[HWPL]

[HWPL] HWPL's Peace Workshop Festival in USA

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 workshop festival in USA :)

Peace Workshop Festival Held in San Jose, USA, Sharing the Values of Human Rights and Peace

HWPL’s San Francisco Branch hosted the “Peace Workshop Festival” on December 13 of last year in San Jose, California, USA. The event was held to commemorate the United Nations-designated Human Rights Day and served as an opportunity to reflect on the values of human rights and the meaning of peace together with the local community.

Through this event, HWPL looked back on its peace activities carried out throughout 2025 and shared the meaning of peace and human rights. The event was hosted and organized by HWPL’s San Francisco Branch and sponsored by the Church of Scientology of San Jose, with the participation of religious leaders, local NGO heads, and community members.

The event began with a welcome address by Jungah Lah, HWPL Chief Branch Manager of San Francisco Branch. She emphasized, “Human rights and peace are inseparable values, and solidarity and action by all members of the community are more important than anything else.” This was followed by a screening of a highlight video of HWPL’s 2025 peace activities and a peace project report, reviewing the achievements of the past year together.

Afterward, participants enjoyed engaging and meaningful time by taking part in group activities and experience booths. Activities such as making peace chains, sampling snacks from around the world, and creating peace bracelets were prepared. There was also a time to discuss what each person could practice in their local communities using various keywords symbolizing peace. Through these activities, participants confirmed that peace is not an abstract concept but a value that can be practiced in everyday life.

Youth members of the IPYG presented a short story-based theatrical performance known as a “skit.” They expressed the reality of war and the longing for peace from a youth perspective, delivering a message calling for the end of war and the longingness of peace to the audience.

On this day, HWPL presented certificates of appreciation to religious leaders who had participated in religious peace activities over the past year. In addition, HWPL shared commitments and future plans for 2026 with participants, once again confirming the potential for sustainable cooperation between the local community and religious groups.

Utpal Dixit, Joint coordinator of Sewa International Bay Area, who attended the event, said, “I was deeply impressed by the peace activities led by so many young people. Next year, I would like to work together with HWPL to support and promote peace for socially vulnerable groups, families, and local communities.”

HWPL Official Homepage

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