The 10th Anniversary Ceremony of the HWPL September 18 Peace Summit was commemorated worldwide, with celebrations taking place in around 40 countries, including South Korea. The main event took place around the HWPL Peace Training Center in Gyeonggi Province, attracting a remarkable attendance of 100,000 individuals, including distinguished guests and members from both domestic and international backgrounds.
Celebrating a Decade of Peace Initiatives
Hosted by Heavenly Culture World Peace Restoration of Light (HWPL) under the leadership of Chairman Man-hee Lee, the ceremony focused on the theme “Building a World Peace Community through Regional Cooperation.” This gathering served as a platform to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of world leaders and citizens towards peace over the past decade and to discuss strategies for future global harmony. Notable attendees included Korean Buddhist Jogye Order Master Hyechong and Jose Honorio da Costa Pereira Geronimo, East Timor’s Minister of Higher Education, Science and Culture.
A Call for Unity and Cooperation
In his commemorative speech, HWPL Chairman Lee expressed heartfelt gratitude to all participants, stating, “Let us transcend our differences and unite as one global community, working together to foster love and peace. Our shared mission is to save each other and leave a lasting legacy of peace for future generations.”
The ceremony also reflected on the tangible outcomes of peace initiatives since 2014 and emphasised the need for establishing a “regional network” designed to tailor peace strategies to the unique characteristics of various regions. Through this collaborative approach, local communities will proactively address threats to peace and enhance their collective capacities.
Strategic Partnerships for Peace Development
Aligning with the event’s theme of “Interregional Cooperation,” HWPL entered into partnerships with the Group of Seven Plus (G7+) and the Latin American and Caribbean Council (PARLATINO) to further peace initiatives. G7+, comprising 20 member states, was established to promote peace, stability, and cooperation among disputed nations through development. PARLATINO, with 23 member states, aims to foster democratic development and integration across Latin America.
Launch of the “Donghaeng” Campaign
The ceremony also marked the launch of the public campaign “Donghaeng: Connecting the Republic of Korea.” This initiative was first piloted in key South Korean cities in July, the campaign seeks to connect cultures across generations through collaboration with 230 civil society organisations, facilitating various peace-related activities.
During the event, Chairman Lee appointed Kim Dong-hee as head of the campaign’s promotion division. Kim subsequently read the declaration, marking the official launch of the initiative.
Pledging to Bridge Generational Gaps
The declaration committed to narrowing the generational divide and fostering mutual understanding for a brighter future while promoting respect and appreciation for diverse cultures. The “Donghaeng” campaign aims to carry forward the spirit of the Saemaul Undong (New Village Movement), which was instrumental in South Korea’s 20th-century economic development and social transformation.
A Global Movement for Peace
Looking ahead, the “Donghaeng” campaign intends to host sessions across various demographics in Korea and globally. With the slogan “Let all villages on Earth become messengers of peace,” the campaign encourages individuals from all walks of life to contribute to the promotion of peace. Messages advocating for unity and harmony will be collected and shared among citizens domestically and internationally.
HWPL, a non-governmental organisation associated with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), held the inaugural World Peace Conference in Seoul in 2014, gathering over 1,000 leaders from diverse sectors to address issues such as conflict resolution and religious harmony. The 10th anniversary celebration commemorates the remarkable strides made towards peace since that pivotal gathering.
