CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA — 18 September 2026: During the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC), a high-level roundtable examining ‘Cessation of War as a Legislative Priority’ was held at the Centre for the Book in Gardens, Cape Town.
Co-hosted by Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) and the Office of the Presidency of South Africa, the event was attended by approximately 150 people, including eight parliamentarians from five countries—Tuvalu, Northern Ireland, Seychelles, Pakistan, and South Africa—as well as youth representatives, religious leaders, civil society stakeholders, and journalists.
The roundtable focused on the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) proposed by HWPL, addressing legal and institutional frameworks for conflict prevention and peace maintenance. Participants discussed the role of parliamentarians in formulating national laws and policies.
Hon. Clifford Elford, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Seychelles, mentioned that “budgets should be prioritized for education and health sectors rather than post-war reconstruction costs.” Hon. Sir Iakoba Taeia Italeli, Speaker of Parliament of Tuvalu, stated that “the DPCW is a tool for transitioning armed conflict into dialogue and cooperation,” noting the necessity of its implementation.
Participating parliamentarians discussed ways to reflect the DPCW within their national legal systems. A total of 12 Letters of Support for the DPCW were submitted at the venue. Furthermore, all attending parliamentarians authored a ‘Commitment Statement’ declaring their intention to continue DPCW-related discussions and initiatives in their respective countries.
This roundtable was conducted as part of global solidarity peace activities marking the anniversary of the ‘9·18 HWPL World Peace Summit’ (September 18). During the same period (September 17–19), the ‘Global Youth Peace Program’ was held in the Republic of Korea under the theme “We Are the Living Heritage.” Youth participants from around the world visited historical sites, engaged in cross-cultural dialogue, and discussed practical peace initiatives.
In connection with this, it was highlighted that Cape Town is locally operating the ‘Peace My City’ initiative involving residents, youth, schools, and religious leaders. Activities include environmental clean-ups, stakeholder dialogues, recycled art competitions, HWPL Peace Education workshops, and monthly interfaith gatherings.
Meanwhile, according to HWPL, as of August 2026, the organization has approximately 630,000 members worldwide. Individuals and organizations interested in participating in HWPL’s peace initiatives and international campaigns commemorating the September 18th World Peace Summit, or wishing to become members, can find more information and apply for membership through HWPL’s official website (www.hwpl.kr).