Category: Beyond the Port

Johannesburg, South Africa – August 24, 2025 – The Pavilion at Sandton Convention Centre was filled with vibrant energy as nearly 300 faith leaders, peacebuilders, and community representatives gathered for the inaugural Africa Religious Peace Academy, under the theme “Bridging Beliefs: Advancing Peace Through Interfaith Harmony in Africa.”The gathering was hailed as a historic milestone, transforming Africa’s spiritual and religious diversity into a powerful network for peace and reconciliation.

Jointly hosted by Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) and the Sikh Council of Africa, the academy provided a unique platform for interfaith networking, where religious leaders transcended denominational boundaries to share visions for addressing Africa’s common challenges through peace and cooperation.

Opening the event, Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Dr Namane Dickson Masemola, underscored the role of faith leaders in advancing a harmonious society: “This gathering, affirms our unwavering commitment to fostering social cohesion, interfaith dialogue and cohesive governance and it is indeed a compass setting moment not only for us in South Africa, but for the continent and the world at large by those who have dedicated to advance this important process of creating peace in the world.”

Congratulatory remarks by Shri Prabhat Kumar, High Commissioner of India to South Africa reinforced the message that interfaith cooperation is essential in addressing Africa’s shared challenges.

Spiritual reflections from diverse traditions enriched the program. Imboni Dr Uzwi-Lezwe Radebe‘s representative, Sam Langa highlighted African Indigenous Spirituality’s call to restore harmony with ancestors and the earth, while Moulana Ebrahim Bham spoke on justice as a divine mandate in Islam. Reverend Gift Moerane invoked the Christian message of reconciliation, and Mr Harbinder Singh Sethi of the Sikh Council of Africa emphasized “Sarbat da Bhala”, seeking the welfare of all.

A key highlight was the presentation of the “Charter for Forgiveness” by Prof. Bhai Sahib Mohinder Singh Ahluwalia, which offered a framework for reconciliation and healing in divided communities. This moment resonated strongly in South Africa, where “unity in diversity” remains both a constitutional value and a daily pursuit.

HWPL Regional Director, Mr Beom Jun Park, urged leaders to see peace not only as today’s mission but as tomorrow’s legacy: “A peaceful and secure Africa is not only the vision of Agenda 2063, it is a vision we all share. Perhaps you and I may not live long enough to see its full realization, but we must walk the path and lay the foundation for those who will come after us.” HWPL envisions a world where religious leaders rise above differences to become one voice for peace, recognizing that harmony among faiths is the cornerstone of lasting unity. Guided by the values of reconciliation, dialogue, and shared responsibility, HWPL hopes to see faith leaders stand together as partners in shaping a peaceful legacy for future generations.

The academy concluded with the signing of three Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), formalizing collaborative commitments between HWPL and the CRL Rights Commission, the Eswatini Women Muslim Organisation, and the Sikh Council of Africa. These agreements mark a significant step forward in strengthening interfaith partnerships and advancing peace across Africa.

This landmark event proved that Africa’s spiritual richness, when united, can become a force for peace, justice, and sustainable development. Delegates departed with a renewed sense of collective responsibility to transform Africa’s diversity into a legacy of unity through interfaith networking and collaboration.

[Cape Town] – The Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) convened its 2nd Annual Critical Conversation on August 22 at the Bellville Campus, bringing together students, academics, policymakers, and civil society to debate the role of education. The theme was “Beyond Liberation: Is Education a Liberator or an Oppressor in the Struggle for Peace, Gender Equity, and Economic Justice?”

The event coincided with International Youth Day, South Africa’s National Women’s Month, and World Humanitarian Day, adding timeliness and significance to the discussion. It was hosted by the CPUT Central Student Representative Council (CSRC) in collaboration with Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), an international peace organization, alongside other partners.

Opening the session, Vice-Chancellor Professor Nhlapho gave encouraging words to the students gathered, stating, “Live a life of honesty, of honor and the world around you will thank you.” The CSRC followed by affirming students’ demand for an education system rooted in justice, inclusivity, and care.

Speakers highlighted diverse perspectives on education. HWPL’s Rachael Nyirongo stressed the importance of peace education, stating that, “This is the power of peace education, it changes individuals and changes communities. The question is what kind of society are we building for education to flourish in?”

In a keynote address, Deputy Minister in The Presidency Hon. Nonceba Mhlauli urged a reimagining of education beyond employability. “Education can be a catalyst for transformation in our households and in our communities as well,” she declared, calling for systems that disrupt cycles of violence and exclusion while prioritizing dignity, care, and community.

HWPL played a central role in the collaboration, bringing its international expertise in peace education and grassroots advocacy. The organization leads the Legislate Peace Campaign, which promotes the adoption of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW)—a proposed international legal framework aimed at ending conflict, disarmament, cessation of hostilities, and the protection of religious and ethnic rights. Through initiatives like peace education programs and intergenerational dialogues, HWPL works to cultivate youth leadership and foster sustainable, people-centered peace. Its involvement in the Critical Conversation underscored the importance of linking local educational debates with the global movement for justice and peace.

The day’s highlight was a panel discussion titled“Not Yet Uhuru: Decolonizing Education Through Student Activism and Collective Action.” Panelists included Dr. Melanie Swanson (Student Affairs Coordinator in HIV/AIDS), who presented on “Empowering the Forgotten: Rethinking Education to Uplift Women, Youth, and Vulnerable Communities” and Mr. Chumile Samson (South African Youth Council), who spoke on “Youth at the Forefront: Redefining Leadership for Humanitarian and Social Justice.”

Dr. Swanson emphasized the critical role of communication, highlighting its impact across different spheres of student life. She spoke about the importance of personal brand management on social media to enhance employability, and the need to prevent the spread of harmful narratives, likening it to “releasing feathers at the top of a mountain—once scattered, they are nearly impossible to retrieve.” She issued a passionate call to students, declaring “we can do it,” and challenged them to be pioneers not only as future employees but also as business leaders and responsible drivers of societal progress.

Mr. Samson shared a structured framework outlining pillars for a thriving education system, including Capability and Mobility as key drivers. Following challenging questions and remarks from the audience, he expanded on these points, offering practical insights on issues raised during the discussion. He emphasized the importance of strengthening student-led organizations and went further to suggest that institutions and organizations reassess their financial models—even restructuring income sources if necessary—to better support and sustain student-driven initiatives.

As the host institution, CPUT reaffirmed its commitment to being a site of transformation and inclusive dialogue. The university has positioned itself as a platform where students and partners from diverse backgrounds can critically examine pressing social issues while building pathways toward peace, justice, and equality. Through initiatives like the Critical Conversation series, CPUT continues to play a leadership role in fostering debates that link academia to activism and policy change.

In closing remarks, CSRC representative Aphiwe thanked all participants for joining the event and reminded participants that peace, gender equity, and economic justice are lived experiences, not abstract ideals. The MC shared, “It’s clear that this event has highlighted that the education system has a lot of potential but also still has a lot of problems to overcome.”

The 2nd Critical Conversation concluded with a shared commitment to take insights beyond the campus and into broader partnerships, policymaking, and educational culture, with the aim of advancing justice and unlocking the leadership potential of South Africa’s youth.

For media enquiries:
Chipo Magombo – +27 76 963 7925

Team wins 25 medals — 4 Gold, 7 Silver, 14 Bronze — following earlier full medal haul at Kim Un-yong Cup

The Taekwondo team from Shincheonji (New Heaven New Earth) Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony (led by Chairman Man Hee Lee) has once again proven its rising dominance in the sport, achieving a clean sweep of medals at the 2025 Park Chung-hee Cup International Open Taekwondo Championships in South Korea.

Held from July 18 to 21 at the Sangju Indoor Gymnasium, the event welcomed over 4,200 athletes from 18 countries, including the United States, France, and host nation South Korea. Organised by the Park Chung-hee Cup Committee in partnership with the Gyeongbuk and Sangju Taekwondo Associations, the championship tested athletes in diverse categories including poomsae (forms), breaking, kicking, sparring, and group performances.

Despite a tight training timeline, all 25 New Heaven New Earth Church athletes earned medals in the individual poomsae category on July 19, earning 4 gold, 7 silver, and 14 bronze medals, an extraordinary result that reinforces the team’s international competitiveness.

“Even with limited time to train, I focused completely and gave it my all,” said gold medalist Lee Jun-wi. “I’m grateful the effort led to this result.”

Team coach Kim Deok-hoon praised the athletes’ composure and grit, “This was a high-level international competition with fierce contenders from Korea and abroad. Our team held their ground and delivered strong performances. We’ll use this experience to refine our training program for even greater results next year.”

The win follows the team’s full medal sweep earlier this month at the 2025 Kim Un-yong Cup in Busan, where all 12 athletes secured podium finishes (2 gold, 4 silver, 5 bronze). The New Heaven New Earth Church team also delivered notable results at the 2024 Mungyeong World Taekwondo Hanmadang, with 5 out of 18 competitors medaling, showing consistent progress year after year.

Beyond sport, New Heaven New Earth Church actively supports youth and community development through initiatives in faith, culture, and the arts. The church views athletics as a powerful avenue for building character, unity, and global goodwill.

“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.”

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.