[IPYG]

[IPYG] IPYG's Friends: Build Peace and Development (BPD)

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 affiliate youth group, IPYG's affiliate organization: Build Peace and Development :)

Introducing an IPYG Affiliate Organization – Build Peace and Development (BPD)

Youth Empowerment Peace Class(YEPC)

A Youth NGO Practicing Peace and Sustainable Development in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

“Build Peace and Development (BPD)” is a peace and development-focused non-governmental organization (NGO) based in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. With the goal of achieving long-term peace through community conflict resolution and sustainable development, BPD works across various fields, including conflict transformation, mediation, international development, youth capacity building, and global networking, creating tangible change within local communities.

Peacebuilding Rooted in Local Communities

BPD engages in conflict resolution and community mediation, carrying out peacebuilding activities grounded in dialogue and mediation. In particular, the organization implements international development projects aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs), primarily across African countries, while adopting practical approaches that integrate environmental management, resource governance, and local development.

In addition, BPD operates on youth leadership and capacity-building programs to nurture the next generation of leaders in peace and development. Through networking with peace and development practitioners worldwide, the organization continues to expand international cooperation and the sharing of experiences.

Connecting with IPYG, Expanding into a Global Youth Peace Network

Sharing the vision that youth must unite to end war, achieve peace, and leave a lasting legacy for future generations, BPD joined the International Peace Youth Group(IPYG). Since then, the organization has actively participated in various international peace initiatives alongside HWPL and IPYG.

From March to April 2025, BPD completed the Youth Empowerment Peace Class(YEPC). Beginning in April of the same year, it has been participating in the Youth Engagement & Peacebuilding Working Group(YEPW) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. On May 31, BPD took part in the HWPL’s 12th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace and related volunteer activities, and in September, it attended the 11th Anniversary of the September 18th HWPL World Peace Summit. In January this year, BPD planned and carried out a local volunteer initiative in Kinshasa, continuing its grassroots peace efforts.

Volunteer Activities in Kinshasa

Moise Kitete Manala, President of Build Peace and Development, shared the following regarding BPD’s collaboration with IPYG.

“Through the IPYG education program, I realized that peace starts from myself. If I change, my community can change too. That message stayed with me.”

BPD emphasizes that peace is not a distant ideal, but a choice that can be practiced here and now. When small actions and solidarity come together, communities can change—and that change can expand into nations and the world. Moving forward, BPD will continue to carry out field-based initiatives and international cooperation in partnership with IPYG, empowering youth to grow as key actors of peace.

HWPL Official Homepage

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