ceremony of "International Loving-Peace Art Competition" Together_Peace Peace man hee lee peace LovingPeaceArt IWPG HWPL friend DPCW Competition AwardCeremony 2ndArtcompetition #LegislatePeace](http://www.peacestep.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/IWPG-International-Loving-Peace-Art-Competition-1-1024x577.jpg "A STEP TOWARDS PEACE Together_Peace Peace man hee lee peace LovingPeaceArt IWPG HWPL friend DPCW Competition AwardCeremony 2ndArtcompetition #LegislatePeace")
![A STEP TOWARDS PEACE [IWPG] The 2nd Award Ceremony of "International Loving-Peace Art Competition" Together_Peace Peace man hee lee peace LovingPeaceArt IWPG HWPL friend DPCW Competition AwardCeremony 2ndArtcompetition #LegislatePeace](http://www.peacestep.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/IWPG-International-Loving-Peace-Art-Competition-2-1024x577.jpg "A STEP TOWARDS PEACE Together_Peace Peace man hee lee peace LovingPeaceArt IWPG HWPL friend DPCW Competition AwardCeremony 2ndArtcompetition #LegislatePeace")
![A STEP TOWARDS PEACE [IWPG] The 2nd Award Ceremony of "International Loving-Peace Art Competition" Together_Peace Peace man hee lee peace LovingPeaceArt IWPG HWPL friend DPCW Competition AwardCeremony 2ndArtcompetition #LegislatePeace](http://www.peacestep.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/IWPG-International-Loving-Peace-Art-Competition-3-1024x577.jpg "A STEP TOWARDS PEACE Together_Peace Peace man hee lee peace LovingPeaceArt IWPG HWPL friend DPCW Competition AwardCeremony 2ndArtcompetition #LegislatePeace")
![A STEP TOWARDS PEACE [IWPG] The 2nd Award Ceremony of "International Loving-Peace Art Competition" Together_Peace Peace man hee lee peace LovingPeaceArt IWPG HWPL friend DPCW Competition AwardCeremony 2ndArtcompetition #LegislatePeace](http://www.peacestep.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/IWPG-International-Loving-Peace-Art-Competition-4-1024x577.jpg "A STEP TOWARDS PEACE Together_Peace Peace man hee lee peace LovingPeaceArt IWPG HWPL friend DPCW Competition AwardCeremony 2ndArtcompetition #LegislatePeace")
![A STEP TOWARDS PEACE [IWPG] The 2nd Award Ceremony of "International Loving-Peace Art Competition" Together_Peace Peace man hee lee peace LovingPeaceArt IWPG HWPL friend DPCW Competition AwardCeremony 2ndArtcompetition #LegislatePeace](http://www.peacestep.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/IWPG-International-Loving-Peace-Art-Competition-7-1024x577.jpg "A STEP TOWARDS PEACE Together_Peace Peace man hee lee peace LovingPeaceArt IWPG HWPL friend DPCW Competition AwardCeremony 2ndArtcompetition #LegislatePeace")
![A STEP TOWARDS PEACE [IWPG] The 2nd Award Ceremony of "International Loving-Peace Art Competition" Together_Peace Peace man hee lee peace LovingPeaceArt IWPG HWPL friend DPCW Competition AwardCeremony 2ndArtcompetition #LegislatePeace](http://www.peacestep.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/IWPG-International-Loving-Peace-Art-Competition-9-1024x768.jpg "A STEP TOWARDS PEACE Together_Peace Peace man hee lee peace LovingPeaceArt IWPG HWPL friend DPCW Competition AwardCeremony 2ndArtcompetition #LegislatePeace")
![A STEP TOWARDS PEACE [IWPG] The 2nd Award Ceremony of "International Loving-Peace Art Competition" Together_Peace Peace man hee lee peace LovingPeaceArt IWPG HWPL friend DPCW Competition AwardCeremony 2ndArtcompetition #LegislatePeace](http://www.peacestep.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/IWPG-International-Loving-Peace-Art-Competition-6-1024x577.jpg "A STEP TOWARDS PEACE Together_Peace Peace man hee lee peace LovingPeaceArt IWPG HWPL friend DPCW Competition AwardCeremony 2ndArtcompetition #LegislatePeace")
![A STEP TOWARDS PEACE [IWPG] The 2nd Award Ceremony of "International Loving-Peace Art Competition" Together_Peace Peace man hee lee peace LovingPeaceArt IWPG HWPL friend DPCW Competition AwardCeremony 2ndArtcompetition #LegislatePeace](http://www.peacestep.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/IWPG-International-Loving-Peace-Art-Competition-10-1024x768.jpg "A STEP TOWARDS PEACE Together_Peace Peace man hee lee peace LovingPeaceArt IWPG HWPL friend DPCW Competition AwardCeremony 2ndArtcompetition #LegislatePeace")
![A STEP TOWARDS PEACE [IWPG] The 2nd Award Ceremony of "International Loving-Peace Art Competition" Together_Peace Peace man hee lee peace LovingPeaceArt IWPG HWPL friend DPCW Competition AwardCeremony 2ndArtcompetition #LegislatePeace](http://www.peacestep.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/IWPG-International-Loving-Peace-Art-Competition-11-1024x768.jpg "A STEP TOWARDS PEACE Together_Peace Peace man hee lee peace LovingPeaceArt IWPG HWPL friend DPCW Competition AwardCeremony 2ndArtcompetition #LegislatePeace")
![A STEP TOWARDS PEACE [IWPG] The 2nd Award Ceremony of "International Loving-Peace Art Competition" Together_Peace Peace man hee lee peace LovingPeaceArt IWPG HWPL friend DPCW Competition AwardCeremony 2ndArtcompetition #LegislatePeace](http://www.peacestep.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/IWPG-International-Loving-Peace-Art-Competition-12-1024x768.jpg "A STEP TOWARDS PEACE Together_Peace Peace man hee lee peace LovingPeaceArt IWPG HWPL friend DPCW Competition AwardCeremony 2ndArtcompetition #LegislatePeace")
