Amidst worldwide conflicts threatening global security and coexistence, hope for peace emerged as citizens united. In May 2024, individuals across all continents joined hands for HWPL’s 11th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace and Peace Walk, organized by the UN-affiliated NGO, Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL). The event, themed “Communication for Global Citizenship of Reconciliation and Tolerance,” aimed to cultivate and share a global culture of peace.
In approximately 50 countries, the Peace Walk included diverse peace-building activities such as performances, video screenings, photo exhibitions, poster drawings, sports activities, bazaars, and volunteer opportunities. Tree planting ceremonies and “free hugs” initiatives further emphasized the spirit of unity and environmental well-being.
In the Philippines, a Peace Competition Activity was held on May 3 at Victorious Christian Montessori in GMA, Cavite. Elementary and high school students participated in essay writing, poster making, and coloring/drawing with peace as the theme.
Peace Walks also took place in Hinigaran, Negros Occidental during the Hinugyaw Festival on April 29 and in Lucban, Quezon as part of the Pahiyas Festival and Parade on May 15. HWPL volunteers in Lucban, together with barangay officials, cleaned the Pahiyas festival decorations at the plaza on May 16 and 18.
Neil Palermo, Coordinator of HWPL’s youth wing, the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG), encouraged the youth, saying, “We join the Peace Walk every year here during the Pahiyas of Lucban. For the progressive and peaceful community of Lucban, I encourage every youth to join IPYG, where the youth participate in different activities, like clean-up drives. In this way, we can be a good example to the other young people here in Lucban.”
The flagship event will commence on May 25 at the Peace Gate of Seoul Olympic Park, Republic of Korea. This annual event commemorates the 2013 proclamation of the Declaration of World Peace at the Peace Gate, with 30,000 global youth advocating for peace. This declaration outlines the roles of individuals from all walks of life in achieving peace and urges a united global effort.
During last year’s commemoration, HWPL Chairman Lee Man-hee stated, “Since we pledged to work together for world peace 10 years ago, we have been calling for peace all over the world. We have advocated that peace should be taught at home and at school, and that everyone should become messengers of peace.” He also emphasized, “Everyone should be one under the title of peace and work together to create a good world and make it a legacy for future generations. This is what we need to do in this era in which we live.”
HWPL recently issued a statement on the Israel-Iran conflict, highlighting the devastating impact on civilians. “Organizations worldwide, in alliance with HWPL as peace solidarity, urge Iran and Israel to put a stop to the acts of aggression immediately and to come forward for conversations to usher in peace,” the statement read.
