HWPL's 8th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace Event Result Report

Interview 1 Elisabeta Agocs / Representative of RotaKids Alba Iulia

Interview 2 Emmanuel Anur Towongo / Founder and Executive Director of Youth Pillars' Initiative South Sudan

Interview 3 Pacale Isho Warda / Chairperson of Hammurabi Human Rights Organization (HHRO)

Interview 4 Ashin Htavara / General Secretary of the All Burmese Monks Representative Committee

About the Result Report

This report compiles the program and outcome of HWPL's 8th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace, which was held online on 25 May 2021 and joined by approximately 3,000 people in 150 countries.

It includes the progress report on peace initiatives that HWPL has carried out for the past eight years and interviews with four experts who are working with HWPL to realize peace in Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Also, given that the success of citizen-led peacebuilding initiatives depends on the participation of community members in the region, the report introduces three cases of LP activities that are being led by citizens.

The report also includes a special feature on a video that shows the determination of the IPYG's youth, who are key actors in the Peace Walk, and details about the YEPW Project that the IPYG is carrying out. The tree-planting campaign and Mali's peace policy proposal are attached in Appendix.

Also included are HWPL's official statement calling for peaceful resolution of the human rights crisis in Myanmar issued in March 2021 and statements of support sent from HWPL members around the world before and after the commemoration.

We hope this report will offer an opportunity to see the progress of HWPL's peace initiatives and future plans for global peace and cessation of war.

* This event was prepared and filmed in full compliance with quarantine and social distancing protocols.

Concept Note

1. Summary

HWPL’s 8th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace will be hosted via online on 25 May 2021, in commemoration of the spirit of the Declaration of World Peace proclaimed in front of the World Peace Gate in Seoul, South Korea, on 25 May 2013.

Through the Declaration of World Peace proclaimed eight years ago, HWPL proposed an effective and practical measure to achieve world peace and cessation of war in which the entire world can implement. Along with this proclamation, over 30,000 youths from around the world participated in a peace walk that spread to various continents and countries to be a symbol of a grassroots global peace movement.

Based on these achievements, this year’s commemoration includes discussions on designing a citizen-led peace movement and strengthening cooperation to promote humanity’s coexistence and harmony as we overcome global uncertainties that stem from hatred, conflicts, misunderstanding, and lack of communication in this current pandemic era.

This event is hosted by HWPL, with the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG) and the International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) that are building a global peace network alongside HWPL.

2. Background

Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light was founded on 25 May 2013, which was also when Chairman Man Hee Lee of HWPL proclaimed the Declaration of World Peace he drafted. Chairman Lee proposed a basic framework for international cooperation for peace through this declaration, which includes the participation of global leaders for international law for peace, creation of a global peace network of youth and women, and the role of media. Around 30,000 citizens participated in a peace walk that took place on the same day of the declaration, which became a symbol of the public’s voice for peace.

The fundamental principles of the Declaration of World Peace evolved into the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), which proposed a progression for peace in which every individual, country, international organization, and nongovernmental organization can participate. The DPCW deals with the current global issues of conflict that have been intensifying through war and its clauses include

prevention and solution for conflicts, gradual reduction of war potential and repurposing weapons for public welfare, practical approach to religious and ethnic issues, and spreading the culture of peace. International organizations as well as governmental and non-governmental organizations from over 193 countries declared their support for the DPCW, and the result of their participation for this peace movement was also made possible by the participation of the citizens around the world.

3. Purpose and Result

HWPL declared that it would “March On Toward Sustainable Peace in a Pandemic Era” to respond to the pandemic. Many risks to peace have appeared globally in different forms during this crisis. In light of this, the event will diagnose various global issues such as hatred against certain groups, education gaps, climate change, the economy and welfare, human rights infringement, violence in cyberspace, and religious and ethnic conflicts to search for a solution.

The realization and outcome of the peace development plans that will be proposed in targeted countries and regions at the event depend on the participation and commitment of the members of the society (stakeholders). HWPL plans to announce how to build educational infrastructure to expand the implementation of its peace education. And the IPYG and IWPG will present a citizen-led peace development initiative and action plan presented through an international network. In addition, we would like to call for international solidarity and support to achieve these plans.

Congratulatory Messages

Congratulatory Messages 1

Hon. Dr. Willem Frederik van Eekelan / Former Minister of Defense of the Netherlands

In the Netherlands we are full of admiration for the way South Korea survived the miseries of war and aggression and rapidly became a sound democracy and a successful economy. We share the aims of HWPL as expressed in the Declaration of World Peace and extend our best wishes for the support of these principles by all peace-loving people in the world. Such a board is more necessary than ever because our high hopes of the United Nations did not always materialize, unfortunately.

We also stress the importance of good education and I hope that all young people in Korea as well in other countries will do their best to travel and to see what is happening in other countries because it shows that your old beliefs sometimes can be improved a little bit.

All the more reasons for wishing our friends in Korea strength and perseverance in the struggle for peace.

Congratulatory Messages 2

Hon. Dr. Ruben Maye Nsue Mangue / Former Minister, Ministry of Justice of Equatorial Guinea

Greetings to all HWPL members, I'm Ruben Maye Nsue Mangue, in Equatorial Guinea.

Congratulations to HWPL’s 8th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace.

I would like to thank Chairman Lee and all the officials of HWPL who are working hard, very hard to achieve peace and prosperity for all nations in the world.

On the day of 25 May 2013, the Declaration of World Peace, the cornerstone of HWPL’s initiative, was proclaimed. It emphasized the necessity of establishing the international law for peace, encouraging all global citizens in the fields of politics, religion, youth, and women to become messengers of peace in different countries.

All my life I have been thinking, studying and working for justice. And I have understood that in order to achieve justice, first of all we all human beings, men and women, youth and all - everybody - we have to work, and we have to contribute for peace and dialogue. All peace activities currently being implemented through HWPL are IPYG, are the Legislate Peace Project. It is a seed that can bloom peace flowers.

This Legislate Peace Project is the foundation for achieving the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War and once it is signed by the heads of all states, we can avoid war and bring peace in future. That is why we should fully support this Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War.

Once again, I sincerely congratulate everybody on this event! God bless HWPL forever and ever. Thank you very much.

Progress Report of Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light

First of all, I would like to thank all of you for being here to appreciate and realize the value of peace. As today, 25 May, is the foundation day of HWPL and the day when the Declaration of World Peace was proclaimed, I will report on the progress that HWPL has made over the past eight years.

Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light, or HWPL, was founded to achieve global peace and cessation of war transcending nationalities, religions, and ethnicities.

HWPL is a nongovernmental organization associated with the UN Department of Global Communications (DGC) and in Special Consultative Status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Along with our peace efforts, we are working with 193 UN Member States and NGOs to implement the Sustainable Development Goals.

Greetings to the family of peace! I am Managing Director of HWPL, Kang Tae-ho.

Declaration of World Peace

On 25 May 2013, eight years ago today, HWPL Chairman Man Hee Lee proclaimed the Declaration of World Peace at the World Peace Gate, Seoul, Republic of Korea. The Declaration has three main points.

First, the Declaration calls on the heads of state of every country to support an international legal instrument on global peace and cessation of war.

Second, it calls on all youth to join the International Peace Youth Group in the effort to create peace.

Third, it calls on every person in the world to become messengers of peace.

As the last sentence goes, " With this Declaration, the work of world peace and restoration has begun,” 30,000 young people of 130 countries who gathered at the World Peace Gate returned to their countries, and they have carried out various peace activities starting with the Peace Walk. The culture of peace that was sowed is coming to fruition.

Mindanao Peace Agreement

On 24 January 2014, HWPL Chairman Lee and peace messengers mediated a civilian peace agreement in Mindanao, Philippines. It was an agreement to work towards an end to the conflict between Catholics and Muslims in Mindanao, which lasted for over 40 years and resulted in about 120,000 casualties.

To celebrate this agreement, a peace park and the Mindanao Peace Agreement Monument were built in Maguindanao, Mindanao. Also, the HWPL Peace Monument, with the full text of the Declaration of World Peace inscribed on it, was established at the base camp of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The 24th of January was declared as HWPL Day to celebrate the promise for peace every year.

HWPL World Peace Summit

In September of the same year, HWPL hosted its World Peace Summit in Seoul, Republic of Korea, to awaken the spirit of peace in the global community. It was attended 4,000 leaders in all walks of life from 170 countries and 200,000 citizens, an unprecedented scale for an event hosted by an NGO.

During the Summit, two monumental agreements were signed with the whole world watching. One was the Agreement to Propose the Enactment of International Law for the Cessation of Wars and World Peace signed by 29 political leaders including former heads of state, and the other was the World Alliance of Religions Agreement signed by 12 religious leaders. Since that day, HWPL has endeavored to turn the two agreements into reality and establish a permanent peace in the global community.

The Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) and the HWPL International Law Peace Committee

A year later, HWPL inaugurated its International Law Peace Committee (ILPC), consisting of renowned experts in international law. The ILPC and Chairman Lee worked together to draft the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), which proposes a

practical solution for global peace that engages all sectors of society, and proclaimed it on 14 March 2016. Since then, the DPCW has garnered support from around the world, and HWPL is working towards its adoption by the UN General Assembly.

Currently in progress are the DPCW education and discussion, which introduce the value and spirit of peace in the DPCW based on the DPCW Handbook published by the ILPC members in October 2020. Law professors and students of 12 universities and citizens in India, Bangladesh, and Tunisia are participating.

31 World Peace Tours traveling 70 countries

HWPL Chairman Lee and peace messengers went on 31 tours in total, visiting over 70 countries, to build a global peace network. Through numerous peace seminars and meetings, HWPL appointed 200 members of the Peace Advisory Council and 610 Publicity Ambassadors to cooperate with individuals and signed MOUs and MOAs to cooperate with national and local governments.

Recently, HWPL signed an MOU with the International Centre for Black Sea-Baltic Studies and Consensus Practices whose members are former heads of Eastern European countries and with the Pan-African Parliament, which is the legislative body of the African Union consisting of 55 African countries. Also at a peace event held at the UN Headquarters, Chairman Lee introduced the 10 articles and 38 clauses of the DPCW to the UN Permanent Representatives of 145 countries and received a standing ovation. Through its World Peace Tours, HWPL has formed a peace network and gathered support for the DPCW.

"Legislate Peace" Project

HWPL is running the "Legislate Peace" (LP) project, which is a global initiative to ensure peace through international law. For the past eight years, 3.03 million people around the world have participated in the Peace Walk calling for peace and cessation of war, and 730,000 people in 176 countries have signed in support of the DPCW. Moreover, civil societies in different countries are working through various campaigns to introduce the DPCW into international law.

World Alliance of Religions' Peace (WARP) Office

To fulfill the World Alliance of Religions Agreement signed at the 2014 HWPL World Peace Summit, HWPL is running 254 WARP Offices in 129 countries, where religious leaders discuss ways to resolve interfaith conflicts, one of the main causes of war, and establish a permanent peace. Even in times of a pandemic, the participants did not falter in their efforts for peace. In just three months since January 2021, 850 sessions of scriptural dialogue were held, a 220 percent increase from the previous year.

HWPL Peace Education

To instill the values of peace in global citizens and future generation, HWPL signed MOUs and MOAs on peace education with 214 educational institutions in 37 countries. HWPL is also developing teaching materials and training peace educators. In 25 countries already, 345 online sessions of peace education have been held, and 1,517 peace educators are participating in the training.

Peace Media Network

Even in times of a pandemic, media agencies working with HWPL are reporting on continued peace activities such as the promotion of human rights, relief efforts, humanitarian support, volunteer work, and education in different parts of the world. This peace media network, comprising 1,690 media agencies of 159 countries, has covered HWPL's peace activities 4,329 times since 2020. Meanwhile, HWPL held the Peace Media Forum to suggest the role of media in promoting peace.

International Peace Youth Group (IPYG)

The International Peace Youth Group (IPYG), a global youth network of 851 organizations in 111 countries, is running the Youth Empowerment Peace Workshop (YEPW), which is a global discussion platform for youth. More than 150 youth organizations in 46 countries are participating in discussions on social issues and the role of youth for each continent. Currently in eight countries such as France and Germany, campaigns and trainings are being held to prevent cyberbullying and school violence, which have been escalating since the breakout of the pandemic. Also, the IPYG is working with youth leaders in 38 countries of Asia, Africa, and Oceania to plan and run an educational program for young people who are unable to receive education because their schools are closed.

The Declaration of World Peace, which was proclaimed before 30,000 young people, and the founding of HWPL on 25 May 2013 were possible thanks to all of you, family of peace, who have been committed to peace. Your commitment made it possible for HWPL to continue moving forward even in times of a global crisis. Together as one, we will bring wars to an end and realize peace. I would like to thank all of you once again for attending this historic 8th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace.

I will now conclude the progress report. Thank you very much for listening.

Interview 1

Elisabeta Agocs / RotaKids Alba Iulia / Co-founder and Representative

Emcee Ms. Agocs is the co-founder and representative of RotaKids. She founded RotaKids, an affiliate of the Rotary Club that supports children between 7 and 13 years old to grow the capability as global citizens of peace. Recently her organization successfully led a program called the U Project. Hello, Ms. Agocs.

Ms. Elisabeta Agocs Good afternoon everybody. It's an honor to be here with you today. Thank you for

your invitation. My name is Elisabeta Agocs. I represent RotaKids Alba Iulia from Romania.

Emcee Nice to meet you. Please introduce RotaKids Club that you cofounded and represent.

Ms. Elisabeta Agocs RotaKids is a children’s leadership club, based on the concept and structure

of an international volunteering organization, namely Rotary International. The club is designated to children aged 7 to 13. The club’s primary mission is to have a contribution in the development of children’s abilities, as well as practicing the children’s involvement within the community. We have meetings every couple of weeks. During said meetings, we carry out self-development activities, teach them how to help other people, and to become useful within their community. An important factor of RotaKids is represented by the opportunity it offers to children, to brainstorm ideas and see these materialize to reality. Thus, children learn that by working together as a team, they can achieve plenty of things, both for themselves as well as their community.

Emcee Thank you. IPYG runs the Youth Empowerment Peace Workshop (YEPW), a participatory workshop for the youth discuss social issues and plan and implement programs to sustain good values in action. I understand YEPW Europe is preparing programs to prevent cyberbullying and school violence and RotaKids is carrying out IPYG’s U-Project. Can you tell us about the project?

Ms. Elisabeta Agocs U-Project

(U, Understanding, and Unite) is a school violence prevention program that includes you, understanding, and unite, and knowing others, and organizing various ways to resolve conflicts. The pre-program survey examines children's perceptions of school violence and based on this, the program was progressed. Children first draw a mind map to understand themselves and introduce themselves to their friends. We also have time to educate the exact meaning of violence, such as the difference between bullying and conflict. Also, practice empathizing with you through and other friends' opinions through the OX quiz (true or false quiz). Afterward, we will indirectly experience the damage and harm of school violence through roleplay using fairy tales and learn how to resolve conflicts through discussions. Also, it is organized to provide exercise sessions for children every hour so that they can participate in the program interestingly and actively.

Emcee Experts also emphasize the role of teachers and parents in preventing school violence. I am curious what parents told you when you proposed this program. And how did the students respond to the program?

Ms. Elisabeta Agocs Being a parent myself and having had conversations

with parents of the children who participated in this program, I believe it is crucial for our children to learn to prevent violence and avoid such situations. The children have understood and learned practical ways to react to a violent situation. Moreover, they say they strongly enjoyed their opinion having been requested and felt that their beliefs do actually matter. Given the fact that in Romania no such initiatives are adopted within schools, the program has represented a wholesome method for children to discover and cultivate values and ideals such as peace, self-development, and ability to live in harmony with others. Together with IPYG, we could develop more children-oriented subsequent activities, that would take issues like poverty, discrimination, ethnical tensions, and lack of education access, in a similar manner.

Emcee I can see that both children and parents were satisfied with the program. I think we can expect good things from the children who are aware of the value of communicating. I hear RotaKids is preparing for the second round of U-Project. Do you have other projects in mind for working with IPYG?

Ms. Elisabeta Agocs The main reason for our collaboration with IPYG is represented by our

similitude in terms of shared values, to help people and disseminate peace. I believe it is extremely important to deter violence, for an obstructive behavior, with negative consequences. In RotaKids Alba Iulia, there are 30 members. In the first part of the project participated 10 kids. They find out, the others find out that the program is very interesting. It’s very funny and they learn a lot of things about how to behave in violent situations. So, they asked me to ask you to do with them a program with those who didn’t have the chance to be in the first program. So, I will prepare the second part of the program for the other kids who want to participate, and even for the HWPL Peace Education, I hope to join and participate with our RotaKids children. Emcee Thank you. It's an honor for us as well to be able to work with you towards leaving a legacy of peace. This brings me to the last question for you. Regarding violence against the youth, is there anything you want to say or request to the older generation?

Ms. Elisabeta Agocs My message is to be friends as [a] friend is the guarantor of peace. Despite the numerous differences between individuals, we should all live in harmony. To put an end to the

violence and future conflicts, we need to render proper values to our children. We have a motto in RotaKids. It says, “Kids are citizens from now. They are not citizens in the future.” Let's plant this value. Let's start from this. Emcee Thank you for that. I hope Romania can be a leading example for the world so that every child will get peace education.

Interview 2

and Executive Director

Emcee Joining us is Emmanuel Anur Towongo, the founder and executive director of Youth Pillars’ Initiative South Sudan – and organization that provides education programs for the youth including farming and peace education for refugees and students, as it works to develop its community. Nice to meet you, Mr. Towongo.

I heard you experienced the independence of South Sudan in 2011, and the civil war that broke out

in 2013 first-hand. Could you share your experience during the civil war?

Mr. Emmanuel Anur Towongo Alright. Thank you. As a youth in South Sudan, and as a young country, many young people have been going through difficult times, particularly during the war. Because South Sudan, the youth consist of 70%. So, most of those young people, they

Emmanuel Anur Towongo / Youth Pillars' Initiative South Sudan / Founder

were in their front lines. They have been used by the elites to fight for their own interest. So, in that case, many young people lost their lives. And some of us were victimized because of other affiliation. Because if you don’t get affiliated to other political party, you become a victim. I remember how we struggled to make ourselves familiar in the town to make sure we survive to see the next day. Because if the moment you are not seen for about two days in town, people perceive you have been to the rebel site. So, this is the most painful part that really creates a lot of negative feelings on young people. Because they have been victimized because of the affiliation. And some of them are being killed in cold blood.

Now, you are leading the way to build peace, and I believe your story will give hope to many young adults. We are living in a time when at home, in communities, and by NGOs, informal education is taken seriously, as much as public education provided at schools. In your view, is informal education necessary in South Sudan? How important is it?

Emcee Thank you for sharing. You went through the hardships of the civil war, but you did not give up.

Mr. Emmanuel Anur Towongo Thank you. The perspective of formal education and informal education, they have been going hand in hand. But however, as much as informal education plays a critical role in bringing up young people, there is limited access to formal education. This is experience by the years of conflict that has resulted to vandalization of educational facilities and lack of access to educational programs, particularly resources where young people don’t have access to resources like the libraries

and those mentorship programs. So, it is one of the key factors that have continued to fuel conflict in South Sudan. But however, it is very important that programs like these are coming out and campaigns taking place right now like what you people are doing, IPYG. It is creating a lot of impact. But there are still more needs. Because right now, most of the schools are not accessible and others are vandalized, they are burnt down. They are actually in the bushes. There is no access to those facilities. So, this one calls for more innovative way of educating young people so that they can be more resourceful.

the program is the connective, the broad network that IPYG created to make sure young people get into one platform to discuss issues that are very relevant according to their different contexts and different countries. I learned a lot. It was my first time to connect with people from Zambia and people from Guinea. Though I have some friends from Guinea, but it was one of the most important things because I was able to know the challenges that people face from Guinea and Zambia. And also I compared with the challenges that are facing us, the youth in South Sudan. So, it’s one of the greatest advantages that the program has ever imparted in me.

Emcee I am sure many people would sympathize with the situation. IPYG recognizes the lack of educational infrastructure and runs YEPW to address such challenges at a community level. I understand you advocated the importance of YEPW. What do you think are the benefits of YEPW?

Mr. Emmanuel Anur Towongo Thank you very much. I am grateful that I am a part of IPYG network and in regards to the Youth Empowerment Peace Workshop. I really learned a lot from the workshop as being a participant that time. And one of the key aspects I captured from the workshop from

Emcee Thank you. This is the final question for you today. You have been working with IPYG since 2018. Do you have any programs you wish to implement with IPYG for peace and education in South Sudan in the future?

Mr. Emmanuel Anur Towongo I planned several activities, but one key activity I will be putting as a priority is a plan to conduct an inter-school peace debate among students. This is very good component of bringing young people together to have a constructive dialogue so that they can accept their opinions. They can discuss and also have a constructive

criticism among themselves. And this one will encourage a spirit of coexistence among young people. Another thing is that the debates are very important because it builds up the capacity of the young people in leadership skills.

Because when people discuss and they criticize themselves in constructive manner, this is the way of grooming leaders who will be accountable to their people, to their citizens. And that’s why having accountable leaders is very important factor of peace. Because when leaders are accountable to their people, there is peace. And peace will be translated into development. So, the best thing is that we have to start grooming young people who will be able to have very good leadership potential and that can encourage also communication and listening throughout their lives. These are some of the few things that I look at as very important in one component of the interschool peace debate.

gift of peace and courage to the local community.

Emcee Thank you. I am sure your remarks will give the encouragement and support that means a lot for youths not just in Africa but all young adults who experienced war. We look forward to seeing more leaders from South Sudan on the global stage. And we applaud Youth Pillars' Initative South Sudan activities that give the

Interview 3

Pascale Isho Warda / Hammurabi Human Rights Organization (HHRO) / Chairwoman

Emcee Ms. Pascale Isho Warda, Chairwoman of Hammurabi Human Rights Organization (HHRO). Welcome, Chairwoman. You founded your organization HHRO in 2005.

Can you tell us about the Hammurabi Human Rights Organization?

Ms. Pascale Isho Warda Hello, everybody. HHRO is a human rights defence NGO, which was founded in 2003 and officially registered in 2005. It is an independent, non profit Iraqi organization that defends human rights in general and focuses on the

rights of the most vulnerable groups such as religious, ethnic minorities, women, and children, etc. HHRO’s Board of Administration is elected every 3 years in a general conference which is a very big democracy and transparency with huge consideration of woman participation. The goal of HHRO is to promote the culture of human rights and to prevent any and to prevent any violation of human rights by monitoring and publishing those violences, suggesting and administrating solutions in order to

establish societal justice and peace for all. As Hammurabi is a nongovernmental organization, we have a voice to speak to both the government and to others.

Emcee Yes, I heard that you served Minister of Immigration and Refugee in the Iraqi Transitional Government. I wonder what kind of activities you did as Minister.

Ms. Pascale Isho Warda Yes, unfortunately, the most vulnerable communities are subjected to human rights violations across all Middle East because of the discriminatory policies and all these situations. This is why it is very important to strengthen women as the most peaceful and humanizing factors of peace in society. I was appointed as Minister of Migration and Displacement by the UN in 2004-2005, and regardless of the the big security and serious economic challenges, I achieved the construction of the new created Ministry, which I have founded without any finance.

So, I called donor countries, UN organizations, foreign NGOs etc., to grant me finance because the Iraqi temporary government has no finance due to the destructions practiced by the previous government and the war of the international coalition occupation led by America and Britain.

Tireless, I worked very hard with big transparency in this ministry which served no less than 5 million people from IDPs and migrants throughout most countries. I imposed the rights to vote for Iraqis abroad in collaboration with IOM. In addition to a ministerial decision concerning the encouragement of Iraqi capacities returnees from all the countries, I also presented a project of law for the new ministry as a governmental institution. Emcee Thank you. You have been working to protect the rights of refugees and women for nearly 20 years, and your work is very respectful.

As a person who has fought for human rights for such a long time, what do you think is vital for building a peaceful Iraq?

Ms. Pascale Isho Warda Yes, the need of trainings for healing psychologically and job opportunities is huge. Making awareness about human rights and the way of healing from all the traumas that women, children, and minorities are subjected to and are in need of mind change. All Iraqis are in this need of this mind change. A culture of violence is dominating, and we would like to really put an end to this culture of violence.

Emcee I understand you are taking the IWPG's Peace Lecturer Training Education. IWPG peace lecturers are instructors dedicated to educating women to participate in activities for realizing global peace. It's marvelous to see that you, who's already an expert, continue learning and training yourself. What is, in your view, the advantage of the IWPG Peace Lecturer Training Education?

Ms. Pascale Isho Warda Regardless to all the extent of the academic and practical experiences, a continual formation is more than necessary to all in order to get more updated knowledges and practice of a peaceful life getting to the wide experiences, lessons, and meetings of the International Women’s Peace Group. I think it is very important for us women, because we are women everywhere, and we have nearly the same problems.

So, especially because it is a group that concerns women intensively and without any discrimination due to ideological, religious, ethnical and other differences at the global level. We need to learn the mechanism of guiding everyone to become a tool of peace, strengthening from daily life, and sometimes throughout the simplest matter of life, starting with personal peace with oneself, in the family and with others.

I insist that humanizing life is more women’s affairs than men. And I think

IWPG is doing this, that we have to be this force of humanizing the globe.

Emcee We look forward to seeing great progress from you. As a final question, I heard that you designed a project to implement with IWPG after you complete the training. Can you share what project it is?

Ms. Pascale Isho Warda Yes, of course. Iraqi Women Network and also Hammurabi Human Rights Organization and also many other NGOs, we have many projects, and we are searching, really, for enhancement of women's capacities to raise awareness of their rights and strengthen their leadership capabilities in leading of peace in life in daily life, in their families and societies, using their jobs and relationship in order to impose the respect of human dignity and creating a means to reduce all the kinds of violence committed against them. We are challenging legislations for a project of law that prevents domestic violence against women and children. There are many obstacles including financial ones, which stops a media promotion about the importance of this law, which will give the right to women who are being battered, to find a safe shelter instead [of being] subjected to more rapes and murders and heading to the street and other forms of extreme violence. Because,

as I said, women [are] easily killed in Iraq and are easily targeted.

Emcee Thank you for sharing. You’ve been working to bring peace to Iraqi women, and now you are broadening your horizons by planning to nurture future peace messengers. It’s great to see your work, and I am sure your peace activities will resonate far beyond Iraqi borders and across the Middle East.

Interview 4

Emcee I am sure many of you felt powerfully watching the recent tragedies in Myanmar, especially because we are a group gathered for peace. It was heartbreaking for many to learn that most of the reported deaths were young adults killed while opposing the military coup. HWPL, along with IWPG and IPYG, issued official statements in March and April regarding the human rights crises in Myanmar. The statement called the international society to support calls

for peaceful conversation and conflict resolution.

Today with us is a person who led the Saffron Revolution in 2007 and continues working for peace in Myanmar to this day. Venerable Ashin Htavara, the General Secretary of the All Burmese Monks Representative Committee. Welcome, Venerable Htavara.

Having been through hardships for a long time, I am sure the yearning for peace in Myanmar is at its

Ashin Htavara / All Burmese Monks Representative Committee / General Secretary

heights. What is your take on the current Myanmar crisis? Also, could you share with us what actions you are taking to help resolve the current situation?

Ashin Htavara The current situation in Myanmar is very likely to lead to a civil war. The help of the family of peace and the international community around the world is so desperately needed. Currently, the situation in Myanmar is very bad and the military is ruthlessly taking lives of ethnic groups, infants, women, young adults and minorities. So it is necessary to inform the people of Myanmar and the world about what is going on inside Myanmar. In order to share the experience of the revolution with the people of Myanmar, we continuously hold talks about the current situation in Myanmar on Facebook. We also answer questions about international activities, world news coverage, and the current international situation asked by the people of Myanmar. We read letters from Myanmar to encourage people and give them hope. We are also raising funds and remittances necessary for the protesters through social networking. Thank you to everyone who has offered their support. I want to ask all the family members of peace around the world, and anyone who wishes for peace, to pray that Myanmar achieve peace as soon as possible. Please help us to

prevent this from happening again in a peaceful world, and please listen to the sacrifices and earnest hearts of the people of Myanmar. We sincerely ask you to inform your nations’ governments and organizations of this crisis.

Emcee Peace in Myanmar will be in my prayers and I too, will join in the activities to bring peace. Mr. General Secretary, you have established three HWPL peace libraries in the Pyapon region with the first one in 2018. I hear the fourth is underway. What motivated you to build peace libraries?

Ashin Htavara After going through the Saffron Revolution and being exiled abroad, I learned about HWPL. Through Chairman Lee of HWPL, I realized the importance of peace and the importance of education. In particular, I understood deep down that it is difficult to cultivate a sense of peace after elementary school. There are too few libraries for children in Myanmar. In particular, in my hometown Pyapon, the damage caused by typhoon Nargis in 2008 has not yet been repaired, so many facilities are run down, and there are no libraries for children. But I wanted to give hope to these little children. In the future, the library will conduct peace education, peace activities, and peace campaigns, and we will

do everything that can be helpful in achieving peace. When I joined HWPL in 2016, I became acquainted with Chairman Lee, and I was moved by Chairman Lee's sincerity for peace. I was appointed as a HWPL Publicity Ambassador in May 2018, and I became a member of the family of peace that supports Chairman Lee's work. Then, in the following month- on 2 June 2018 - when the library was established in the Pyapon area, HWPL was included in the name of the library so that I could help fulfill Chairman Lee’s wishes as a family member of peace, and raise awareness of Chairman Lee’s idea of peace among children. We are currently preparing to open the 4th Peace Library of HWPL, and we hope to open more libraries in the future. Myanmar’s education system is far too weak. That’s why I ask for a lot of help to the family of peace. I hope that Myanmar restore itself as a country of peace as soon as possible,

so that the students and citizens can receive this peace education together. Emcee Yes. Let’s hope that the day of our children and you live in peace will come soon, as you said. This brings me to the final question. What are your plans to transform Myanmar into a country of peace?

Ashin Htavara First of all, we will complete the fourth HWPL library that is currently being built, and we plan on building many more libraries in the future. And if the circumstances permit, I would like to conduct HWPL Peace Education within the library. I want to teach students why peace is so important. I would also like to conduct peace events. In addition, I also wish to teach students about the DPCW in these libraries. I will work for peace not only in Myanmar but the whole world just like the wishes

of HWPL Chairman Lee. Even though world peace is still far away and the road is difficult and tough, we will never give up but strive until the end with HWPL. Thank you everyone.

Emcee Thank you, Venerable Htavara. All HWPL’s family of peace gathered today will support your activities for peace in Myanmar and for global peace and the cessation of war.

Report

on HWPL Peace Initiatives: The New Wave of LP (Legislate Peace)

Hello, I would like to introduce a new wave of Legislate Peace, LP activities today. Legislate Peace refers to activities involving citizens from around the world to help realize the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW). Thus far, many people have participated in LP activities including DPCW support signatures, peace walks, WARP offices, and peace education. In addition, various LP activities have been underway around the world recently, and what follows are some of the main activities we have been doing.

First is planting a peace tree. This activity, which began with the suggestion of a peaceloving Ukrainian VIP, is a campaign to plant a tree and leave a message wishing for the realization of the DPCW. The purpose of this campaign is to hope that the DPCW will grow stronger and stronger, just as trees grow, to bring peace to the world. So far, there have been activities to leave a legacy of peace to future generations through peace

parks and peace monuments, however, there has never been a campaign like treeplanting.

Just as a tree plants its roots and grows in one place over a long period of time, I hope that the DPCW will grow together in that region and make it a place of peace. This treeplanting campaign not only promotes the spirit of peace in the DPCW, but is in line with one of the UN's sustainable development goals – environmental protection – showing that HWPL is working as an UN-associated organization.

Starting with Ukraine, up to now, a total of 1,000 HWPL members from 21 countries, including the United States, Mexico, Nicaragua, the Philippines, and South Korea, are participating. Let's cheer for these trees to grow and remain a legacy for future generations as peace trees.

The second new wave is the ongoing peace policy proposal in Mali, Africa. In Mali, policy proposals, one of the most direct channels for citizens to deliver their voices to the country, are actively underway. In response, HWPL members and policy experts are gathering together to make the new Mali policy contain citizens' desire for peace. To this end, citizens and experts are divided into regions to conduct discussions and consultations. Currently, it is said that they are in the process of receiving opinions on citizens' policies and consulting legislative experts, and plan to go through this process three or four more times and submit it to the government after collecting opinions across Mali. I will introduce the interim results of these activities, which directly appeal citizens' ideas to the nation, at the September 18th HWPL World Peace Summit.

Lastly, the activity I would like to introduce is a social contribution activity. HWPL is a peace organization that focuses on its own peace projects. But it also plays a role as a neighbor who lives with the community. We have also practiced sharing when help is needed around us. We also reached out to during the recent COVID-19 pandemic era. First, in California of the United States, HWPL members distributed necessary food and supplies for young students who are returning to school amid COVID-19. In addition, HWPL members in the region donated blood to nearby hospitals after a blood shortage occurred due to the pandemic. Through this, although it may seem small, it was a source for some strength for those who were in need of help. Furthermore, in Haiti in the Caribbean region, there was a case there was a case where some HWPL members shared food with the community.

In this way, HWPL is doing its best to actualize world peace and the cessation of war, and is also sharing the heart of hospitality and unity with its neighbors.

I've introduced you to new LP activities so far. Again, the LP you saw is an activity to actualize peace in the community and around the world with the DPCW that is based on the peace law. Among this, peace education, peace seminars, religious peace camps, peace walks, youth empowerment peace workshops, and media forums, which have been frequently introduced, are continuing 365 days a year, although not all citizens around the world are participating yet. However, we know that peace is not only something that is needed in some countries and regions; peace is essential to the happiness of all mankind in the world. And each country and community can have more diverse campaigns and projects than the LPs that have been done so far, just like the new wave of LP introduced today. Methods can vary, but the most important thing is everyone's interest and participation. “We are one,” is often said during HWPL events. It's a very simple sentence and a universal concept, but in human history, changes that were unimaginable occurred when the voices of people came together. Nothing is

impossible. And the world is now waiting for that change. I'll take another step for peace first. I will end today's introduction by cheering for everyone attending this event to take their step forward for peace, too. Thank you.

Commemorative Addresses

Commemorative Addresses 1

Man Hee Lee / Chairman of HWPL

HWPL family of peace around the world, how are you? Today, I'm glad to celebrate HWPL's 8th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace with all of you. Everyone, these are difficult times and I want to ask you. Are all of you safe and in good health? I wanted to ask you this. COVID-19 is rampant, but we recall the day we held the World Peace Summit before God in Seoul, South Korea. That day, we made a pledge before God and the global citizens. Everyone, do you remember? Also, we proclaimed the Declaration of World Peace to the world in front of the Peace Gate in South Korea. Today, we are celebrating the 8th anniversary of that day.

Everyone, what was our purpose? We promised before God and the whole world to put an end to wars and achieve peace to leave as a legacy for our future generations. We have been putting in much effort for this, and we are now commemorating its 8th anniversary. You have all done a great job. We are not doing it for personal reasons. The work we have been doing is for the public, for all the family members of peace around the world. Heaven and earth have been watching, and all of the people of the world have seen and heard. That is what we have been doing. Everyone, here at this time, there are photos that display the work I did with you and the conversations I had with you while

going around the world. There are many, many photos. They are proof of all the work we have done. So, what kind of work have we been doing today? We have been working to create a world of peace without wars by transcending nationalities, ethnicities, and religions. No matter what we hand down to the future generations, there will be nothing to be joyful about it if war is not resolved and there is no peace.

So what our future generations need is a world of peace without wars. Is there anything greater than this? Who will make this a reality? It is all of us today. We must absolutely make this happen. That is why we have all become united in heart. What do we always say at the beginning and at the end whenever we meet? We say, “We are one.” We have shouted, “We are one” because it is proof that we are one within HWPL. Haven’t we all been working up until now with one unchanging heart and purpose? As long as there is a heaven and an earth, our purpose will not change. The world of peace will not change. HWPL will never change. Everyone, that is why even at this time, I cannot help but think of all of you. I cannot help but think of the promises I made with many people around the world. Everyone, we must achieve our goal. We must achieve it. What was the promise that I made with you? Regardless of who we are, as family members of this world, we, HWPL, have one purpose. What is it? It is that everyone becomes a messenger of peace. Isn’t this the only way to bring about world peace and to cease wars?

That is why, regardless of who they are, everyone must become a messenger of peace. We have made a promise that “we are one” as the messengers of peace. We must keep this, right? We must keep it. There is also something that we cannot forget. What is it? It is what we promised before God and all the people of the world. How can we ever forget this? We cannot ever forget this one thing. We will keep an eye on it. We must fulfill it. That is why we appointed many prominent figures, including former and current heads of state, chief justices, lawmakers, and university presidents as HWPL Peace Advisory Council members. Also, what did we do with religious leaders, university presidents, heads of organizations, and journalists? With one heart and one purpose, we appointed them as HWPL Publicity Ambassadors. Why? To build a peaceful world. Isn’t that right? That is what we did. This will never change until it is completed. This goes for everyone—we will remain the same. I believe that it must be done in this way. We are all well aware of the 10 articles and 38 clauses of the DPCW, which must become international law. Not one person has refused to support this so far.

Nor has anyone criticized it. They have all said that it must be done, and it will be. Even though we are unable to go anywhere for now due to COVID-19, we will absolutely achieve our goal because our purpose has not changed. It will be fulfilled. Isn’t that right?

If we have one heart and one hope, it will absolutely be fulfilled. We believe this because everyone wants to achieve this purpose, and no one is against it. Family members of

HWPL, family members of peace, let us have an unchanging heart so that we can fulfill our hope and our purpose. Let us become one and push through to the very end. It will be achieved. When we look at Earth, we can see the countless stars in the sky. There is no other place that has life like Earth. If this is not heaven, then what is? Where can we find a better place than this? This cannot be ruined because of man’s wrongdoings. Shouldn’t we make it more beautiful by taking care of it? We must put a stop to wars and lethal weapons. Why must we do this? When a war breaks out, who are the ones who sacrifice their lives? It is the youth. If that is not enough, children and students are sent. Why must we have these wars? This is why HWPL exists today under the banner of “Peace and Cessation of War.”

Family members of HWPL, let us work ceaselessly to fulfill our purpose. However, there will be those who will wonder if this is possible. Everyone, are you aware of the situation in Mindanao, Philippines? The conflict between the two largest religious groups in the world lasted for over 40 years. A 40-year conflict. How many people died? About 120,000 people died. Even with a population of 120 million people, no one was able to resolve this conflict. They could not resolve it by military force or law. Must they fight like this? Why do people have to die? I went to this conflict zone and the people there were no different than us. Because they are human, they also feel pain and happiness. That is why we promised to bring the conflict to an end and work together towards peace. They made a sickle as a symbol of turning weapons into tools for life and gave it to me. I still have it. Thus, the conflict has come to an end and a world of peace has been created. This was the first thing that was done for “peace.” The conflict in Mindanao was revived in the form of peace. If we do it, it will be done. There is nothing that is impossible. Let us all become one in this good work to create a world of peace without wars so that we can leave it as an inheritance to the future generations. We must work to the very end. We must do it.

If I make up my mind, I will do what it takes to achieve my goal, and my heart will never change. I believe that the same goes for all of you. We all must do it that way. We cannot destroy this beautiful world. Let us appreciate how beautiful it is and make it a world without wars. I believe that all of you already know what I have done until now. There are a couple of things I’d like to talk about. Africa has 55 countries. I believe that they are listening now as well. The members and speakers of the Parliament of the 55 countries have partnered with HWPL. How did this happen? They pledged to support the DPCW and unite to build a world of peace without wars together, and they signed an MOU. In a short period of time, the people there became one with HWPL. The promise took place in South Africa where the Pan African Parliament members hold their meetings. They made a promise there.

Next, how many Pacific Island countries are there? Many leaders gathered in Australia and signed an MOU with HWPL to become one in purpose. Many organizations are working together like this. So, what is it that we are trying to achieve? It is to eventually submit the 10 articles and 38 clauses of the DPCW to the UN General Assembly, where there will be a vote. If two-thirds are in favor, it will pass. From that day on, people won’t even think about waging war on this earth. Don’t you think so? This is not just being said with words, but it is being done with actions. This must be fulfilled in reality. There will be no one who goes against this, so I believe that this will be fulfilled. Therefore, we should share more of our opinions with each other, and if you have good ideas, please send them to us. Then, we will share them with all the family members of HWPL. Let us not forget our purpose and let us make efforts to accomplish it until the day of completion with an unchanging mind. When COVID-19 is contained, I will go to meet all of you, because we are a family, aren’t we? Since we are HWPL’s family members of peace, I will go to meet you. I will visit you to hear your voices and see your faces. I will work until the day of completion. Let us all work together. This good work will be recorded in history. Those who come after us will see. Let us work together and achieve this. Everyone, I truly believe in all of you.

Therefore, I cannot forget you, and I think of you day and night. I also think about the promises you made. As we come and go, we are always united as one in our hearts and minds. Let us not forget this one thing. I truly hope you stay healthy physically and spiritually. Your minds, hearts, and bodies must be healthy. Why? Because we are trying to accomplish HWPL’s world of peace without wars. Let us be in good health and work to fulfill our purpose. I truly thank all of you. Just as I always did in the past, I will do it together with all of you. As I lead the chant, please shout it with me. What is it? It is, “We are one!”

Commemorative Addresses 2

Hyun Sook Yoon / Chairwoman of IWPG

Greetings to all peace-loving family members of peace. My name is Hyun Sook Yoon, the Chairwoman of IWPG. It is already the 8th commemoration since the “Declaration of World Peace.” This "declaration" ended the dark days of conflict in which guns were aimed at each other without reason and became a signal to announce the start of an era of world peace. It is also the day of the establishment of HWPL. With the sole goal for the realization of world peace, HWPL devised and implemented a roadmap for practical peace, which started with the Declaration of World Peace on May 25, 2013. We traveled around the world with peace messengers and ran tirelessly for the cessation of global war.

I thank the young people from all over the world for making it possible for people to take a step of peace with HWPL. I also sincerely thank Chairman Man Hee Lee for reminding all the families of the world of their missions for peace.

Although the season of verdure is brilliant in May, the recent bloodshed in Myanmar is still crying out in unending bloody appeals, despite voices of regret and concern from citizens around the world. And most of the hundreds of deaths that have occurred so far are students and young people who have never had a chance to live their dreams.

“How many more have to die for the UN to act?” This hashtag is a cry left a few days before a 23-year-old Myanmar young man was shot and killed, which has recently

been widely spread throughout the social media. As you can see in this message, the reality of international law in this era is that it is difficult to take practical action to block disputes, even though indiscriminate killings are being carried out before our eyes. Despite the efforts of many international agreements and people eager for peace over the past hundreds of years, why are innocent sacrifices continuing and both large and small wars and conflicts not ceasing? This is because current international law does not fundamentally block war and it is difficult to effectively sanction it. To resolve this, it is imperative that international standards seal the source before a conflict outbreak and strong legally binding document is needed to cease war. This is also a need for voluntary entities to continue to supervise in order to sustain (this new law). The 10 articles and 38 clauses of the DPCW, which is based on HWPL’s “Declaration of World Peace”, was first proclaimed on March 2016 and became the perfect foundation for moving toward an era of sustainable peace. This is a declaration drafted by HWPL with experts in international law. Not only does it fundamentally prevent war by targeting the root cause and supplement the current international law, it also is a ground-breaking and definite answer for peace.

IWPG has been taking example of the “Declaration of Peace” by HWPL—our cooperative organization—and because we have found the fundamental answer to peace through DPCW, IWPG has been actively working as one of HWPL’s wings. In order to realize peace a day sooner, IWPG branches and members around the world are urging countries to establish the “DPCW” as an international law and the 100 branches throughout 130 countries are working closely with 400 civil society groups. Furthermore, by hosting the International Women’s Peace Conference, Women’s Peace Lecturer Training Education, and Peace Culture Campaigns, and we are uniting with women from all walks of life for the same heart for peace. In 2019, we delivered a collection of “Handwritten Letters of Peace” written by women from around the world to ambassadors of 191 countries to inform their heads of state and foreign ministers of the contents of DPCW and to ask for their active support. Humanity is facing hardships due to this current unprecedented pandemic. What we need to do at this time is to ensure that this work is not interrupted and to continue the work of peace.

So this year, the slogan of IWPG is 'Women Who Lead Peace! Coexistence, Recovery, and Communication'. Under this slogan, we are working to sustain peace in families, society, and nations. In March, IWPG hosted a virtual booth on the NGO platform during the 65th UN Commission on the Status of Women, during which there was exchange with more than 3,000 NGO female leaders around the world on the theme of peace. The value of the 10 articles and 38 clauses of the DPCW was shared and everyone was encouraged to join in the work towards realizing world peace. In addition, during the 2nd Commemoration of the April 26th International Women’s Peace Day, more than 1,000

women from 45 countries gathered online from different time zones and locations. It was a day to realize the need for the 10 articles and 38 clauses of the DPCW and to regain determination for world peace. IWPG will join HWPL’s “Marching on Toward Sustainable Peace in a Pandemic Era” until the end to resolve peace-threatening factors and fundamentally resolve disputes. We will also continue to seek mutual cooperation for the coexistence and harmony of the world and continue to urge for the DPCW to be established as a legally binding instrument. IWPG, which embraces all 3.8 billion women, desperately desires for peace with a motherly heart.

We sincerely love all precious youth and children who are the future. To youth around the world, are you eager for peace? With that passion, let's gather our hearts and strength to create a great culture of peace! Realizing world peace is not something an individual can achieve, but it is a task for all of us. It is a mission we have to fulfill in this era, and the most valuable work that will become an eternal legacy for future generations. We are one! Thank you.

On the day we gathered for peace, we became one under the IPYG.

We remember that day, when we made the promise for peace with heaven and earth as witnesses.

As the drum roll of peace spread from where the promise was made, we showed the world our passion for peace.

On that day, youth across the globe came as one and committed ourselves to build peace on earth.

By spearheading the effort as messengers of peace, we will establish a peaceful world where everyone enjoys happiness.

We will make known the fact that peace can be achieved and that there is the answer to bring about lasting peace.

Until every individual becomes a messenger of peace, we will raise our voice to awaken the world!

Hooray for world peace and cessation of war! Hooray! Hooray!

Until the day war disappears and peace takes root, the IPYG will continue to march on! We are One!

Event Summary and Our Plan

To celebrate the spirit of the Declaration of World Peace, which was proclaimed on 25 May 2013 at the World Peace Gate, Seoul, Republic of Korea, over 3,000 guests and members of HWPL, IWPG, and IPYG in 150 countries gathered.

The progress report on the peace initiatives that have been carried out for the past eight years since the Declaration of World Peace was proclaimed reminded the audience of the path that HWPL has taken thus far. Also, interviews with four experts reaffirmed that the first step that young people took on 25 May 2013 led to greater steps taken by those who share the goal of peace, and people around the world are walking on the same path together.

New cases of the LP activities showed how an individual's idea for realizing peace can come to reality in the region and other regions as well, arousing expectations for new initiatives tailored for specific communities. The results of HWPL's peace activities in different regions and countries will be shared at the 2021 HWPL World Peace Summit, which will be held in September.

We, HWPL, support citizen-led peacebuilding initiative for global coexistence and harmony. Remembering young people's passion and commitment for peace, we will make continuous efforts so that peace initiatives may come to fruition in places around the world and that peace may be restored to Myanmar and the rest of the globe. We ask for your support and participation.

The Youth Empowerment Peace Workshop (YEPW), an International Platform for the Youth to Discuss Social Issues

What is the Youth Empowerment Peace Workshop (YEPW)?

The IPYG Youth Empowerment Peace Workshop (YEPW) is an international youth discussion platform run by the IPYG, which is a global youth network that works with 851 organizations in 111 countries. YEPW is a practical workshop that has been operating since 2016 and it is where young people from all over the world can gather to discuss freely under the theme of “peace” and “youth” and implement ideas.

Initiative Overview

ㅁ Operating Period: Since 2016 - Current

ㅁ Participants: Leaders of youth organizations around the world (In the last six months, 151 youth organizations from 46 countries participated)

ㅁ Objective

- Strengthen capabilities of the youth, spread the awareness of the need for peace, and establish a global youth cooperation platform

- Slogan: “Raise Your Voice, Create Our Future”

ㅁ Main Points

- Youth leaders around the world with an awareness of issues share their country’s situation related to the topic

- Share ideas on how to solve problems, and plan cooperative measures

About the Initiative

- Process

Recruit participating leaders > Hold meetings to select discussion topic > Research and analyze discussion topic > Share through meetings > Establish an action plan to solve the problem > Make a suggestion to Ministries and Departments of Youth and leaders in each country, urge for cooperative action

Steps Description

Recruit participating leaders

Hold meetings to select discussion topic

Research and analyze discussion topic

Share through meetings

Recruit leaders within the IPYG Youth Peace Network or recruit organizations engaged in activities related to the particular topic

Discuss common interests and issues and select a topic based on open discussions held by youth leaders from each continent

Participants conduct research on the issues they face in their country or organization

Suggest ideas or cases they found through their research analysis

Have leaders from each continent hold ZOOM webinars

Establish an action plan to solve the problem

Make a suggestion to the Ministries and Departments of Youth and leaders in each country, urge for cooperative action

Develop a cooperation plan based on cases and ideas Recruit organizations to participate in activities for the implementation of the cooperation plan

Send a result report of the workshop Request youth’s opinion (Invite to participate in the workshop) Develop plans into policy proposals and more

YEPW (28 Nov 2020-20 May 2021)

- Main Discussion Topics by Each Continent

Asia, Oceania: Violation of youth education rights, measures to cooperate with civil society to guarantee rights

Europe: Campaigns for the prevention of school violence and cyberbullying, and implementation of education

Africa: Implementation of non-formal civil society education for the youth who are unable to receive basic education

If You Participate in the IPYG Youth Empowerment Peace Workshop (YEPW)

ㅁ You can study the social issues each continent deals with in depth and can discuss them with the youth from other countries.

ㅁ You can establish an action plan to solve problems and strengthen your capabilities through the process of urging leaders in Ministries and Departments of Youth for their cooperation.

ㅁ You can become a youth who grows up to be a leading figure in realizing peace.

How to Participate in the IPYG Youth Empowerment Peace Workshop (YEPW)

ㅁ SNS

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ipyg.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ipyg_youth/

ㅁ Contact Information

Official E-mail: info@ipyg.org

Special Feature 2 Voices of Concern over Myanmar

미얀마의 인권 위기 사태에 따른 HWPL 공식 성명서

(사)하늘문화세계평화광복(HWPL)은 미얀마에서 발생한 인명 피해와 그에 따른 인권의 위기

에 깊은 우려를 표합니다

최근 미얀마 내 시민들의 비폭력 시위에 대한 군(軍)의 진압은 불행히도 수백 명의 목숨을 빼앗

아 갔고 그보다 더 많은 사람들의 부상을 초래했습니다 그리고 지금도 더 많은 희생이 일어

나고 있습니다

어떠한 경우에도 생명이 경시되어서는 안 됩니다 어떠한 입장 차이도 사람의 목숨을 희생시키

는 폭력을 용인하지 못하며 특정 집단의 이익이 사람의 생명보다 우선할 수는 없습니다

평화로운 집회와 또 변화를 위한 목소리를 폭력으로 막는 것은 미얀마 국민의 뜻에 벗어나는

행위일 것입니다 국가가 먼저 국민의 인권과 표현의 자유를 존중하는 자세를 보여야 할 것입니

다 또한 군부와 시위대, 양쪽이 세계 만민에게 현 사태에 대해 유감을 밝히고, 평화적 해결을

위한 대화에 참여할 것을 약속해야 할 것입니다 국제 사회는 이를 지지할 것이며 동남아시아

및 지구촌 전체의 안정과 평화에 기여할 것이라 확신합니다

HWPL은 세계 각국의 모든 HWPL 회원과 함께 미얀마에서 발생하는 폭력 사태로 인해 국민

이 받을 피해를 크게 우려하고 있습니다 전 세계의 이목이 미얀마에 집중해 있으며, 이 모든

일들이 역사에도 기록될 것입니다 또한 자라나는 학생들의 교육을 위해서라도 올바른 모습으

로 해결되어야 할 것입니다 현 상황의 해결은 어떠한 압력이나 힘이 아닌 상호 존중과 이해를

바탕으로 대화와 합의로써 해결되어야 함을 밝힙니다 미얀마 모든 국민의 인권과 안전을 보호

하는 조치가 이루어지도록, 지구촌의 평화를 위한 UN의 적극적인 역할을 요청합니다

HWPL은 지구촌 평화의 가족들에게 부탁합니다 현 미얀마 문제의 평화적 해결을 모색하기 위

해 국가와 시민들이 대화의 장(場)에 참여함으로써 미얀마가 스스로 평화를 되찾게 함을 지지

하는 성명을 발표해 주십시오

HWPL과 세계 각국 HWPL 모든 회원들은 한 목소리로 미얀마의 현 위기 사태가

In March 2021, HWPL issued an official statement to express concern about the human rights crisis arising from the Myanmar military seizing power and civilians protesting. The statement urges the international community to support a peaceful approach to resolving the current conflict in Myanmar.

In response, HWPL members in 80 countries sent 575 statements of support to urge all relevant parties in Myanmar to end the situation where human life is disregarded and violence is tolerated and to resolve the conflict through dialogue.

In April, the IPYG issued a statement along with youth organizations around the world. The statement, which emphasizes efforts towards ending conflict, countering violence, and building sustainable peace as stated in the UN Youth Declaration of 2018, was sent to the UN, international organizations, governments, and civil society organizations.

Below are excerpts from some of the statements of support that leaders sent, hoping the crisis in Myanmar may be resolved peacefully through dialogue instead of violence.

As a Myanmar religious leader in the overseas dedicated to Buddha's teachings, I urge that the Myanmar military bring peace and stability to Myanmar by accepting public opinion and allowing peaceful assembly and dialogue without sacrificing human life.

Ashin Acara / America / Aung Mangalar Buddhist Temple in SF USA

Many youth have died in pursuit of the fundamental rights and freedoms that all human beings on earth should have and never should they be denied. Myanmar is also under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and is entitled to set enshrined articles.

Dennis Wazome / Kenya / Global Youth For Peace / Secretary General

Violence is not the solution to any problem but peace is. It is the way of life and peace is growing on this globe. Live and let live is the mantra of humans.

Manjit Singh / Canada / Ottawa Sikh Society / Community Member

These violent acts and methods are in total contradiction with the teachings of the Buddha. We can assert that Buddhism has never been instrumentalized in its history to be imposed under duress by a royal or military power.

Chandaratana Parawahera / Sri Lanka / International Buddhism Center / President

The instability that gives rise to violence will eventually only lead to irreparable destruction in the future. We find the current political struggle only makes the people become the victims. This is clearly contrary to the teaching of Islam and to the principles enshrined in the ASEAN Charter to maintain and enhance peace, security, and stability in strengthening peace-based values.

Ustaz Haji Muhammad Tamizi Bin Haji Hussien / Malaysia / Masjid Al-Abyad / Imam

I urge the international community to take immediate action to ensure that normalcy returns. We kept silent when Hitler murdered the Jews and remained dumb when Rwanda slowly slid into a genocide. Let's stop the killings in Burma! No more genocides!

Kennedy Kunani / Kenya / Amani Clubs / National Organising Secretary

I appeal to the church leaders and anyone who loves peace that we join hands in condemning the arson with the strongest terms possible and claim peace to prevail in Myanmar.

Tenges / Kenya / Tenges Boys High School / Teacher

These arrests, along with the transfer of legislative, executive, and judicial powers to the army, unacceptably undermine the democratic process embarked on around a decade ago. France calls for the results of the 8 November 2020 election to be strictly respected and stands resolutely alongside the Burmese people in the desire for democracy and freedom, which they expressed at the ballot box.

Jean-Yves Le Drian / France / Council of Minister / Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs

The Czech Republic is a traditional supporter of the process of transition to democracy in your country. We have always supported your efforts to promote lasting peace, freedom, human rights, and the prosperity of all the people of Myanmar. We stand firm with you and the people of Myanmar.

Miloš Zeman / Czech Republic / President

Dear good men, dear good women, could you ever imagine such a government in your country? I do not have to imagine it. I live here every day.

Did you ever imagine how you would feel if your child or parent were killed without a reason? That will never happen to you, right? But how would you feel if you could help another person to enjoy such privilege also?

There is so much that can be done. You are wiser than me in the political ways. Please, help us! Anything you do for freedom and peace in Myanmar will bring happiness to fifty-four million people.

Ashin Saraṇa / Myanmar / Monk of Bhikkhu sangha of Buddha at Rangun / Buddhist monk

Appendix 1 Tree-Planting Campaign

Appendix 2 Mali’s Peace Policy Proposal

Appendix 4 Declaration of World Peace

The universal Creator formed the heavens, the earth, and mankind. He gave the heavens and the earth to humanity as an inheritance. In the entire universe, life in its vast splendor exists only in our world. The life that grows on the earth is sustained from above—by light, rain, and air provided unconditionally to all living beings. We have received the precious gift of life from above. Let us give glory to heaven and live in peace on earth. This is the truest teaching of heaven.

With this eternal gift—the grace and life we have received—are we entitled to fight, kill and destroy one another? We cannot claim to desire peace and continue to provoke one another, causing conflict for the sake of valuing our own national interests above those of others. This will only take the lives of the youth, wasting them in the futility of war. This is not a legacy we can leave to future generations. Of what use is a young life, born in our day and age, if it is thrown away in this manner—thrown away without having had a chance to bloom? What price can compensate for the loss of a life? Do these young souls have another chance at life?

As emissaries of world peace, as people who are working towards the restoration of humanity through a new and heavenly culture, we declare the following:

First, we call on the heads of state of every country to sign an international agreement—a commitment to bring all wars to an end. We ask them to do this from a spirit of deep-seated love for the people of their country.

Second, we call on all youth to unite in an effort to stop wars and pursue the restoration of peace by registering to the one and only International Peace Youth Group. The effort for World Peace is the duty of all youths in this generation. It is the greatest work and it is the only way to stop the pointless and tragic deaths. The efforts of the young people of the world today in pursuit of peace will remain as a never fading light of life for all future generations.

Third, we call on every person, every man, woman, and child in the world, to pick up the mantle of peace. In whatever way you can, we ask that you work to further the cause of world peace and restoration, making it a reality in your direct environments. And we call on the media to report responsibly and promote a message of peace to the world.

With this declaration, the work of world peace has begun.

Man Hee Lee, Chairman of the Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light

Booklet name: HWPL's 8th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace Event Result Report

Citizen-Led Peacebuilding Initiative for Global Coexistence and Harmony

Published by: Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light

Published date: May 2021