The Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) hosted the 11th HWPL World Peace Summit in Cheongju, South Korea, bringing together 800 global leaders to highlight achievements and momentum for peace initiatives. The summit emphasized collaboration between governments, international organizations, and civil society, showcasing progress in three key areas: international law, peace education, and interfaith dialogue.
In international law, HWPL's proposed Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) gained significant traction. The Latin American and Caribbean Parliament (PARLATINO) and 16 other parliamentary and governmental bodies adopted resolutions supporting the declaration. This legal framework aims to prevent and resolve conflicts through a comprehensive approach.
HWPL's peace education is being integrated into public school curricula. Zambia's Ministry of Education implemented the program in all schools in Lusaka, with plans for nationwide expansion. Mongolia has also integrated the program into its educational system, reflecting a growing recognition of peace education as a tool for sustainable peace.
The summit also launched the Solidarity of Religions' Peace Committee (SRPC). Since 2023, the HWPL International Religious Peace Academy has been implemented as an interfaith learning program, formally recognized in several countries as a platform for peace-centered dialogue among leaders and citizens.
"Conflict can never be good. Only the achievement of peace is truly good. If we fail to establish a peaceful world in our time, we will burden future generations with conflict. What we leave behind must be a world of peace, not one of conflict. The work before us today is to commit ourselves to acts of goodness," said HWPL Chairman Lee Man-hee, emphasizing global cooperation for peace.
H.E. Ivo Josipović, former president of Croatia, delivered congratulatory remarks, stating, "All of us must be aware that our activity for banning war throughout the world is more important now than ever." He stressed that this year's achievements are a guarantee that humankind will one day achieve eternal peace.
The summit also addressed peaceful Korean reunification and noted a rapid increase in HWPL's global membership, now exceeding 580,000. Following the main event, satellite events will continue in 78 cities worldwide through October, with over 15,000 leaders expected to participate in further discussions on peacebuilding strategies. The growing support for HWPL's initiatives underscores a global momentum for peace, with concrete steps being taken to institutionalize peace through law, education, and interfaith cooperation.
