DPCW_1038: HWPL’s 8th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War

https://www.hwpl.kr/language/en/

Building the Minds of Peace:

Promoting Institutional Peace via Intercultural Dialogue and Understanding

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In 2023 alone, conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war, the Israel-Hamas war, and numerous international disputes tragically claimed the lives of over 33,000 civilians and displaced millions. Recognizing this dire reality, Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), an international peace NGO, held its 8th annual commemoration of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) on March 14th at its peace training institute in Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.

The event’s theme resonated deeply: “Building the Minds of Peace: Promoting Institutional Peace via Intercultural Dialogue and Understanding.”

 

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Since the DPCW’s proclamation on March 14, 2016, HWPL has consistently held annual commemorative ceremonies to advocate for the institutionalization of peace. This year, the event gathered about 12,500 distinguished experts from diverse fields – political, legal, religious, educational, media, and representatives from women and youth sectors – both online and in person. Among participants, about 10,000 HWPL members moved in an orderly manner under the guidance of staff and filled the commemorative ceremony venue.

Drafted in collaboration with international legal specialists from 15 countries, the DPCW is comprised of 10 articles and 38 clauses. It outlines the principles and tools necessary to prevent and resolve conflicts, cultivate a peaceful global society, and defines clear roles for individuals, communities, and nations in achieving lasting peace.

 

In his congratulatory speech, H.E. Vidura Wickramanayaka, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, said, “The commitment and dedication shown in the pursuit of peace projects have not only been commendable but have also laid the foundation for a more harmonious world. The tireless efforts of individuals and organizations working towards the common goal of ending war and fostering understanding among nations are truly inspiring.”

As President of the Daegak Buddhism Jogye Order in South Korea, Ven. Beopsan who has been participating in interreligious dialogue for nine years, emphasized the importance of religious leaders’ participation in peacebuilding efforts including comparative study of scriptures.

 

He said, “Intercultural dialogue and understanding can be found at HWPL’s World Alliance of Religions’ Peace Office. The root of religion is one and its meaning is a truly noble value.”

 

#DPCW_1038 #HWPL #PEACE #PEACE_MIND

Peace Project Spreads Throughout Mali

Mali is named for the Mali Empire that at its peak in the 14th century covered an area about twice the size of modern-day France.

 

In the late 19th century, France seized control of Mali.

 

Now,

Mali is one of the conflict-ridden countries in Africa.

 

https://www.hwpl.kr/language/en/

 

Comprised of nine regions, Mali has various elements of conflict such as terrorism, rebellion, ethnic disputes, and slavery, resulting in numerous casualties in different regions.

 

Particularly, the northern region with high terrorist activities and the central region with frequent ethnic conflicts have produced the highest number of casualties. However, despite the support from numerous international organizations, including the UN, and foreign military forces, the situation remains unresolved.

 

What can we do for this situation?

 

In this regard, HWPL has initiated the WAO project to propose more fundamental solutions for peace by uniting with the people of Mali. In March 2023, they signed MOU with the city of Gao, a major city of the northern region.

 

In December 2023,

 

they did the same with the city of Yorosso, a city in the central region, and in January 2024, with the city of Masina in the central region, to institutionalize the WAO project.

 

WAO : We Are One!

 

Additionally, they have also agreed to sign MOU with key cities of Mopti and Segou in the central region.

 The cities that signed the MOU with HWPL have formed committees by recruiting experts in various fields regularly gathering and discussing the issues and solutions of respective cities.

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The attendees decided to focus on the encountering conflict by solving the problem of

‘Ignorance of Ethnic Roots and Traditions’

 

and agreed to invite experts from various backgrounds to discuss solutions to this issue.

 

Mr. Abdoulaye Goita, the mayor of Yorosso who attended the meeting, emphasized,

 

“HWPL’s WAO project is special in the aspect of how we approach to the minds of people”,

 

further stating that

 

“This is something that everyone in our city of Yorosso must collaborate on for peace.”

 

What would we do for a peaceworld?

 #PEACEWORLD #HWPL #WAO #SOLUTIONS #PEACE #DPCW_1038