[HWPL]

[HWPL] 2025 HWPL Global Peace Leaders’ Conference LP Program Panel Talk 4

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 – ④

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. Commissioner Ted Terry, Dekalb County District 6, Georgia

Q1. In this effort to declare DeKalb County as a County of Peace, what was a point of focus for you?

A1. The first factor that stood out was consistency and credibility. This was not just a slogan or a plan, but a program built on years of peace education classes, youth workshops, networking with elected officials, and volunteer projects already carried out in DeKalb County. HWPL Georgia went directly into schools, libraries, and community centers to teach skills such as conflict resolution, active listening, and collaborative problem-solving. They also worked actively to revitalize communities to foster a culture of peace. As a result, students brought what they learned back to their homes, and we could see a positive change in the atmosphere of the community.

The second factor was the service component. We were deeply impressed that this organization followed through on its promises and aligned with the initiatives prioritized within the county. Activities included environmental clean-ups, hygiene kit distribution, support for vulnerable populations, and cross-community volunteer work. They even incorporated animal rights into their programs and partnered with my office to educate the community on this matter. Their events brought together faith groups, civic organizations, and youth to cooperate toward shared goals. The message was clear: peace is something we practice together, week after week, and we all have a part to play in creating a culture of peace in our county.

The third factor was the connectivity of the PLAY program. PLAY provided a structured pathway for youth—starting from learning the principles of peace to leading projects that brought tangible benefits to DeKalb County. Seeing teenagers plan, communicate, and deliver results convinced us that this was not just a celebration but a sustainable effort. This was done in partnership with other organizations across the county, and the outlook for expansion and impact was very promising.

Finally, the initiative aligned with DeKalb County’s priorities. It directly addressed the county’s focus on safer communities, youth development, and stronger partnerships. Declaring DeKalb as a ‘Peace County’ was not merely symbolic—it was a recognition of what is already working, a standard for accountability, a measure of participation, an expansion of partnerships, and a commitment to keeping youth at the center.

In the end, the combination of proven education, visible service, a youth leadership pathway, and clear alignment is what left a strong impression on the Office of the Presiding Officer, which proudly sponsored this movement to make DeKalb County a county of peace.

Q2. What are some of the obstacles you anticipate with this implementation, and what are you most excited about?

A2. In America, passing a proclamation or a resolution and actually implementing it are two entirely different stages, and several practical challenges can be anticipated. First, sustaining momentum. At the time of the proclamation, there was great enthusiasm and participation. But maintaining that same energy six months, one year, or three years later requires intentional and systematic follow-up. Over time, people’s schedules and priorities change, and programs can lose visibility.

Second, securing resources. Peace education, volunteer activities, and youth leadership programs like PLAY require time, skilled facilitators, and in some cases, funding. Maintaining close cooperation between county departments, schools, and community partners is essential. As participation grows, we need a stable foundation to ensure consistent delivery.

Third, measuring impact. For this work to be sustained, we need systems to track participation, highlight success stories, and identify areas for improvement. Without data, it is difficult to secure continued support. Yet, I remain confident because DeKalb County has already declared itself a ‘County of Compassion,’ which shows that both residents and leadership value empathy, care, and community connection.

Peace and compassion go hand in hand, and this initiative is the natural next step. Personally, I am most excited to see partnerships deepen and youth who have received peace education step up to lead local projects and eventually become community leaders themselves. Ultimately, this is about embedding peace deeply into the daily life of our county. The obstacles are real, but the potential to create an impact that spans generations makes every effort worthwhile.