Month: May 2024

Cape Town, South Africa – 18 May 2024 – an international peace NGO, Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), held the 11th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace under the theme of “30 Years of Democracy: Promoting Youth Participation in Elections and Envisioning the Next Three Decades of Freedom”.

As conflicts erupt worldwide that threaten global security and coexistence bringing about the need for peace among citizens, the purpose of this event was to promote youth participation in elections, address critical developmental challenges such as unemployment, gender-based violence, inequality, and social justice through the culture of peace.

This year’s event was held in Cape Town, attended by over 200 participants including the Western Cape Premier candidates Mr. Khalid Sayed Mohammed of the ANC party, Mr. Axolile Notywala of the Rise Mzansi Party and citizen demonstrators.

Mr Khalid Sayed shared how although the struggles faced in various countries and in Palestine may seem far, they are relevant to local South Africans who still have not had freedom afforded by peace due to previously mismanaged resources.

Mr. Axolile Notywala encouraged the youth to participate and commended the dialogue as a platform where one can be more informed as a voter. He raised the concern of the single mother demographic in South Africa, who many a time are unable to attend such events.

In an interview with Mr Andrew Bateman,a member of the Democratic Alliance, he shared “in regards to our own nation, we are aware of the high levels of crime, gender based violence and it is simply unacceptable what South Africans are facing everyday in our communities”.

This annual event commemorates the 2013 proclamation of the Declaration of World Peace at the Peace Gate in Seoul Olympic Park with 30,000 global youth advocating peace. This declaration outlines the roles of individuals from all walks of life in achieving peace and urges a united global effort.

At the 10th annual commemoration last year HWPL Chairman Lee Man-hee said, “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.”

Membership registration, information about peace projects, and reading the full text of and supporting the DPCW are available on HWPL’s official website at www.hwpl.kr.

In response to the intensifying tension between Israel and Iran, Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), a United Nations-affiliated organisation focused on promoting peace through civilian-led initiatives, has issued a compelling statement.

Expressing profound concerns over the recent surge in violence, HWPL emphasised the detrimental impact of the conflict on innocent civilians. The organisation stressed the tragic reality of war: claiming countless lives and leaving behind a trail of devastation that reverberates across generations.

“It is a clear indication that the greatest victims of war are innocent civilians. How could those lost lives ever be brought back? What could compensate for the outcry of children and the anguish of the youth in devastated dwellings?” the statement said.

Highlighting the urgent need for decisive action, HWPL called upon the international community to prioritise efforts towards establishing comprehensive international laws aimed at safeguarding peace for future generations.

Reports indicate that on April 13th, Iran and its militant allies launched a large-scale attack on Israel, deploying hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones. The unprecedented nature of Tehran’s direct assault on Israel has raised alarm bells within the global community. Experts attribute Iran’s actions to a retaliatory response following an airstrike on the Iranian embassy in Syria on April 1st, which resulted in the loss of several military personnel, including senior commanders.

In a notable display of solidarity, Permanent Representatives to the United Nations from 48 nations, including key stakeholders such as the United States, Australia, and Japan, jointly condemned Iran’s aggression against Israel on April 18th.

Amidst the escalating tensions, HWPL remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering dialogue and reconciliation. An official from the organisation reiterated HWPL’s unwavering dedication to offering hope for a peaceful resolution to the conflict between Israel and Iran.

As the world watches with apprehension, HWPL’s call for peace serves as a beacon of hope, urging all parties involved to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy in pursuit of lasting peace and stability in the region.

“HWPL remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering dialogue and reconciliation, offering hope for a peaceful resolution to the conflict between Israel and Iran,” an HWPL official said.