IPYG conducted educational volunteering in India and Bangladesh

IPYG conducted an educational volunteering in India and Bangladesh on December 5, 2023, in commemoration of the UN-designated

 

‘International Volunteer Day.’

 

Upon requests for a collaboration from youth organizations in India and Bangladesh, IPYG provided the Youth Empowerment Peace Class (YEPC). 

Particularly, the course ‘The Power of Youth,’ which contains stories of citizens who have successfully ended conflicts and achieved peace, provided an opportunity to instill courage in the youth of India and Bangladesh regarding their role in promoting peace.

 

IPYG collaborated with the ‘Society for Participatory Action and Reflection’ (SPAR) to conduct educational volunteering in the outlying areas of West Bengal, India, where educational opportunities are scarce. Following the educational activities, a program for unity was organized, creatively emphasizing the significance of individual roles in achieving peace for 105 young students.

 #IPYG #VOLUNTEERING

#UN #YOUTH #YEPW #IWPG #HWPL #DPCW_1038

#PEACE_WALK #EDUCATION #KOREA #BANGLADESH #INDIA

 

In the Manipur region of India, educational volunteering was also carried out for over 70 young individuals. Through speech sessions, the youth discussed the need to prevent conflicts and preserve peace.

 

The speeches highlighted the importance of not exposing children to war zones and emphasized the necessity of providing educational environments for the youth, receiving significant positive response.

 

Furthermore, in Bangladesh, the IPYG and the ‘Center for Communication and Development of Bangladesh’ (CCD) collaborated to organize an event in celebration of the International Volunteer Day. Held at the University of Rajshahi, the event featured a peace photo exhibition to emphasize the importance of peace. Participants in the event felt a direct connection between peace and life, expressing their desire to engage in peace activities starting from small efforts. They also expressed their intention to participate in various activities in the future through collaboration with IPYG. Going forward, IPYG plans to publish a peace newspaper for the youth in collaboration with the CCD, encouraging continued participation in peace-related initiatives.

 

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

 

The collaborative educational volunteering effort between IPYG and local youth organizations was a valuable time that aimed to raise awareness about the importance of peace activities among the youth in India and Bangladesh, encouraging voluntary participation.

HWPL Prayer Conference for World Peace

On November 18, 2023, the ‘HWPL Prayer Conference for World Peace’ was conducted online at 06:00 and 13:00 (UTC) with 855 religious leaders participating from 73 countries around the world.

We are currently living in a world that is extremely affluent materially and advanced technologically. However, at the same time, many people are being sacrificed every day in various parts of the world due to conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war, the Israel-Palestine Hamas conflict, and the Colombian conflict.

 

In the midst of this cruel reality, the HWPL World Alliance of Religions’ Peace Office (WARP Office) has been working to eliminate the use of force and violence, division, and conflict that hinder world peace, and has been striving to create a world where all people are united in peace.

 

As part of these efforts, following the ‘World Prayer for the End of War and for Peace’ in April 2022, HWPL’s Prayer Conference for World Peace has also been held.

First, through the opening video, we empathized with the suffering of the victims of war. Additionally, we had a moment to contemplate the importance of peace and our mission as religious leaders through the message of HWPL Chairman Man Hee Lee, stating that ‘It is our task to create a peaceful world for our global village and leave it as a legacy for the future generations.’

 

The prayer meeting began with a moment of silence to comfort the souls of those who perished in the recent Israel-Palestine Hamas conflict. Notably, religious leaders from all around the world, with a shared longing for peace conducted the proceedings for the prayer meeting according to the rites of their respective religions.

 

#MANHEE_LEE #ISRAEL #HWPL #DPCW_1038 #PRAYER #WAR #PEACE

#YEPW #IPYG #IWPG

#PEACE_WALK

 

The theme of the prayer meeting for Korean domestic religious leaders focused on the longing for the cessation of war and for peace, commemorating the victims of war and comforting their families, and promoting harmony among religions.

 

During the meeting, with the participation of various religions including Buddhism, Christianity, Catholicism, Islam, Hinduism, Cheondoism, and Tenrikyo, five religious leaders prayed on behalf of their communities. Additionally, religious leaders from across South Korea joined the prayer meeting in real-time from Buddhist temples, Sikh gurdwaras, Christian churches, and other places of worship, uniting in spirit and purpose.

Additionally, the overseas religious prayer meeting was conducted in two sessions at 6:00 AM and 1:00 PM UTC in continental union, where a total of 11 leaders from various religions came forward to conduct representative prayers according to their respective religious cultures. Between the prayers led by the representatives, there was a time for everyone to pray together. Amidst the diverse prayers conducted in different ways, all participants joined the prayer meeting with a unified heart for the cessation of war and peace, respecting each other’s religious cultures and participating with sincere hearts until the end.

 

Especially during the time of commemorating the victims of war and seeking comfort and peace for those left behind, many participants empathized with their pain and even shed tears.

 

During the event, an online board was operated in real time for prayers and wishes for peace. Participants freely shared their prayers and wishes for peace through the provided link. The posts on the board will continue to be gathered together so that it can be shared with more people and used to gather hearts, showing how many people want to stop the war and achieve peace.

 

Patanjali Muni, a Hindu religious leader, expressed that it was a profound learning experience to see different religions come together to pray with one heart, and emphasized that in order for us to hasten the arrival of a peaceful world, we must actively participate in the cause of peace with a united spirit.

 

Following this, a Buddhist leader lamented the horrific atrocities of war and the suffering it has caused to many people, and appealed for the need to lay down the weapons aimed at one another. Furthermore, the leader urged more religious leaders around the world to realize the value of life and peace and to take the lead in advocating for them.

 

Sahibzada Mir Masood Ali Khan, Principal of the Indian Patriots Islamic Academy, who attended the international prayer meeting, expressed his gratitude for the invitation and said, “I am extremely happy and feel at peace knowing that many people with diverse religious backgrounds and communities are coming together, putting aside their differences for peace, harmony, and love. All the prayers were extremely beautiful, especially when they were recited in the original languages and the meanings were very inspiring as well.”

 

Dr. Niraj Bodhi, Head of the Department of Pali-Prakrit and Buddhist Studies in Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University shared his thoughts on attending the prayer meeting: “Thank you for having me participate in the World Interfaith Prayer Conference. It was a new experience for me. Through this opportunity, I was able to experience the human values ​​of all religions. I believe every religion teaches about peace amongst mankind. But (through this prayer conference) I felt the message that all human beings are one was even more important. Thank you very much once again for giving me the opportunity to participate.”

 

Luqman Lekan Adedeji, Associate Professor of Islamic Studies Education in University of Lagos and Chief Imam of Peace Estate Mosque, expressed his thoughts on attending the event, saying, “I am delighted to participate in this event composed of religious leaders from around the world. This event organized by HWPL is a clear testament to efforts for peace, which is commendable.”

 

“The fact that each religion was represented gave a sense of equal participation and individual prayers without imposing a particular religion added color to the program. Furthermore, by presenting the idea of a relay prayer meeting, we were encouraged to organize such prayers in our local communities to achieve world peace. I am grateful to HWPL for inviting me to be part of the global peace family.”

 

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

 

Through this prayer gathering, we have recognized the occurrence of numerous casualties due to war and the presence of many people in need of our attention and assistance. We are committed to actively participating in the pursuit of global peace and the cessation of war. Following the joint prayer for the cessation of the Russia-Ukraine war, which started at the HWPL WARP Office in 2022, the religious leaders who attended this prayer gathering have also pledged to continue the wave of peace in their respective religions through the ‘Relay Prayer Campaign.’ 

 

Members of Parliament (MPs) in Malawi Discuss

Malawi is a relatively peaceful country, having remained uninvolved in active conflicts since gaining its independence. Nevertheless, the nation faces socio-economic issues that require attention, such as Gender-based Violence (GBV).

 

The event was attended by 10 members of the National Assembly, including Honorable Axson Carlyle Banda, representative of the Speaker of the Malawi National Assembly, and Honorable Ebrahim Abel Kazembe.

 

During the gathering, they deliberated on strategies to make Malawi a more peaceful and joyous nation, drawing inspiration from the 10 Articles and 38 Clauses of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW). The objective was to promote universal values within the international community and achieve sustainable peace.

 The event commenced with introductions and a welcoming speech delivered by Honorable Ephraim Abel Kayembe. This was followed by an introduction to HWPL peace projects and the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW).

 

Subsequently, active discussions were held to work towards establishing sustainable peace in Malawi through the principles outlined in the DPCW.

 

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

 

 

 

 

#DPCW_1038 #HWPL #WARP_OFFICE #PEACE_WORLD #IPYG #IWPG #MALAWI

International Universal Health Coverage Day, 12 December

 

It is time to get progress towards health for all back on track.

The United Nations High-Level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage, held on 21 September 2023, reaffirmed that healthy people are the foundation of healthy societies and economies, and that UHC is central to achieving all of the Sustainable Development Goals.

 

https://www.un.org/en/

And yet:

Half of the world’s population does not have access to essential health services.

An estimated 2 billion people face financial hardship due to out-of-pocket health expenses, including 344 million people living in extreme poverty.

Since the launch of the SDGs in 2015 – even before the COVID-19 pandemic – the expansion of health service coverage had stalled and financial protection had deteriorated.

The pandemic has set countries further back in their journey towards universal health coverage. It has also showed why UHC is so important.

 

#PANDEMIC #HEALTH_SERVICE #PEACE_WORLD #PEACE_WALK #HWPL #DPCW_1038 #INTERNATIONAL DAY #UN #WARP_OFFICE #IWPG #IPYG

 

 

It’s time for action.

More information can be found on the official campaign microsite: 

www.universalhealthcoverageday.org

 

 

 

PEACE_LETTER : PARTICIPATE IN THE PEACE LETTER CAMPAIGN

The only solution for peace with a heart fully supporting and urging for the DPCW.

 

Let us write a handwritten peace letter!

HWPL's Peace Letter brings together the hart of all people who desire peace.

 

You can also participate online. 

Go to HWPL's Peace Letter website and write your letter.

 

Your Peace Letter, 

whether written online or offline, will be delivered to the heads of state and leaders from each nation through HWPL.

 

#PEACE_LETTER #HWPL #DPCW_1038 #IPYG #IWPG #WARP_OFFICE #PEACEWORLD #PEACE_WALK #PEACE_CAMPAIGN

 

The letters will move the heart of all world leaders.

 

Starting from the tips of your fingers, enormous movement that will touch the entire world.

 

 

https://www.hwpl.kr/

Get the opportunity to serve as a member of HWPL working for peace in the World.

 

International Equal Pay Day 18 September

Equal pay for work of equal value

International Equal Pay Day, celebrated on 18 September, represents the longstanding efforts towards the achievement of equal pay for work of equal value. It further builds on the United Nations' commitment to human rights and against all forms of discrimination, including discrimination against women and girls.

 

Across all regions, women are paid less than men, with the gender pay gap estimated at around 20 per cent globally.

 

Gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls continue to be held back owing to the persistence of historical and structural unequal power relations between women and men, poverty and inequalities and disadvantages in access to resources and opportunities that limit women’s and girls’ capabilities. Progress on narrowing that gap has been slow.

 

While equal pay for men and women has been widely endorsed, applying it in practice has been difficult.

 

#INTERNATIONAL_DAY #HWPL #PEACE #WOMEN #GENDER_EQUALITY

#DPCW_1038 #WARP_OFFICE #IPYG #IWPG

 

In order to ensure that no one is left behind, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) address the need to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls. Furthermore, the SDGs promote decent work and economic growth by seeking full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value. Mainstreaming of a gender perspective is crucial in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

 

Achieving equal pay is an important milestone for human rights and gender equality. It takes the effort of the entire world community and more work remains to be done. The United Nations, including UN Women and the International Labour Organization (ILO) invites Members states and civil society, women’s and community-based organizations and feminist groups, as well as businesses and workers’ and employers’ organizations, to promote equal pay for work of equal value and the economic empowerment of women and girls.

 

WWW.UN.ORG

 

HWPL International Religious Peace Academy (IRPA)

As part of the newly launched HWPL International Religious Peace Academy (IRPA), online lectures were held over four Saturdays from July 8th to 29th, 2023. The IRPA showcased lectures delivered by prominent religious leaders from Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Sikhism, based on their respective religious scriptures. A total of 1,388 religious leaders from 108 countries attended the lecture series.

#WARP_OFFICE

📕Since 2014, HWPL has operated the World Alliance of Religions’ Peace (WARP) Offices for inter-religious comparative scriptural discussions, Religious Youth Peace Camps for religious and cultural exchange, and Open Dialogues with Religious Leaders for intra-faith discussions around the world. To expand on the work for peace among religions, HWPL has initiated the HWPL International Religious Peace Academy (IRPA) platform where people can explore beyond a basic understanding of each religion through scripture-based lectures by various religious leaders.

#HWPL

📚Prominent religious leaders are invited to present lectures on various topics in the Religious Peace Academy, and participating religious leaders can choose and attend lectures on scriptures from religions other than their own.

#DPCW_1038

📘Last July, 15-minute long religious lectures on the same topics were presented in the first and second weeks of the RPA lecture series. This was followed by hour-long in-depth lectures in the third and fourth weeks, where participants chose the religious lectures of their choice.

 

📔The first week of the RPA was held with the topic of ‘Prophecy and Fulfillment’, and the second week under the theme of ‘Signs of the End Times and a New Era’. Detailed information about the lectures may be found at the official website (http://rpa.hwpl.kr/), such as introductions to the lecturers and lecture videos.

#IPYG #IWPG #PEACE

📕HWPL will continue to organize and operate the International Religious Peace Academy lectures so that religion may reclaim its original role and purpose of love and understanding, and not be used as a tool for conflict.

 

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