📝 Summary:
From Germany to Japan and Cameroon, people are taking steps toward peace together with HWPL, showing that the hope for harmony transcends borders, cultures, and generations.
🔑 Key Highlights:
- HWPL hosted peace walks in Germany, Japan, and Cameroon to mark the 12th anniversary of the Declaration of World Peace.
- Over 204 participants in Essen, Germany, joined to create a symbolic “Peace Tree.”
- In Osaka, Japan, 400 young people spread peace culture through art and walking events.
- In Cameroon, the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG) led both a peace walk and an environmental cleanup.
- Participants worldwide echoed HWPL’s call: “We Are One.”
1️⃣ Germany’s Essen Turns into a “City of Peace” 🌱
In the heart of Germany, the city of Essen once symbolized industry and war. Known for its steel and weapons production during the 19th century, it suffered massive destruction in World War II. Today, it is writing a new story — one of peace and unity.
On May 24, 2025, HWPL’s Essen branch held a grand Peace Walk at Essen City Hall Square to celebrate the 12th Anniversary of the Declaration of World Peace. Youth and citizens from various backgrounds joined, singing songs of peace as they walked through the streets.
The event began with a heartfelt letter from HWPL’s Chairman, urging everyone to become witnesses of peace. His message reminded participants that achieving peace is the mission of our generation — a duty to ensure future generations live without war.
After the walk, participants left colorful handprints on a “Peace Tree,” symbolizing hope and unity. A student from Ruhr University shared, “The Chairman’s message gave me courage. It made me realize peace starts with our actions.”
Essen, once a city tied to conflict, is now striving to become a symbol of reconciliation and coexistence — and HWPL continues to help it grow in that direction through youth workshops and DPCW (Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War) campaigns.
2️⃣ Japan’s Youth Walk Together for Peace 🌟
Across the sea, the same day in Osaka, Japan, more than 400 youth members of HWPL’s Kobe branch gathered for a vibrant peace walk under the theme, “We Are Peace Workers – Let’s Walk Together.”
Despite unexpected rain, participants handmade “Peace Fans” at Utsubo Park, expressing their wish to cool the world with harmony, not conflict. They then walked a 3-kilometer route through Midosuji Avenue — one of Osaka’s most iconic streets — carrying smiles, banners, and messages of unity.
Local leaders also joined in. A city council member from Osaka noted that he was touched by the young people’s sincerity, saying, “Even in the rain, their hearts were shining with peace.”
Through such activities, HWPL youth in Japan are becoming the messengers of peace culture, spreading awareness in their communities through action rather than words.
3️⃣ Cameroon’s Peace Walk and Environmental Campaign 💡
In Africa, the call for peace echoed strongly in Yaoundé, Cameroon, where HWPL and its youth division, IPYG, held a peace walk alongside an environmental cleanup.
Coinciding with World Environment Day, this event united local citizens to walk through the city while cleaning streets — turning peace into action. The timing was symbolic, as it followed Cameroon’s National Unity Day, reinforcing the message that peace begins with unity and responsibility.
Participants shared stories of hope. One attendee said, “Seeing everyone walk and smile under the hot sun, I felt that true peace is possible when we walk together.”
The peace walk in Cameroon beautifully linked peacebuilding and sustainability, showing that protecting the earth and building harmony go hand in hand.
4️⃣ “We Are One” – A Global Step Toward Lasting Peace ❤️
HWPL’s 12th anniversary of the Declaration of World Peace wasn’t just a commemoration — it was a movement of hearts. From Essen to Osaka, from Yaoundé to the rest of the world, people are taking real steps to embody peace in daily life.
Through the DPCW initiative, peace walks, and education programs, HWPL continues to connect nations and generations. Each footprint from these events becomes a message — that no matter our language, culture, or background, we all share one dream: a world free of war.
As the Chairman’s message emphasized, peace isn’t a distant ideal. It’s something we must build now, together. Because when “We Are One,” peace is not only possible — it’s inevitable. ✨
Source :
[한국인 이만희 평화실화 FOCUS│HWPL 뉴스레터(122)] 독일·일본·카메룬 시민·청년들, HWPL과 평화의 한걸음 < 특별기획 < 기획 < 기사본문 – 천지일보
