HWPL’s 11th World Peace Summit Demonstrates Growing Global Support for Peacebuilding
COTABATO CITY (September 19, 2025) — The 11th Anniversary of the HWPL World Peace Summit, hosted by the international peace NGO Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), brought together more than 800 global leaders under the theme “Uniting for Peace and Fulfilling Humanity’s Duty Together.”
Held on September 18–19 in Cheongju, South Korea, this year’s summit showcased an expanding global commitment to HWPL’s mission. Attendees included former and current presidents, prime ministers, chief justices, legislators, religious leaders, educators, media representatives, and youth leaders. Notably, 119 delegates traveled from the Philippines, reflecting the country’s strong support for HWPL’s peace efforts.
Expanding Peace Initiatives Since 2014
Since its first summit in 2014, HWPL has promoted practical solutions to global conflicts through legal frameworks, interfaith cooperation, and peace education. This year, HWPL highlighted milestones achieved over the past year, particularly in advancing public-private partnerships aimed at embedding peace at both national and local levels.
A key highlight of the summit was the growing international endorsement of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), a proposed legal foundation for sustainable peace. Over the past year, 17 international and regional entities—including PARLATINO and the national legislatures of Paraguay, the Dominican Republic, South Sudan, as well as local governments across Asia, Africa, and the United States—have adopted resolutions in support of the DPCW.
Global Progress in Peace Education
HWPL’s Peace Education initiatives are being formally adopted in various education systems. In Zambia, the Ministry of Education has introduced the program in all schools in Lusaka, with plans for a national rollout. Mongolia has integrated HWPL Peace Education into its curriculum, while the Philippines has implemented it through the Department of Education in several cities, including Navotas, Cavite, Laguna, Southern Leyte, and Cotabato City.
Peace education is delivered in diverse ways—including integration into Values Education and Social Studies, the creation of Peace Clubs, and faith-based approaches that incorporate Islamic teachings. A standout initiative is Project GLACE (Global Learning through Active Citizenship Education), which fosters civic engagement and peace values among students.
Youth and Interfaith Dialogue Driving Change
Youth involvement was highlighted through the work of Peace Clubs, such as at Signal Village National High School in the Philippines. Assistant Principal Dr. Reynaldo Nama presented key outcomes, including a peace monument and a Youth Empowerment Peace Class that trains young leaders in conflict resolution and peacebuilding.
On the interfaith front, HWPL launched the Solidarity of Religions’ Peace Committee (SRPC), and the International Religious Peace Academy (RPA) continues to gain recognition as a platform for interfaith learning. Archbishop-Emeritus Antonio Ledesma shared how the RPA has helped build connections among religious leaders and students through scripture studies, Peace Camps, and visits to churches and mosques.
“Through the RPA,” Archbishop Ledesma stated, “faith leaders study their scriptures side by side to uncover shared values and deepen understanding. This empowers both leaders and youth to carry forward the mission of peace.”
Chairman Lee’s Call to Action
In his keynote address, HWPL Chairman Lee Man-hee called for unified action, emphasizing, “Conflict can never be good. Only peace is good. If we don’t create peace now, future generations will inherit conflict. We must leave them a world of peace.”
Looking Ahead
The summit also featured discussions on the peaceful reunification of the Korean Peninsula and noted HWPL’s growing international network, which now exceeds 580,000 members. Following the main summit, 78 satellite events will take place worldwide through October, engaging over 15,000 additional leaders in tailored peacebuilding dialogues. (BMN/BangsamoroToday)
