[HWPL]

[HWPL] HWPL's Peace Talk Platform in Europe

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 HWPL's peace talk platform in Europe :)

European Citizen-Led Peace Talk Platform “Peace Talk Europe” Begins

Dialogue Led Directly by Citizens amid Multi-Cultural Conflict

On December 13 of last year, HWPL’s Netherlands Branch announced its citizens conversation platform which will be held regularly by officially launching the first diverse European Peace Talk initiative known as ‘Peace Talk Europe.’

This initiative follows the Europe Peace Forum held last October and is designed to build a citizen-led space for peaceful communication, bringing together participants from multiple countries, including the Netherlands, Belgium, and Italy.

Anyone and everyone may participate in the Peace Talk Europe for it transcends all religions, professions, nationalities, and social backgrounds. Peace Talk Europe is not a forum for debate nor advocacy. Instead, it is grounded in the values of listening, empathy, and mutual understanding. In a European society increasingly fatigued by political and institutional discourse, the platform aims to offer a safe environment where individuals can share personal experiences and truly listen to one another.

Alexander Dem, Director of the Religious Department at HWPL Netherlands and moderator of the session, explained the motivation behind the program: “Across European society, multicultural tensions, identity conflicts, and political polarization are intensifying. As a result, the need for a space where citizens can participate in dialogue without pressure is growing. Peace Talk Europe focuses on restoring trust within communities through conversations that respect each individual experiences.”

The first session invited participants to converse freely with the following two questions:
“When do you feel the most peace?” and “When do you feel the most at ease?”

Swami Bharadhwaj Venkata, Chief Priest of the Arunachaleswarar Temple in the Netherlands shared his impression stating that this dialogue format centered on inner awareness and mutual respect can contribute to reducing social fragmentation and strengthening peaceful coexistence at the community level.

Mr. Andy Vermaut, Founder of the Fundamental Rights Movement Postversa, highlighted the importance of civic dialogue explaining that Peace Talk Europe serves as a platform where citizens can exchange perspectives respectfully, helping to “reinforce democratic values and peaceful civic engagement beyond institutional settings.”

HWPL Netherlands confirmed that Peace Talk Europe is scheduled to be held monthly as a sustained platform. The program remains open to new participants, aiming to foster a culture of peaceful communication and engagement beyond borders.

HWPL Official Homepage

https://www.hwpl.kr/language/en/home-hwpl-_en/