The 10th Annual HWPL World Peace Summit, hosted by Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), concluded with a strong message of unity and cooperation. Approximately 100,000 people gathered at the HWPL Peace Training Institute in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, while simultaneous events were held in about 40 countries worldwide on September 18, 2024.
Under the theme "Building a Global Peace Community Through Regional Cooperation," the summit highlighted a decade of peace-building efforts and introduced new strategies for promoting global harmony. HWPL Chairman Man-hee Lee emphasized the importance of unity in his commemorative speech, urging attendees to "unite with love and peace to save our global village" and work together to preserve peace for future generations.
The summit marked significant progress in international cooperation with the formation of new partnerships. HWPL announced collaborations with the Group of Seven Plus (g7+), an intergovernmental organization of 20 conflict-affected countries, and the Latin American and Caribbean Parliament (PARLATINO), which comprises 23 member nations. These partnerships aim to advance peace initiatives on a broader scale, leveraging regional cooperation to address global challenges.
A major highlight of the event was the launch of the national campaign "Together: Connecting Korea." This initiative, which has been piloted in major Korean cities since July, aims to bridge generational gaps and promote various peace activities. The campaign will work with over 230 civil society organizations to foster solidarity and cooperation across generations, regions, genders, and ideologies. Kim Dong-hee was appointed as the head of the campaign, receiving a certificate from Chairman Lee during the ceremony.
The "Together" campaign draws inspiration from the New Village Movement, which played a crucial role in Korea's economic development and social transformation in the 20th century. By encouraging citizen engagement in nationwide activities, the campaign seeks to address social conflicts and promote unity. It will also focus on building regional networks that can expand to different sectors globally, with the slogan "Let Us All Become Messengers of Peace for the Global Village."
This summit and its initiatives represent a significant step towards fostering global peace through grassroots efforts and international cooperation. By addressing social divisions and promoting understanding across various demographics, the HWPL and its partners are working to create a more harmonious world. The success of this summit, evidenced by its massive turnout and the launch of new collaborative efforts, demonstrates a growing global commitment to peace-building initiatives.
The implications of this event extend beyond the immediate participants. As regional cooperation strengthens and peace initiatives gain momentum, there is potential for positive ripple effects in international relations, conflict resolution, and social cohesion. The emphasis on connecting generations and bridging ideological divides could serve as a model for other nations grappling with similar challenges.
As the world faces increasing global tensions and conflicts, initiatives like the HWPL World Peace Summit and the "Together" campaign offer hope and practical strategies for building a more peaceful future. By fostering dialogue, promoting understanding, and encouraging active citizen participation, these efforts contribute to a global culture of peace that can have lasting impacts on international relations and social harmony.
