“Violent Conflict Is Not the Solution; Both Nations Must Seek Peaceful Solutions through Dialogue”
In June 2025, Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) expressed deep concerns over the violent conflict between Israel and Iran, and condemned the grave threat it poses to international peace and security. In an official statement, HWPL urged the immediate cessation of hostilities and called for a peaceful resolution to the situation. The organization strongly denounced the violence, emphasizing that it has led to the loss of innocent civilian lives.
Israel launched a large-scale airstrike targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities—including Natanz—and other military installations on the 13th, marking an escalation in direct military confrontation between the two nations. Thousands of innocent civilians have been killed or injured, and the destruction of infrastructure in both countries has reached a level of ‘social collapse,’ posing a serious threat to international security.
The global community is increasingly recognizing the gravity of the current situation and showing various responses. International organizations, including the United Nations, along with leaders of major countries, have expressed concerns over the prolonged violence and are calling for immediate restraint and a negotiated settlement.
HWPL has reaffirmed, “The people of Israel and Iran want peace, as the entire global community hopes for peace to be restored.” It then reinforced its appeal for both sides to lay down their arms and pursue a diplomatic solution through dialogue and negotiation, in accordance with international law.
Continuing its efforts for global peace, it emphasized its commitment to working closely with international peace organizations, civil society, and national governments to sow and nurture the seeds of peace, ensuring that humanity does not repeat the tragedies of war. The statement concluded with a hopeful message that people around the world will support the efforts of both nations toward a peaceful future.
About HWPL:
Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) is an international peace organization contributing to the promotion of global peace through its special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and its partnership with the United Nations Department of Global Communications (DGC). Based on the “Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW),” HWPL conducts various activities aimed at ending war and establishing sustainable peace worldwide.
On 29 April 2025, the International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) Namibia hosted its first official event in Henties Bay, commemorating the 6th International Women’s Peace Day under the theme “Peace and I.” Held at the Roman Catholic Holy Redeemer Parish Hall, the gathering aimed to empower local women to become active contributors to peace within their communities.
International Women’s Peace Day was proclaimed in 2019 by the International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) as a day dedicated to achieving the cessation of war and promoting world peace by uniting women who share a common motherly heart in protecting the precious lives of children. The purpose of International Women’s Peace Day is to inspire and encourage women peace activists globally – transcending borders, races, religions, and ideologies – to actively support peace initiatives and inspire more women to participate in peace-building activities.
The program featured a welcoming address by Mr. Hermann Honeb, a speech by Ms. Elizabeth Uahindua from the University of Namibia in Henties Bay, and active group discussions among the participants.
Mr. Hermann Honeb, who serves as an HWPL Peace Ambassador, has been promoting peace for the past 10 years. His longstanding commitment to peace advocacy has inspired many within and beyond Namibia. Through his involvement in various peace-building programs, Mr. Honeb continues to serve as a bridge between communities, encouraging dialogue, unity, and mutual understanding.
Delivering a keynote speech, Ms. Celine Mpareke, Coordinator of the IWPG Namibia Branch, stated, “Peace is not a distant ideal, but a personal choice and a journey that begins within ourselves.” She continued, “When women recognize their own value, their influence extends beyond their families and communities to the entire world.”
Ms. Mpareke also introduced IWPG’s core initiatives, including: ▲ Advocating for the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), an international legal framework for peace, ▲ Women’s Peace Education, and ▲ The Plant Peace Campaign. She emphasized that women’s peace education is a critical tool for transforming local communities and fostering sustainable peace.
The event brought together approximately 38 women from various organizations across Henties Bay. During the discussion session, participants openly addressed pressing local issues, including alcohol and drug abuse, as well as a perceived decline in moral values among women. Many voiced that peace is urgently needed to restore the moral and social fabric of the community.
The attendees actively engaged in the conversation, relating the theme of the workshop to their personal lives and daily struggles. Many expressed strong interest in IWPG’s mission and conveyed their willingness to collaborate in future initiatives.
As the first official IWPG event in Henties Bay, the gathering laid a meaningful foundation for ongoing peace efforts in the region and sparked a strong sense of solidarity and purpose among participants.
On April 9, the Shincheonji (New Heaven New Earth) Church of Jesus in France released an official statement criticizing the April 7 article published by the French daily Le Parisien, stating that the church and its members were “seriously defamed” due to distorted and biased reporting. The church pointed out that the article excessively highlighted one-sided claims made by a former member, while barely reflecting the actual practices and beliefs of the faith community.
The controversial article, titled “They Treated Us Like Animals”, described New Heaven New Earth Church as one of the “problematic evangelical groups” in France, based on the personal testimony of an anonymous former member. The article mentioned training camps, severed personal relationships, and monetary demands. However, the church emphasized that their position was reflected in only two sentences of the article.
A church representative stated, “We submitted a detailed written response consisting of thousands of words to 12 questions sent by the reporter in advance, but only two sentences were used in the article. That’s less than 1% of our full statement and severely limits readers’ ability to see a balanced perspective.” The representative also noted, “Since the article was published only four hours after we submitted our responses, it seems the report had already been pre-written with a biased intention.”
They added, “If the written statement was insufficient, the reporter could have visited the church in person to observe our faith practices and hear directly from active members. Our church is always open to communication with the media.”
Congregants actively engage in a dynamic Bible education session, reflecting the church’s emphasis on scriptural understanding and community involvement.
To provide a more accurate picture, the church shared testimonies from current members. Teresa (29), who has attended the church in Paris for six years, said, “Faith is something one chooses voluntarily. Through this church, I learned who God is and how to live as a light in the world.” Another member, Axel (30), said, “Before joining New Heaven New Earth Church, I was searching for meaning in life. Through my faith here, I’ve come to understand what God desires from us, and I find great joy in doing God’s work. I’ve even been able to travel and met my wife at church. I’m living a truly fulfilling life.”
Regarding the article’s sensational title, “They Treated Us Like Animals”, the church stated, “Our members were shocked and confused by this phrase. No one in our community has ever been treated that way, nor do they feel that way. This was clearly a provocative headline used to attract attention.” The church emphasized that it does not tolerate threats or stigmatization of former members and respects individuals’ decisions even after leaving the church.
In response to the claim that “the church forced a breakup between a woman and her boyfriend,” the church strongly denied this, saying, “The man was also a member of the church at the time and even expressed interest in marriage. However, the woman stated she wasn’t ready for marriage. Their breakup was a personal decision based on mutual discussion and faith considerations, and the church never pressured or influenced their relationship.” They added, “Dating and marriage are personal matters based on autonomy and responsibility; it’s inaccurate to attribute them to church control.”
The church also raised concerns about misleading content in the interview. One example cited was a photo showing someone with their foot on a radiator, which the article described as “punishment.” The church explained, “This photo has nothing to do with punishment. It was taken before the individual even joined the church. The person in the photo, who is still a member today, was simply demonstrating a pose for fun, and the image was taken lightheartedly. The member was shocked by the article’s misuse of the photo without consent and intends to file an official complaint with the media outlet.”
The church stated, “Reporting such claims without proper fact-checking fosters a skewed perception that the entire New Heaven New Earth Church of Jesus is irrational, which is extremely regrettable.”
Concerning the so-called “training camps,” the church clarified, “These were short-term, completely voluntary programs for individuals who desired deeper spiritual growth. They included morning prayers and Bible meditation. Participants could leave at any time, and there was no physical punishment or coercion involved. However, understanding that it might be misunderstood from an outside perspective, the church has since discontinued the program.”
Members of the New Heaven New Earth Church of Jesus deliver a vibrant dance performance in France.
The church also refuted claims about collecting personal information, restricting internet access, or encouraging members to cut family ties, stating, “None of this is true. We only collect minimal information needed for faith counseling. There are no restrictions on internet usage or external relationships. On the contrary, we encourage our members to live exemplary lives within their families and communities.”
Regarding the use of the name “ECA Academy,” the church explained, “It was a Bible education program name temporarily used in 2019. Participants were clearly informed that it was affiliated with New Heaven New Earth Church of Jesus, and joining the church afterward was entirely up to the individual.”
In response to the article, the New Heaven New Earth Church of Jesus in France called on the media to uphold the following principles:
Include a variety of perspectives and experiences in reporting
Accurately reflect the church’s official responses and statements
Provide fair opportunities to share the experiences and voices of active members
Respect religious freedom and the dignity of believers
Avoid sensational titles and expressions that foster prejudice
A church representative concluded, “Biased reports targeting specific religious communities impose stigma and prejudice on sincere believers, violating religious freedom and human rights. The media must avoid inflammatory approaches that incite hatred and instead aim for balanced, respectful coverage that represents diverse voices.”
They added, “We hope Le Parisien and all media outlets adhere to higher ethical standards in religious reporting. New Heaven New Earth Church of Jesus remains committed to open communication and honest dialogue to foster better understanding.”
Pretoria, South Africa – March 25, 2025 – The 9th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) took place at Brooklyn Lodge, Pretoria, bringing together high-level officials, ambassadors, representatives from NGOs and IGOs, and members of civil society.
“We are one!” High-level officials, ambassadors and representatives at the conference room in Brooklyn Lodge, Pretoria
The event, hosted by Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), followed the March 14 commemoration held in South Korea and focused on this year’s theme, “Institutionalizing Peace: Legal Frameworks for Sustainable Conflict Resolution.”
The event underscored the urgent need to transform peace from a conceptual ideal into a legally binding and institutionalized norm. As South Africa reflects on its own history of human rights struggles, the commemoration highlighted the necessity of codifying peace—much like human rights—within national and international legal frameworks to ensure sustainable conflict resolution.
The event was conducted in a hybrid format, accomodating both in-person and live online participation. It commenced with praise and performances, fostering a sense of unity among attendees. The program featured the introduction of speakers, presentations, discussion sessions, a screening of the HWPL video, the National Solidarity Statement (NSS) presentation, a Q&A session, a support signature campaign, and a closing ceremony.
Approximately 48 individuals from various sectors—including government officials, youth organizations, and peace advocacy groups—attended the event to engage in discussions on peace. Participants represented South Africa and nine other countries.
Speaking at the South Korean event on March 14, HWPL Chairman Man Hee Lee emphasized the importance of strengthening legal mechanisms for peace, stating, “True peace can only be realized when it is upheld by law, not just by words. The DPCW serves as a blueprint for ensuring that peace is not left to voluntary political will but is instead a legally protected right for all.”
The Pretoria event echoed this sentiment, with discussions focusing on the role of the Legislate Peace Project, which has mobilized citizen-led advocacy to integrate peace into governance structures. The discussions focused on integrating peace into governance structures through civic-led advocacy efforts. To achieve this goal, four speakers including Mr Sipho Seakamela, Reon van der Merwe, Mpule Kgetsi, and Mu-Aalima Amyna Fakude shared their perspectives and engaged in meaningful discussions on practical peace initiatives. Experts and stakeholders explored how international organizations, including the United Nations (UN), African Union (AU), and the European Union (EU), have underscored the necessity of normative frameworks for peacebuilding.
Key sessions addressed the DPCW’s 10 articles and 38 clauses, which advocate for global conflict prevention, disarmament, and institutional cooperation. The declaration calls for legal obligations on states to adhere to international court rulings, repurpose military infrastructure for civilian use, and engage civil society in peacebuilding efforts.
Prestigious attendees with their signed declaration
Building on these discussions, participants engaged in strategic dialogues on how to institutionalize peace within Southern African legal systems and expand the National Solidarity Statement (NSS) Campaign. The campaign seeks to ensure that regional governments recognize and support the implementation of the DPCW, fostering genuine peace by encouraging collaboration between officials and civil society.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment to fostering an even stronger global coalition for peace through legal reform and grassroots advocacy. Recognizing that peace remains an aspiration in many regions, HWPL’s mission continues to drive forward the necessary legal transformations to practically ensure that peace is protected, upheld, and enforced at all levels of society.
For more information, media inquiries, or to support the Legislate Peace Project, please contact: sa@hwpl.kr
CHEONGJU, South Korea – March 14, 2024 – At the “HWPL’s 9th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW)“ held in Cheongju, South Korea, a significant step toward Korean Peninsula unification was taken with the launch of the “Preparatory Committee for Peaceful Unification on the Korean Peninsula.” The event, themed ”Building Bridges for Korean Reunification: Establishing Legal and Practical Frameworks for Peace”, drew about a thousand domestic and international leaders, outlining a comprehensive plan for a nationwide peace and unification initiative.
HWPL’s 9th Annual Commemoration of the DPCW
Spearheaded by HWPL, a UN ECOSOC-accredited international NGO, the <Together: Connecting Korea> campaign, involving approximately 170 civic groups, aims to foster communication and harmony across Korean society. The newly formed committee will focus on expanding socio-cultural exchanges between North and South Korea and establishing a robust foundation for future unification.
“(HWPL’s) tireless work is proof that peace is not just an ideal but an achievable goal when there is will and action. From the Central American Parliament, we firmly support all unification and integration initiatives that promote peace, such as the dialogue for the reunification of the Koreas,” stated Hon. Carlos Rene Hernandez Castillo, President of Central American Parliament.
Hon. Carlos Rene Hernandez Castillo, President of Central American Parliament, speaks at the 9th Annual Commemoration
HWPL Chairman Lee Man-hee said, “The expeditious path to unification lies in the implementation of free movement. It is imperative that we pursue unification through constructive dialogue without force. Our country must become a testament to peace. We should work together thereby future generations can be happy and our wishes can come true” and presented a vision for peaceful unification on the Korean peninsula.
Chairman Lee addresses at the 9th Annual Commemoration of the DPCW
Ven. Seok Yeonhwa, Chairman of the Supreme Patriarch of the World Buddhist Sangha Council, detailed the committee’s future plans by saying, “We will unite people’s hearts through campaigns, expand the public understanding and support for unification through education, and conduct research on post-unification social and economic integration.”
Kim Yeong-geun, the 32nd Rector of Sungkyunkwan emphasized the critical role of civilian exchanges, calling for “a legal and institutional framework to ensure their continuity, regardless of political shifts.”
A cornerstone of the event was the presentation of a draft of “The Constitution Establishing a Unified Korea” by Professor Ciarán Burke of Friedrich-Schiller University Jena. Developed by the HWPL International Law Peace Committee, this draft establishes legal foundations for a unified Korea, including denuclearization goals and a peace system that protects citizens’ rights and welfare. “(This initiative) will be furthering the cause of Korean unification, of future stability, and ensuring that the region – and the world – is likely to remain a more peaceful place,” said Prof. Burk.
Launch of the Preparatory Committee for Peaceful Unification
The Together Campaign’s “Connect Korea Challenge” (https://togetherconnectkorea.kr/) is actively promoting unification through advocating free movement and international support. Within 10 days, participants from 243 cities across 72 countries contributed over 1,350 pieces of content, demonstrating global interest in a peaceful unification on the Korean Peninsula.
Cape Town, 22 February 2025 – In a decisive move towards building safer communities, key stakeholders gathered at Bertha House in Mowbray to establish the Peace My City Committee, a dedicated task force aimed at reducing gun violence and promoting firearm-free zones in Cape Town.
The initiative is being led by the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG), with support from Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), the International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG), Soka Gakkai International, Lerato Foundation and Gun Free SA. Together, they have committed to working closely with communities in Bonteheuwel, Langa, and Manenberg—areas that have long struggled with the devastating effects of gun violence.
Among those present at the inaugural meeting were Marie Louise, Aziz Hartley, Patsy Daniels, Hon. Khalid Sayed, Monique Hansen, Mr. Herbert, and Professor Brian Williams. The committee members emphasized the need for collaborative, community-driven solutions to address the root causes of violence and the importance of engaging local leaders, schools, and religious institutions to establish firearm-free zones.
Speaking at the meeting, Professor Brian Williams discussed the different types of violence that must be considered when addressing issues at their root, including direct, structural, and physical violence. He emphasized the need to shift energies from negative to positive and highlighted the absence of systems and structures that support peace, stressing the importance of understanding the nature of violence itself. Ms Monique Hansen educated the group on gun violence, sharing insights from Gun Free SA’s research and ongoing projects to track firearms in communities, as well as potential collaborative efforts.
The Peace My City initiative aligns with the African Union’s Silencing the Guns 2030 Agenda and HWPL’s Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), particularly Article 2, which advocates for the reduction of arms stockpiles and the prevention of illegal firearm distribution.
The committee will meet monthly to oversee the implementation of quarterly projects focused on awareness campaigns, community dialogues, peace walks, and policy advocacy for the designation of firearm-free zones.
With IPYG leading the way and the collective support of HWPL, IWPG, Gun Free SA and other organisations this initiative aims to create meaningful change and ensure that Cape Town’s communities can thrive in safety and peace.
About IPYG
The International Peace Youth Group (IPYG) is a global youth organization dedicated to fostering peace, unity, and conflict resolution through grassroots activism and international cooperation. As a key partner of Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), IPYG empowers young people to take an active role in peacebuilding initiatives, advocating for disarmament, social justice, and sustainable development. Through education, community engagement, and global campaigns, IPYG works to create a world where youth are at the forefront of driving meaningful change and securing a peaceful future for all.
Women leaders from New Zealand, the UK, Malawi, and South Africa come together to pledge to practice peace
International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) Global 6 (Director, So Yoeong Park) hosts ‘PLTE (Peace Lecturer Training Education) Graduation Ceremony’ for oversea branch on 25th. This graduation ceremony was attended by 70 people, and was an opportunity for women leaders from New Zealand, the UK, Malawi, and South Africa to come together and pledge to practice peace and share their ideas.
PLTE is IWPG’s core educational program that aims to spread the values of peace and deter war based on women’s motherhood in the midst of war and conflict.
So Yeong Park Global region 6 director said, “The women’s peace education you have studied goes beyond simply imparting knowledge, and it becomes the basis for realizing the value of peace and building the peace the world needs. I hope that you will become the center of peace and the focal point for advancing peace.”
Caron Kgomo(Deputy Director, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, South Africa) conveyed her congratulations by saying “I commend the graduates of the women’s peace education program for their dedication and achievements, which embody hope for a more peaceful future. By sharing what you’ve learned and inspiring others to join, you can help build a global community dedicated to spreading peace. Your efforts will create lasting change and plant the seeds of a brighter tomorrow.”
Lindiwe Matanya, executive director for Women for Fair Development (WOFAD) in Blantyre Malawi, who graduates said “The most important lesson from the women’s peace education of IWPG is that peace begins with oneself. When inner peace is present, one can manage conflicts wisely and foster harmony within families and communities. However, without inner peace, discord can arise. Ultimately, creating a peaceful world starts with self-reflection and cultivating peace within.”
With the passion of women, peace education has achieved great results, producing 1,200 graduates in 42 countries including Korea. MOUs were signed with the Ministry of Women of Uganda and Cote d’Ivoire to successfully conduct women’s peace education at the national level. In Mexico and other countries, large-scale education was conducted as the number of applicants for peace education increased explosively through online platforms.
Meanwhile, IWPG is a global women’s NGO registered with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the Department of Global Communication (DGC). It is headquartered in Korea and has 114 branches and 808 cooperative organizations around the world. With the vision of ‘realizing sustainable world peace,’ it is actively working to expand solidarity needed in the world, spread a culture of peace, provide women’s peace education, and enact laws and systems.
On November 15, over 25,000 members and supporters of the Shincheonji (New Heaven New Earth) Church of Jesus gathered near the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Office to protest the last-minute cancellation of a major religious event. The peaceful demonstration, which caused partial lane closures, aimed to spotlight what the church describes as “biased administration and religious suppression.”
The rally followed the abrupt cancellation of New Heaven New Earth Church’s “Religious Leaders’ Forum and Graduation Ceremony” at Paju Imjingak Peace Nuri Park on October 29—just one day before the scheduled event. The Gyeonggi Tourism Organisation cited security concerns related to recent North Korean military activity as the reason for the decision, despite previously approving the venue on July 22. Police deployed six riot squads, with over 400 officers stationed to maintain order, but no clashes were reported. New Heaven New Earth Church has since submitted a formal letter of protest to the Gyeonggi Province, demanding an official apology and compensation for damages caused by the abrupt decision, which disrupted months of preparation and impacted 30,000 international participants.
New Heaven New Earth Church representatives expressed frustration, pointing out that other events in the area proceeded as planned despite similar security concerns. “This is biased administration and an act of religious suppression,” said Lee Ki-won, General Manager of New Heaven New Earth Church Head Quarters in South Korea. “We repeatedly checked with authorities to ensure there were no issues, and yet, the decision came without warning.” Despite these challenges, the church proceeded with its record-breaking graduation ceremony, celebrating 111,628 students who completed New Heaven New Earth Church’s comprehensive Bible education course, including 3,377 pastors.
The main event was initially held on October 30 at the Cheongju branch, with the church coordinating additional gatherings for graduates and special guests across multiple branch churches in South Korea. The ceremony was later streamed globally, including to Southern Africa, enabling participants from 153 countries to join the celebration.
“This last-minute change could have dampened the occasion, but seeing our graduates overcome this challenge with unity and hope speaks volumes,
shared Andre van der Westhuizen, a church representative in Cape Town, South Africa. “This graduation showcases how faith can bridge communities and bring about positive change.”
In Southern Africa alone, 1,125 students from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, and Malawi completed the course. The disruption ahead of this event has reignited international discussion on religious freedom and discrimination in South Korea. New Heaven New Earth Church and the Association for Buddhist National Unification are urging the South Korean government to uphold human rights and prevent future restrictions on religious gatherings.
Chairman and Senior Pastor Man-Hee Lee addressed the graduates, saying, “The Bible says that the tree of life bears 12 fruits every month. You are the embodiment of that tree. Since you have graduated, I hope you will freely give what you have learned to others. This is a fundamental expression of gratitude as believers. Even if you face persecution, let’s do good deeds and never curse or slander others.
South Korean local government cancels international event with 30,000 participants from 78 countries, causing international damage
On October 29th, an administrative decision by a South Korean government agency sparked international controversy, raising concerns about religious freedom and causing substantial financial loss.
The “Religious Leaders Forum and Graduation Ceremony,” a joint initiative by two prominent religious organizations, was set to take place in Paju, South Korea. The event was expected to draw over 30,000 participants from 57 countries, including 1,000 religious leaders representing Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, and Hinduism.
However, the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization, a public entity under Gyeonggi Province, abruptly canceled the venue rental without prior notice. This last-minute decision has resulted in significant financial damage to the international event. Organizers of this event stated that the cancellation constitutes an unconstitutional act of discrimination against a specific religion, violating religious freedom, human rights, and due process of law.
The hosting organizations, the Association for Buddhist National Unification of Korea and Shincheonji Church of Jesus, said that they had received official confirmation on October 23rd and 28th that there was no plan of cancellation. They also said that the unilateral cancellation was an unreasonable administrative action targeting a specific religious group. They further emphasize that other events scheduled for the same day were not affected, suggesting that the cancellation was “administrative decision caused by opposition from a specific religious group,” which “violates the principle of separation of church and state guaranteed by the Constitution.”
The Gyeonggi Tourism Organization cited security concerns related to recent North Korean actions and the planned activities of a North Korean defector group as reasons for the cancellation. However, it was pointed out that other events, such as civilian bike rides and foreign tourist visits to the DMZ, were permitted within the same designated area.
The incident has reignited international debate about religious freedom and tolerance in South Korea. The U.S. State Department’s International Religious Freedom Report has previously highlighted concerns such as the prosecution of Shincheonji Church of Jesus and the government’s refusal to approve mosque construction.
The Association for Buddhist National Unification of Korea and Shincheonji Church of Jesus call upon the South Korean government to respect religious freedom, uphold human rights, and rectify this unjust decision. They urge international organizations to monitor this situation and take appropriate action to protect religious freedom.
In 2020, Prince William launched the Earthshot Prize, a prestigious global environmental award aimed at incentivizing innovation and solutions to repair the planet. South Africa, with its rich biodiversity and pressing environmental challenges, has been a key beneficiary of this initiative. This article explores the Earthshot Prize’s impact on South Africa, highlighting local winners, innovative projects, and the potential for sustainable development.
The Earthshot Prize: A Catalyst for Change
The Earthshot Prize is awarded annually to five winners, each receiving £1 million, in five categories:
Protect and Restore Nature
Clean Our Air
Revive Our Oceans
Build a Waste-Free World
Fix Our Climate
This year, the Earthshot Prize Awards took place in Cape Town, South Africa, on November 6, 2024. This was the first time the annual celebration was held in Africa, and it was a momentous occasion . The event was hosted by Billy Porter and Bonang Matheba, featuring incredible performances from Lebo M, the Ndlovu Choir, and more .
The 2024 Earthshot Prize Winners
Five extraordinary innovators were awarded £1 million each to accelerate and scale their game-changing environmental solutions.
The winners were selected from over 500 nominations from 38 different African countries, showcasing innovative solutions to environmental challenges . These visionary innovators are not just solving environmental challenges; they’re lighting the path for a sustainable future for us all.
Impact and Benefits in South Africa
The Earthshot Prize has:
Fostered innovation: Encouraging local entrepreneurs to develop sustainable solutions
Created jobs: Supporting green economy growth and employment
Promoted collaboration: Facilitating partnerships between government, business, and civil society
Raised awareness: Highlighting South Africa’s environmental challenges and opportunities
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite progress, South Africa faces:
Funding constraints: Limiting the scalability of environmental projects
Policy gaps: Hindering the implementation of sustainable solutions
Climate change: Exacerbating environmental degradation and social inequality
The Earthshot Prize has ignited a spark of innovation in South Africa, demonstrating the potential for sustainable development and environmental stewardship. As the country continues to address its pressing environmental challenges, the Earthshot Prize serves as a catalyst for change, inspiring a new generation of South African innovators and leaders.
