[IPYG]
[IPYG] IPYG's Friends: Economic Development Welfare Foundation (EDWF)
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: Economic Development Welfare Foundation (EDWF)
Introducing an IPYG Affiliate Organization – Economic Development Welfare Foudation (EDWF)
“Together We Grow Up” – Tree Planting Program in Kandy
“Together We Grow Up” – Tree Planting Program in Kandy
The Economic Development Welfare Foundation (EDWF) in Kandy, Sri Lanka, has become a key player in global peace initiatives, extending beyond local community peace activities. Founded in 2000 and officially registered in 2002 with the Sri Lankan government as a non-governmental organization (NGO) in Kandy, EDWF operates actively in Kandy and Matale, focusing on the central region of Sri Lanka.
EDWF has established a systematic organizational structure in Kandy and maintains a strong network with local youth volunteers. Its activities are centered on five core areas: education, environmental protection, disaster recovery, youth and women empowerment, and peacebuilding. Through offline education programs, such as youth leadership training and peace sports activities, EDWF instills the values of peace in children, adolescents, and young adults, supporting them to grow as leaders who can build a conflict-free society.
Civil society-led Saemaul Undong(New Village Movement) with youth and children
Sri Lanka, having endured a civil war from 1983 to 2009, understands the tragedies of conflict, discrimination, and division more than most nations. In 2004, the Indian Ocean tsunami claimed tens of thousands of lives, and many citizens who have lost their homes and livelihoods due to numerous natural disasters continue to struggle due to recurring natural disasters.
Over its 25 years of activity, EDWF has reached out to those in need, assisting more than 100,000 people. It has particularly focused on disaster recovery projects, supporting children and youth who suffered physically and mentally from natural calamities. EDWF believes that the younger generation is the key to overcoming national crises and becoming leaders of tomorrow.
The vision of IPYG—that youth must be the agents of peace—deeply resonates with EDWF’s mission. This shared vision has forged a strong partnership between the two organizations. Together, they successfully co-hosted civil society-led Saemaul Undong campaigns, and EDWF executives actively participated in the Youth Empowerment Peace Class (YEPC), strengthening their solidarity.
Adolescents and young adults learning Mandela’s spirit of peace in commemoration of Nelson Mandela Day
On Nelson Mandela Day, youth learned Mandela’s spirit of peace through sports campaigns organized together with IPYG. To foster resilience against natural disasters such as typhoons, EDWF also launched a peace tree-planting campaign on Sri Lanka’s Independence Day.
Despite economic hardships and environmental challenges, EDWF has brought positive change through the Youth Empowerment Peace Class (YEPC) and the Youth Engagement & Peacebuilding Working Group (YEPW) programs in collaboration with IPYG, delivering a message of hope and solidarity to youth worldwide. EDWF emphasized,
“In a world where conflicts persist, only youth across the globe can become peace citizens who lead positive change in their communities.” EDWF emphasizes that youth are the key actors of the future generation and advocates for leadership education and peace campaigns so that youth can become the forefront leaders of societal transformation.
The organization declared, “When youth worldwide unite for peace and sustainable development, a safer and more conscious world will truly be realized.”
EDWF President Muhamedu Nawab Mohamed Thusan addressed global youth with the following message:
“There is no peace anywhere in today’s world. To achieve peace, we need youth who genuinely yearn for it. Youth are not just tomorrow’s leaders—they are partners in building today. EDWF will expand youth empowerment programs, environmental education, peacebuilding, and community campaigns to create a more sustainable and inclusive future.”
Regarding cooperation with IPYG, he added,
“Based on this spirit, EDWF proudly joined IPYG and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This agreement will serve as a foundation for further strengthening cooperation for peace, youth leadership, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding. Youth of Sri Lanka and the world, let us overcome conflict and discrimination, and build a culture of peace together. Let us create solutions to overcome the obstacles ahead. Let us extend our hands to those in need. A peaceful future will not simply arrive—it must be built together.”
HWPL Official Homepage
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