[HWPL]

[HWPL] 2025 HWPL Global Peace Leaders’ Conference LP Program Panel Talk 3

Chairman ManHee Lee is the head representative of the global peace organization HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light), which is striving for the enactment and implementation of the international peace law 'Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW)'. The  DPCW is a legal instrument comprised of 10 articles and 38 clauses that can end wars and hostilities throughout the world. HWPL is also spreading a culture of peace and implementing peace education.

Chairman ManHee Lee experienced the cruelty and tragedy of war as a veteran of the Korean War. This is one of the reasons why he founded a global peace campaign as the head of HWPL. He has traveled the globe more than 35 times to meet and persuade politicians, legal experts, journalists, professors, peace activists, civil organization leaders, heads of tribes and others to unite them for the work of peace. The significant fruits borne out of his hard work are the World Alliance of Religions' Peace (WARP) Summit and HWPL Peace Committee. The DPCW was drafted and finalised by the HWPL Peace Committee.

How, you may wonder, do I know this? About 10 years ago, when I had just been discharged from military service, I came to know HWPL and Chairman ManHee Lee while researching the topic of civil conflicts to satisfy my curiosity in ongoing global issues. At that time, the island of Mindanao in the Philippines was suffering from a major civil conflict that lasted more than 40 years, and Chairman ManHee Lee and HWPL resolved this conflict through non-violent means.

Chairman Lee brought an end to the conflict in Mindanao by holding a peace talk between the warring Catholic and Islamic groups. Before the talk, HWPL and Chairman ManHee Lee held a Peace Walk to spread the culture of peace in Mindanao with the many locals who had gathered out of a desire for peace.

Chairman ManHee Lee's pressing appeal today is that humanity unites for sustainable peace in order to pass on the legacy of peace to future generations worldwide. He doesn't just talk peace, but has worked tirelessly for it through practical peace campaigns for over a decade.

I decided to become a supporter of HWPL and Chairman ManHee Lee's peace initiatives because I also desire a world of peace for all posterity.

Today I'd like to introduce an article regarding 2025 HWPL Global Peace Leaders' Conference of 11th World Peace Summit :)

2025 HWPL Global Peace Leaders’ Conference LP Program Panel Talk: Four Stories of Peace-Building Success – ③

Join us as we discover four key accomplishments that define the 11th Anniversary of the September 18th HWPL World Peace Summit through an engaging panel session.

Hon. Salinas, Deputy President, Latin American and Caribbean Parliament (PARLATINO)

Q1. Could you share with us why PARLATINO supports the DPCW and HWPL’s peace initiatives?

A1. As an intergovernmental body of 23 member states, PARLATINO represents more than 600 million people across Latin America and the Caribbean. For over six decades, our mission has been to promote dialogue, advance legislation, and strengthen democracy and human rights in our region. In a part of the world that has endured political instability, armed conflict, and social polarization, the DPCW offers concrete and actionable solutions. From prohibiting the use of force and upholding sovereignty to providing mechanisms for dispute resolution, it transforms cultural, economic, religious, and territorial differences into opportunities for cooperation rather than division.

What makes DPCW especially valuable is that it is implementable. Its provisions are tools our parliaments can adopt into national laws and policies. The values enshrined in the DPCW mirror PARLATINO’s own mission, enabling us to mobilize a unified parliamentary voice in the Americas to champion its adoption. Ultimately, this can help move the DPCW from a civil-society proposal to a universally recognized international instrument within the UN framework.

Q2. You mentioned earlier that PARLATINO represents over 600 million people in Central and South America and the Caribbean. May we begin with your perspective on the roles of society in achieving peace? As an intergovernmental organization, what role do you think each sector of society should play in achieving peace among nations?

A2. PARLATINO’s role is unique because we can bridge national governments, civil society, and international institutions. True peace requires this synergy; it cannot be achieved by speeches alone.

As legislators of 23 nations, we are mandated to harmonize laws that deter conflict, safeguard human rights, and allocate resources toward peacebuilding. Through parliamentary diplomacy, we also collaborate with regional blocs such as MERCOSUR, CARICOM, CELAC, PARLASUR, the Central American and Andean Parliaments, as well as UN agencies, to embed the principles of the DPCW into domestic and regional law.

Civil society, especially organizations like HWPL, plays an indispensable role at the grassroots level. PARLATINO can use its committees to connect these NGOs with policymakers so that reconciliation, interfaith dialogue, and local peace initiatives influence national legislation.

Education is equally vital. By partnering with ministries of education and academic institutions, we can ensure that peace education curricula are adopted across multiple countries, preparing the next generation to embrace tolerance, dialogue, and non-violence as core values.

                            

[HWPL]

[HWPL] 2025 HWPL Global Peace Leaders’ Conference LP Program Panel Talk 2

Chairman ManHee Lee is the head representative of the global peace organization HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light), which is striving for the enactment and implementation of the international peace law 'Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW)'. The  DPCW is a legal instrument comprised of 10 articles and 38 clauses that can end wars and hostilities throughout the world. HWPL is also spreading a culture of peace and implementing peace education.

Chairman ManHee Lee experienced the cruelty and tragedy of war as a veteran of the Korean War. This is one of the reasons why he founded a global peace campaign as the head of HWPL. He has traveled the globe more than 35 times to meet and persuade politicians, legal experts, journalists, professors, peace activists, civil organization leaders, heads of tribes and others to unite them for the work of peace. The significant fruits borne out of his hard work are the World Alliance of Religions' Peace (WARP) Summit and HWPL Peace Committee. The DPCW was drafted and finalised by the HWPL Peace Committee.

How, you may wonder, do I know this? About 10 years ago, when I had just been discharged from military service, I came to know HWPL and Chairman ManHee Lee while researching the topic of civil conflicts to satisfy my curiosity in ongoing global issues. At that time, the island of Mindanao in the Philippines was suffering from a major civil conflict that lasted more than 40 years, and Chairman ManHee Lee and HWPL resolved this conflict through non-violent means.

Chairman Lee brought an end to the conflict in Mindanao by holding a peace talk between the warring Catholic and Islamic groups. Before the talk, HWPL and Chairman ManHee Lee held a Peace Walk to spread the culture of peace in Mindanao with the many locals who had gathered out of a desire for peace.

Chairman ManHee Lee's pressing appeal today is that humanity unites for sustainable peace in order to pass on the legacy of peace to future generations worldwide. He doesn't just talk peace, but has worked tirelessly for it through practical peace campaigns for over a decade.

I decided to become a supporter of HWPL and Chairman ManHee Lee's peace initiatives because I also desire a world of peace for all posterity.

Today I'd like to introduce an article regarding 2025 HWPL Global Peace Leaders' Conference of 11th World Peace Summit :)

2025 HWPL Global Peace Leaders’ Conference LP Program Panel Talk: Four Stories of Peace-Building Success 2

Join us as we discover four key accomplishments that define the 11th Anniversary of the September 18th HWPL World Peace Summit through an engaging panel session.

Hon. Andrés Guillermo Lama Pérez , Senator, The Senate of the Dominican Republic

Q1. We would like to know why you support the DPCW and HWPL peace initiatives.

A1. I support the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) and HWPL’s peace initiatives because they give us a practical and universal framework to replace conflict with dialogue and division with cooperation. As a senator, I am proud that the Dominican Republic has taken a concrete step — our Senate has passed a resolution supporting the DPCW, affirming that peace is not only a hope but also a duty of governance.

We are also advancing peace education, and with gratitude, we acknowledge that HWPL donated a Peace Monument to the Dominican Republic, which now stands as a permanent symbol of our nation’s commitment to peace. But this work does not stop here — we are committed to continuing our collaboration with HWPL, expanding peace education, strengthening dialogue, and ensuring that peace becomes a lasting part of our national life. Under the leadership of Chairman Lee, HWPL has created a global movement that inspires governments, civil society, and citizens to join together for the common good. This is why I believe the DPCW is not only important for my country, but also essential for the entire international community.

Q2. The Senate of the Dominican Republic passed a resolution supporting the DPCW for peace and is actively promoting other initiatives like peace education. Given all this, we would also like to know what roles you think different sectors of society should play in achieving peace.

A2. Peace requires all of society to act. Governments and parliaments must enact laws that strengthen human rights and support conflict prevention. Religious leaders and interfaith groups foster reconciliation and common purpose. Civil society and the media carry truth and peace-promoting narratives. Youth and women—often at the forefront of cultural change—must lead peace education and community dialogue. And international organizations offer the frameworks for multilateral cooperation.

In the Dominican Republic, we’ve already seen HWPL-led peace summits—like the recent DR–Haiti summit—that brought journalists and communities together to practice peace journalism and dialogue. This demonstrates how each sector plays a critical part in building lasting peace.

                           

[HWPL]

[HWPL] 2025 HWPL Global Peace Leaders’ Conference LP Program Panel Talk 1

Chairman ManHee Lee is the head representative of the global peace organization HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light), which is striving for the enactment and implementation of the international peace law 'Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW)'. The  DPCW is a legal instrument comprised of 10 articles and 38 clauses that can end wars and hostilities throughout the world. HWPL is also spreading a culture of peace and implementing peace education.

Chairman ManHee Lee experienced the cruelty and tragedy of war as a veteran of the Korean War. This is one of the reasons why he founded a global peace campaign as the head of HWPL. He has traveled the globe more than 35 times to meet and persuade politicians, legal experts, journalists, professors, peace activists, civil organization leaders, heads of tribes and others to unite them for the work of peace. The significant fruits borne out of his hard work are the World Alliance of Religions' Peace (WARP) Summit and HWPL Peace Committee. The DPCW was drafted and finalised by the HWPL Peace Committee.

How, you may wonder, do I know this? About 10 years ago, when I had just been discharged from military service, I came to know HWPL and Chairman ManHee Lee while researching the topic of civil conflicts to satisfy my curiosity in ongoing global issues. At that time, the island of Mindanao in the Philippines was suffering from a major civil conflict that lasted more than 40 years, and Chairman ManHee Lee and HWPL resolved this conflict through non-violent means.

Chairman Lee brought an end to the conflict in Mindanao by holding a peace talk between the warring Catholic and Islamic groups. Before the talk, HWPL and Chairman ManHee Lee held a Peace Walk to spread the culture of peace in Mindanao with the many locals who had gathered out of a desire for peace.

Chairman ManHee Lee's pressing appeal today is that humanity unites for sustainable peace in order to pass on the legacy of peace to future generations worldwide. He doesn't just talk peace, but has worked tirelessly for it through practical peace campaigns for over a decade.

I decided to become a supporter of HWPL and Chairman ManHee Lee's peace initiatives because I also desire a world of peace for all posterity.

Today I'd like to introduce an article regarding 2025 HWPL Global Peace Leaders' Conference of 11th World Peace Summit :)

2025 HWPL Global Peace Leaders’ Conference LP Program Panel Talk: Four Stories of Peace-Building Success – ①

Join us as we discover four key accomplishments that define the 11th Anniversary of the September 18th HWPL World Peace Summit through an engaging panel session.

Rt. Hon. Dr. Jemma Nunu Kumba, Transitional National Legislative Assembly of South Sudan

Q1. Could you share with us why you support the DPCW and HWPL peace initiatives, Madam Speaker?

A1. Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, the Transitional National Legislative Assembly of the Republic of South Sudan has chosen to support and adopt the DPCW resolution for a simple but profound reason: our people long for sustainable peace. DPCW provides practical standards for ending conflict and building peace within institutions. Its principles align with the values of justice, human rights, and reconciliation enshrined in our Constitution, and they offer guidance for addressing the challenges we face today.

Even during months when the assembly was not in session, the Peace and Reconciliation Committee maintained continuous engagement with the HWPL team. In the first half of the year, the Committee held regular meetings to discuss and consolidate support for a DPCW-based resolution. As soon as the assembly convened in July, the Committee promptly initiated the legislative process.

Through these efforts, many Members of Parliament came to share the vision and supported the resolution. The proposal was formally submitted to the ABC Committee and is now actively being pursued in the Whole House for adoption. With full understanding, the President of the Republic of South Sudan, the former Chief Justice who has long cooperated with HWPL, and key national leaders have endorsed it, officially expressing South Sudan’s support.

The DPCW is more than a declaration; it is a promise that inspires hope. It strengthens the foundation for peace, opens paths for reconciliation, and fosters coexistence among our people. Moreover, it shows how South Sudan can contribute to peace and stability both regionally and globally.

The TNLA stands firmly in support of the DPCW and is committed to putting its principles into practice. This is our duty to our citizens and our mission to humanity.

Q2. You said that the reason the South Sudanese National Assembly supported and adopted the DPCW was because the people desperately yearned for peace. So, what contributions do you think each sector of society should make to achieve peace?

A2. Resolutions like the DPCW remain words on paper unless all sectors take responsibility to make them real. The TNLA must ensure that peace principles are reflected in our laws and institutions. The government must uphold political agreements, and civil society must promote reconciliation and peace in daily life. When these efforts come together, peace becomes achievable. Our Assembly is focused on three priorities: strengthening political peace and reconciliation processes; promoting dialogue among diverse communities; and supporting grassroots, community-based peacebuilding. Through these efforts, we aim not only to secure sustainable peace in South Sudan, but also to contribute to the collective peace of humanity.

                          

[HWPL]

[HWPL] HWPL 11th World Peace Summit Brings Together 800 Global Leaders

Chairman ManHee Lee is the head representative of the global peace organization HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light), which is striving for the enactment and implementation of the international peace law 'Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW)'. The  DPCW is a legal instrument comprised of 10 articles and 38 clauses that can end wars and hostilities throughout the world. HWPL is also spreading a culture of peace and implementing peace education.

Chairman ManHee Lee experienced the cruelty and tragedy of war as a veteran of the Korean War. This is one of the reasons why he founded a global peace campaign as the head of HWPL. He has traveled the globe more than 35 times to meet and persuade politicians, legal experts, journalists, professors, peace activists, civil organization leaders, heads of tribes and others to unite them for the work of peace. The significant fruits borne out of his hard work are the World Alliance of Religions' Peace (WARP) Summit and HWPL Peace Committee. The DPCW was drafted and finalised by the HWPL Peace Committee.

How, you may wonder, do I know this? About 10 years ago, when I had just been discharged from military service, I came to know HWPL and Chairman ManHee Lee while researching the topic of civil conflicts to satisfy my curiosity in ongoing global issues. At that time, the island of Mindanao in the Philippines was suffering from a major civil conflict that lasted more than 40 years, and Chairman ManHee Lee and HWPL resolved this conflict through non-violent means.

Chairman Lee brought an end to the conflict in Mindanao by holding a peace talk between the warring Catholic and Islamic groups. Before the talk, HWPL and Chairman ManHee Lee held a Peace Walk to spread the culture of peace in Mindanao with the many locals who had gathered out of a desire for peace.

Chairman ManHee Lee's pressing appeal today is that humanity unites for sustainable peace in order to pass on the legacy of peace to future generations worldwide. He doesn't just talk peace, but has worked tirelessly for it through practical peace campaigns for over a decade.

I decided to become a supporter of HWPL and Chairman ManHee Lee's peace initiatives because I also desire a world of peace for all posterity.

Today I'd like to introduce an article regarding 2025 HWPL 11th World Peace Summit :)

HWPL 11th World Peace Summit Brings Together 800 Global Leaders to Present Achievements and a Vision for Peace

Showcasing Achievements and Future Vision of Cooperation among International Organizations, Governments, and Civil Society for Peace

11th Anniversary of the September 18th HWPL World Peace Summit

Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), an international peace NGO based in South Korea, hosted the 11th Anniversary of the September 18th HWPL World Peace Summit on September 18–19 in Cheongju under the theme, “Uniting for Peace and Fulfilling Humanity’s Duty Together.” The commemoration will continue across 78 major cities worldwide through October.

This year’s summit gathered more than 800 global leaders—including former and current presidents, prime ministers, speakers of parliament, chief justices, cabinet ministers; and leaders in education, religion, media, and youth sectors—who voluntarily traveled to Korea, demonstrating expanding global support for HWPL’s peace initiatives.

Since the inaugural HWPL World Peace Summit in 2014, the organization has pledged practical approaches for conflict resolution through international law, interfaith cooperation, and peace education. At this 11th anniversary, HWPL presented its key achievements from the past year, notably the development of public–private partnership models for embedding sustainable peace within diverse national contexts.

Panel discussion on adopting the DPCW support resolution

A central agenda item was the global expansion of support for the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), HWPL’s proposed legal framework to end wars and establish lasting peace. The DPCW sets out principles such as the prohibition of the use of force, conflict prevention and mediation, and ensuring sustainable peace.

Over the past year, 17 international and regional bodies—including the Latin American and Caribbean Parliament (PARLATINO), the legislatures of Paraguay, the Dominican Republic, and South Sudan, as well as local governments in the Philippines, Mongolia, the U.S. state of Georgia, Madagascar, Mali, and India—adopted resolutions in support of the DPCW.

Former President of Croatia Ivo Josipović stressed that “all of us must be aware that our activity for banning war throughout the world is more important now than ever” and that this year’s achievements are the guarantees that humankind will one day achieve eternal peace.

Chairman Lee Manhee of HWPL emphasized global cooperation for peace, saying, “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.”

In the religious sector, the launch of the Solidarity of Religions’ Peace Committee (SRPC) was highlighted as a milestone. HWPL currently operates 292 WARP Offices across 132 countries, facilitating scripture-based dialogue and interfaith discussions. 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 leaders and citizens to engage in peace-centered dialogue.

Appointment Ceremony of HWPL Solidarity of Religions’ Peace Committee

In education, progress was made in institutionalizing HWPL Peace Education into public school curricula. Zambia introduced the program across schools in its capital, Lusaka, and announced plans for nationwide expansion in cooperation with the Ministry of Education. Mongolia also reported advancements in integrating HWPL Peace Education into both lifelong learning institutions and public education.

At the Global Peace Education Conference, Mr. Ian Miyoba, Director of Education Policy at Zambia’s Ministry of Education, stated, “Through peace education, we are amplifying citizens’ voices for peace and fostering a culture of peace. It can prevent issues like child rights violations, child marriage, and drug use, creating tangible change in the community. That’s what makes the HWPL Peace Education so unique and why it was the perfect fit for Zambia.”

Participant listening to HWPL’s achievements at the event

The summit also featured the 2025 International Conference on Preparing for Peaceful Korean Reunification, where discussions centered on “Inter-Korean Free Movement Through Public-Private Partnership.” Following the launch of the Preparatory Committee for Peaceful Unification on the Korean Peninsula (PCPUK) in March, this year’s conference discussed action plans focusing on inter-Korean exchanges, unification education, and international cooperation.

Over the past year, HWPL’s global membership increased by 140,000, surpassing 580,000. HWPL Secretary-General Kang Tae-ho noted this in his progress report: “Citizens worldwide, suffering from wars and conflicts, strongly yearn for genuine peace beyond the current order. This collective aspiration has directly led to the rapid growth of HWPL’s membership.”

While the Cheongju summit served as the centerpiece, HWPL emphasized that anniversary events will continue in 78 countries through October. More than 15,000 leaders from international organizations, governments, and civil society are expected to participate in in-depth discussions on long-term strategies for sustainable peace, tailored to their respective national contexts.

                         

[HWPL]

[HWPL] 2025 HWPL International Religious Peace Academy

Chairman ManHee Lee is the head representative of the global peace organization HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light), which is striving for the enactment and implementation of the international peace law 'Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW)'. The  DPCW is a legal instrument comprised of 10 articles and 38 clauses that can end wars and hostilities throughout the world. HWPL is also spreading a culture of peace and implementing peace education.

Chairman ManHee Lee experienced the cruelty and tragedy of war as a veteran of the Korean War. This is one of the reasons why he founded a global peace campaign as the head of HWPL. He has traveled the globe more than 35 times to meet and persuade politicians, legal experts, journalists, professors, peace activists, civil organization leaders, heads of tribes and others to unite them for the work of peace. The significant fruits borne out of his hard work are the World Alliance of Religions' Peace (WARP) Summit and HWPL Peace Committee. The DPCW was drafted and finalised by the HWPL Peace Committee.

How, you may wonder, do I know this? About 10 years ago, when I had just been discharged from military service, I came to know HWPL and Chairman ManHee Lee while researching the topic of civil conflicts to satisfy my curiosity in ongoing global issues. At that time, the island of Mindanao in the Philippines was suffering from a major civil conflict that lasted more than 40 years, and Chairman ManHee Lee and HWPL resolved this conflict through non-violent means.

Chairman Lee brought an end to the conflict in Mindanao by holding a peace talk between the warring Catholic and Islamic groups. Before the talk, HWPL and Chairman ManHee Lee held a Peace Walk to spread the culture of peace in Mindanao with the many locals who had gathered out of a desire for peace.

Chairman ManHee Lee's pressing appeal today is that humanity unites for sustainable peace in order to pass on the legacy of peace to future generations worldwide. He doesn't just talk peace, but has worked tirelessly for it through practical peace campaigns for over a decade.

I decided to become a supporter of HWPL and Chairman ManHee Lee's peace initiatives because I also desire a world of peace for all posterity.

Today I'd like to introduce an article regarding 2025 HWPL International Religious Peace Academy :)

HWPL International Religious Peace Academy

On September 18, religious leaders from around the world gathered at the 11th Anniversary of the September 18th HWPL World Peace Summit to hold a session of the “HWPL International Religious Peace Academy (IRPA),” which conveyed the message, “Let us prevent conflict by learning from and understanding one another.”

The IRPA first began as offline lectures in Korea in 2023, attracting over a thousand participants at each session. As of 2025, it has brought together 2,300 people from 100 countries, with a cumulative total of 9,445 participants from 108 countries. This demonstrates a growing trend of religious leaders and believers worldwide uniting with one heart toward peace.

 

In my ministry in Cagayan de Oro and across Mindanao, I have seen both the pain of conflict—families displaced, mistrust between Christians and Muslims, and the wounds of division—and the hope that dialogue brings.

On December 3, 2023, a bombing struck Marawi City, Mindanao. Through HWPL’s mediation, a dialogue was held in Cotabato in January 2024 between Mindanao bishops and Islamic leaders, resulting in a joint statement that helped prevent violence and preserve peace in BARMM.

Even small conversations have opened doors to reconciliation. The Mindanao Peace Agreement affirmed this truth: we can choose dialogue over violence.

Today, that work continues. HWPL has expanded its efforts beyond agreements to engage youth, women, educators, and most especially through the Religious Peace Academy (RPA). I have been privileged to serve as a lecturer here, where leaders of different faiths study their scriptures side by side—to deepen understanding, discover shared values, and strengthen bonds of peace.

In the Philippines, through the IPYG and HWPL peace clubs, students also join the RPA in their schools. Afterward, they experience Youth Peace Camps, visiting both Christian and Islamic places of worship to put their learning into practice. The RPA empowers both leaders and youth to grow together, ensuring that the next generation carries forward the mission of peace.

– The Most Rev. Antonio J. Ledesma, Archbishop Emeritus of Cagayan de Oro, Philippines

 

The session began with congratulatory remarks from the Most Rev. Antonio J. Ledesma, Archbishop Emeritus of Cagayan de Oro, Philippines, followed by an introduction to the HWPL International Religious Peace Academy (IRPA), special presentations on Buddhism, Islam, and Confucianism, and a special lecture on Christianity. Religious leaders from each tradition shared the depth of their faith while learning from one another’s scriptures. Through this exchange, they confirmed that the path of learning together and living with mutual respect is the very image of peace that humanity must create and the vision for future religious integration.

First, Ehsan Mirza, Imam of Daejeon Islamic Center, delivered a presentation on the theme “The Teachings of the Qur’an for Peace and an Invitation to Interreligious Understanding.” Imam Mirza stated that the International Religious Peace Academy (IRPA) is now growing significantly as a global peace platform, encompassing not only religious leaders but also political and social leaders from various countries. He explained that leaders from major religious denominations including Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Sikhism are engaging in profound dialogue and lectures while discussing their scriptures. He further noted that recently, diverse social leaders such as legal professionals, educators, youth, women, and members of the media have joined, establishing IRPA as a large-scale international event with participation from governments and public institutions of various countries.

He also cited the Qur’anic teaching that “there is no compulsion in religion” (Qur’an 2:256), emphasizing the importance of interreligious understanding. He stated that this principle of Islam, based on freedom of faith, diversity, and respect for other religions, demonstrates that all humanity can become one.

Kim Boo-eoun, Executive Vice President of the National Federation of Confucian Scholars, presented on the theme “Solidarity and Sharing: Humanity’s Mission for Peace — The Wisdom of the Confucian Scriptures.” He explained Confucian thought, which teaches that when one first cultivates and rectifies one’s own body and mind, the family becomes harmonious; when the family is well-governed, one can govern the nation; and only after the nation is upright can there be peace under heaven. He appealed that we must first govern our own minds with peace.

Beop-ryun, Abbot of Geumdangam Temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, presented on “The Common Truths in Buddhist Scriptures and the Path to Harmony.” He emphasized that since all existence is interdependent, practicing an altruistic attitude and compassion is indispensable in life. He particularly highlighted that in interdependent relationships, it is important to understand and know one another, and to this end, we must learn the scriptures of each religion.

In the special lecture on Christianity, Chairman Lee Man-hee, who serves as the Chairman of HWPL and the Chairman of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, participated as a speaker and shared insights on Christian scriptures. The diverse religious leaders in attendance spent time discovering anew the universal values and meanings contained in Christian scriptures.

Through this session, participants discovered the common values of peace and harmony that each religion fundamentally pursues. On the 20th, special lectures on Buddhism, Confucianism, and Islam were held in various regions. Notably, the special lecture on Islam was held at Daeyaksa Temple of the Yeorae Order of Korean Buddhism, carrying the special significance of learning Islamic scriptures in a Buddhist temple. This demonstrated that practical interfaith exchange and harmony through HWPL’s religious peace initiatives are leading to concrete results.

HWPL plans to continue taking the lead in spreading a culture of peace based on interreligious dialogue and education through collaboration with religious leaders around the world.