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 IPYG's (International Peace Youth Group, the youth affiliate of HWPL) YEPC (Youth Empowerment Peace Class) :)
Announcement for the 2024 IPYG Youth Empowerment Peace Class (YEPC)
‘Power of Youth, Go Beyond’
IPYG brings together youth from 119 countries with diverse backgrounds and cultures. Serving as a global intersection for young people around the world, IPYG operates the informal education program called the Youth Empowerment Peace Class (YEPC), which is aimed at enhancing capabilities through cross-cultural exchanges.
Since 2020, YEPC has been providing education related to the issues that youth are currently facing, with youth from 57 countries participating. Through YEPC, participants broaden their knowledge in various fields and recognize the importance of the role of youth in achieving a sustainable future and peace.
Following the education, participants have the opportunity to engage in peace activities, showcasing the unique energy, creativity, and capabilities of youth. Through this program, participants expand their impact and create positive changes in both their personal lives and surroundings.
Participants in the 3rd YEPC term, which took place last year, shared their impressions of being able to cultivate peace in their lives through practical education on youth-related issues.
“YEPC lectures were many things that applied to me. The courses were a boost to my understanding in life and all that is around me and to be positive. I will surely share this knowledge within my community and of course with my family and my friends.”
– Olivia Vosarewa Tawake, ARUKA Fiji, Fiji
“From today’s lesson I’ve learned that, as youth, we have a big role to play for the betterment of ourselves and our community at large.”
– Black Willard, National Muslim Student Association, Malawi
“IPYG has promoted youth education. It has given hope to many young people who do not have access to proper education. It was a time of quality learning.”
– A student from Afghanistan
“The common message of the education was that it is okay to make mistakes and that you should love and support yourself. I really liked it. I am so grateful to IPYG for providing such a meaningful education.”
– A student from Zambia
“The most memorable thing was that there’s a way to express one’s feelings without hurting others through non-violent communication.”
– Miselina Mayavachela, United Nations Youth Association Mulungushi University Zambia
IPYG actively reflected the opinions of the participants and prepared the 2024 YEPC with education contents that will help youth overcome complex and challenging problems. For its 4th term (which began in April), YEPC offers courses on the leadership of a global citizen for sustainable peace, practical knowledge related to youth health, and insights into various world religions and cultures.
‘The Power of Youth,’ a leadership course, educates youth about the background of the birth of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a practical model for the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW). It also explores the evolving nature of wars and provides information about the solutions presented by the DPCW, along with ways to participate in peace activities.
‘Youth Health Education’ is a course that provides practical knowledge and educates individuals on trauma and First Aid methods for various situations that may occur during outdoor activities.
Lastly, the ‘Religion and Peace Education’ course aims to promote respect for diversity and cultural exchange. Participants gain an understanding of various perspectives and attitudes toward life through ‘Birth, Aging, Sickness and Death’ in different religions. Furthermore, there is time to discuss ways to resolve unnecessary misunderstandings and spread a culture of peace.
For its 4th term, YEPC will run for approximately two months (April to June 2024). Anyone who is affiliated with IPYG can take the YEPC courses. Registration can be done through the IPYG coordinator in your region.
Inquiry: IPYG HQ (info@ipyg.org), https://www.hwpl.kr/language/en/ipyg-yepc/
*IPYG Youth Empowerment Peace Class (YEPC) contributes to achieving UNESCO’s goal of “Lifelong Learning” and providing global youth with quality education, which is one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
Interested in HWPL's peace work for the world? Please visit following link :)
