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In 2023 alone, conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine War, the Israel-Hamas War, and numerous international disputes have tragically claimed more than 33,000 civilian lives and displaced millions. Recognizing this grim reality, the international peace NGO Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) held the 8th annual commemoration of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) at the Peace Training Institute in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea on March 14. The theme of the event resonated deeply: “Building Peace Thoughts: Promoting Institutional Peace through Intercultural Dialogue and Understanding.”
Since the release of the Declaration on Peace and Peaceful Action on March 14, 2016, HWPL has held a memorial ceremony every year to advocate for the institutionalization of peace. This year, about 12,500 outstanding experts from different fields such as politics, law, religion, education, media, women and youth participated in the event online and offline. Among the participants, about 10,000 HWPL members moved in an orderly manner under the guidance of staff and filled the memorial ceremony venue.
The CPLA was drafted by international legal experts from 15 countries and contains 38 articles in 10 chapters. It outlines the principles and tools needed to prevent and resolve conflicts and foster a peaceful global society, and clarifies the role of individuals, communities and nations in achieving lasting peace.
As part of the DPCW support, the Solomon Islands held a peace advocacy campaign in February last year, with youth at the center, to raise awareness of peace. About 30 young people from the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Student Union gathered at Ranadi Beach with the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG), an affiliate of HWPL, to carry out a coastal cleanup activity. The event emphasized that Pacific island countries are severely affected by climate change due to rising sea levels, and mentioned that environmental issues transcend national boundaries and must be resolved through international cooperation.
Mr. Ernest Kera, President of SINU Student Union who was present at the event said, “Students are satisfied with the ongoing peace activities of HWPL and are increasingly looking forward to various activities to be undertaken by the youth in the future for the common goal of peace.” He said that regular coastal clean-up activities and activities to promote the spirit of peace will continue.
In his speech at the celebration on March 14, India’s Minister of Buddhist, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Honourable Vidura Wickramanayaka, said: “The commitment and dedication shown to achieve peace projects is not only commendable but also lays the foundation for a more harmonious world. The untiring efforts of individuals and organizations towards the common goal of ending war and promoting understanding among nations are truly inspiring.”
As the president of the Jogye Order of Daekyo Buddhism in Korea, Venerable Beopsan has been involved in interfaith dialogue for nine years and stressed the importance of religious leaders’ involvement in peacebuilding efforts, including comparative textual studies. “Cross-cultural dialogue and understanding can be found in the HWPL’s World Alliance of Religions Peace Office. Religions have only one root, and its meaning has truly noble value,” he said.
Noting that conflicts caused by religions threaten global peace, HWPL Chairman Lee Man-hee said: “Different religions should come together, learn from each other’s values, and become one through comparative study of scriptures. Religious groups should practice their faith according to the scriptures so that they can live together with humans on this earth. We must create a world where people can communicate, cooperate and help each other regardless of their religious beliefs.”
The ceremony ended with a colorful performance depicting the journey of peace. The performance also included a segment explaining Article 10 and Item 38 of the Peace Treaty through performances, and depicting a scene of heaven with flowers blooming when peace is achieved.
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