[IPYG]
[IPYG] IPYG's Youth Empowerment Peace Class (YEPC)
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 Youth Empowerment Peace Class (YEPC) :)
2026 IPYG Youth Empowerment Peace Class (YEPC)
“We Are the Living Heritage of Peace”
The International Peace Youth Group (IPYG) works alongside young people in 131 countries worldwide, fostering cross-cultural exchange and building the capacity of youth to advance peace beyond cultural and national boundaries. The Youth Empowerment Peace Class (YEPC) is a global non-formal peace education program designed to help young people learn about peace and put it into practice.
YEPC 2025 – South Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Iraq
YEPC Achievements
From 2021 to 2025, YEPC has engaged approximately 6,000 young participants from 63 countries. Through peace values education that reflects the real challenges young people face, YEPC goes beyond simply transferring knowledge — creating opportunities for participants to learn peace in a way that can be practiced in everyday life.
Through YEPC, participants broaden their understanding of the various issues threatening peace and security, and come to recognize the role and responsibility of youth in realizing a sustainable future and peace. After completing the education, they go on to participate in peace activities, expanding their influence and creating positive change in their communities through the creativity and initiative that are unique to young people.
About YEPC 2026
The goal of YEPC 2026 is to help young people grow not merely as participants, but as “Living Heritage” — those who carry peace forward to the next generation. The program runs in both online and offline formats, with strengthened participatory learning elements so that young people can engage more actively and meaningfully.
YEPC 2026 Course Overview
1. Perspective on Heritage
Heritage is not something that remains in the past — it is continuously being shaped through the choices and actions we make today. Through cultural heritage, festivals from around the world, and more, participants come to recognize that “people” are the central link connecting past and future. The course also helps participants develop the perspective to understand diverse identities and cultures and to resolve conflict peacefully, while encouraging young people to recognize themselves as “living heritage” and reflect on the values they wish to pass on to the next generation.
2. Applied Skill Case Study — Saemaul Undong (New Community Movement)
Using Korea’s “Saemaul Undong records,” inscribed in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, as a case study, participants learn the values of cooperation, responsibility, and participation. Through this, the course helps young people discover their own influence and leadership, and to put peace into action rather than leaving it as a thought.
3. Language Skills Training — Korean Language (Hangeul)
Through practical Korean conversation training applicable to everyday life, young people have the opportunity to express their thoughts, values, and perspectives in another language. This lays the foundation for communicating with young people from diverse cultural backgrounds and growing as global citizens.
YEPC Participant Voices
“It’s worth attending to learn from diverse points of view. Learning from global best practices, improving my leadership skills, and staying informed about international and local affairs will help me become a more effective changemaker.”
— Aleena Wahid, Coordinator of Youth Organization, Pakistan
“Attending the three-day Zoom learning session was an incredibly enriching experience. The depth of knowledge shared, the interactive sessions, and the opportunity to engage with such a diverse group of participants were truly inspiring.”
— Moses Tarawally, Founder of Community Development Network Sierra Leone
“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.”
— Moise Manala Kitete, President of Build Peace and Development, Democratic Republic of Congo
How to Participate
YEPC 2026 is open to young people around the world. Anyone who wishes to connect with youth from diverse cultural backgrounds and learn about peace is welcome to join. Participants who complete the “Perspective on Heritage” course will have the opportunity to take part in the September 18th World Youth Peace Program, to be held in Korea later this year. We invite you to step forward now — and grow into the “living heritage” that will carry peace to the next generation.
- Inquiries: IPYG HQ — info@ipyg.org
- Learn more: https://www.hwpl.kr/language/en/ipyg-yepc/
HWPL Official Homepage
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