[HWPL]

[HWPL] HWPL's Peace Talk Europe in Belgium

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 Europe in Belgium :)

‘Peace Talk Europe’ Held in Antwerp, Belgium to Discuss Cultural Diversity and Social Integration

On May 22, HWPL and IPYG held “Peace Talk Europe: Building a Culture of Peace through Civic Dialogue” at KdG University in Antwerp, Belgium.

The event, part of a peace campaign commemorating the 13th anniversary of the Declaration of World Peace proclaimed by HWPL in 2013, was held under the theme, “Why Do Cultural Differences Lead to Conflict?” It took the form of a participatory civic forum on cultural diversity, discrimination, inclusion, and social integration, bringing together experts in international law, religious figures, youth leaders, and university students.

European societies are currently facing a range of challenges related to migration, identity, cultural diversity, and social inequality. Participants therefore exchanged views on why cultural differences can lead to conflict and how such conflict can be prevented.

Participants included Maroun Karam, head of the Central Council of Maronites in Europe and president of the Lebanese International Business Council; Amina Benjari, representative of the Belgian human rights NGO Koekel’aide; Serhii Samoilov, youth program director of the International Association of Peacekeeping Soldiers (AISP); and other civil society and youth representatives.

 

Participants shared examples of conflict and discrimination they had experienced in different cultural and social settings, and discussed ways to promote social integration in local communities through diversity and inclusion. They also exchanged views on the role of education, mutual respect, and open dialogue.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to come together and engage in dialogue even in difficult times,” Maroun Karam said. “We must look out for one another, hold on to our humanity, and make this time meaningful together.”

“The discussion on diversity, discrimination, and inclusion was very meaningful,” Serhii Samoilov said. “Through open dialogue, we were able to understand the importance of equality, respect, and social integration.”

“Diversity can be a strength for society,” Samoilov added.

“Regardless of age, background, or life circumstances, we must communicate, care for one another, and build a society in which no one is left out,” said Jonathan van Varik, a youth minister and peace activist with YMCA Belgium. “Young people are key players in building social integration and a peaceful future.”

 

During the workshop session, participants analyzed the causes of social conflict in groups and proposed actions that could be carried out in their local communities. During the networking session that followed, they continued discussing future cooperation and civic engagement initiatives.

The event was especially meaningful because young people in Belgium took the lead in peace activities by directly managing participant support and all on-site preparations.

HWPL Official Homepage

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