Chicago, Illinois Mar 17, 2023 (Issuewire.com) - HWPL's 7th Commemoration of the Declaration of Peace and the Cessation of War (DPCW), with a heightened theme of 'Institutional Peace: Strengthening Communication to Build Trust" was hosted in person for the first time since the start of the 2020 pandemic on March 14th. The event was attended by about 90 International Law and Peace Committee members and officials, and about 1,000 people from all walks of life around the world. In addition, by the 19th, 7,000 people from 41 countries in the field of politics, law, religion, education, media, women, and youth will participate, and an arena of harmony and peace will be held to achieve peace.

Since its inaugural declaration on March 14, 2016, at 3:14 pm, HWPL has garnered a stronger following which was shown through scenes depicting a growing number of global citizens participating in HWPL Peace promotion activities. Dr. MD Nazrul Islam, Professor of Law at the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, shared that "the DPCW aims to restore the spirit that served as the basis for the establishment of the UN and achieve sustainable peace by promoting the universal value of the global community" through its 10 articles and 38 clauses. 

Monk Myeongan (Buddhism), who spoke on the topic of "Building interfaith trust through dialogue", stated "As a religious leader, I support the DPCW. If HWPL Chairman Lee's purpose in pursuing peace is accomplished, I believe religions will be able to become one and global peace and humanity's salvation will be achieved." 

Chung Young-min, IPYG General Director shared the events that took place during the recent 32nd world peace tour in the Philippines. The DPCW was officially recognized, and for the first time in decades, a peace music festival in Mindanao was made possible by the resolution of peace first made at the civilian level in 2014. The agreement to stop the 40-year war in Mindanao has inspired the Philippine government and officials of all sectors to propose designating Jan 24th as a national peace day, in recognition of the achievement of the DPCW. Director Chung urged young people around the world to join in the work of peace, especially since young people suffer the most when there is war and conflict. "No one has the right to ask us to sacrifice our lives, therefore we have to protect ourselves. The means is simple: Please spread a culture of peace to your neighbors and your friends. It is that simple." 

A request was made to cease the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war through a representative from IPYG who read a public letter to Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, mentioning "How come, though it is you starting the war, it is the youth losing their lives on the battlefield?". Afterward, peace letters written by attendees were collected to be sent to the Russian president.

The IWPG Chairwoman, Yoon Hyun-sook shared how during the UN Committee on the Status of Women (UN CSW) in New York, peace education and the DPCW were greatly promoted as the answer to peace that is a reality. She shared, "until Chairman Lee traveled around the world 32 times to proclaim peace and the DPCW, many people today did not believe in the possibility of peace. However, now, on the 7th annual commemoration of the proclamation of the DPCW, people are putting it into action and we are witnessing with our own eyes - the reality of a peace treaty being signed, war being seized, and a culture of peace taking root". 

Lastly, Lee Man-hee, the Chairman of HWPL commented about his reason for doing the work of peace, saying "even the work of HWPL that I'm doing today - I didn't start on my own. The One above is using me like a tool for His work." Chairman Lee shared his experiences during peace tours, which included photo requests due to a bright light seen by others above him, and the reception he received: "Everyone wanted peace. I have gone on 32 world peace tours and no one refused peace."

The DPCW, a legislative document comprising 10 articles and 38 clauses has been promoted by Chairman Lee during his peace tours as the answer to achieving peace and handing it down to future generations. In describing the path to the world of peace, teaching peace education at home and in school was mentioned as the first and second steps - so that those words go into students' hearts and minds, and are put into action. On HWPL's next steps to legislate peace and the cessation of war, Chairman Lee said, "we should not let the words [of the DPCW] remain on paper. From now on, we should review [the DPCW] again and bring it to the United Nations. If they say approved, then it will be approved. This law doesn't just apply to others, but also to ourselves. If it is approved, then it will be implemented."

For more information about the 10 Articles and 38 Clauses of the DPCW and HWPL's 7th Commemoration of the DPCW, visit hwpl.kr

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