Building Bridges for Peace: HWPL’s 9th Annual Commemoration of the September 18th World Peace Summit

The world is in dire need of peace, and the efforts of HWPL, led by Chairman Man Hee Lee, continue to shine as a beacon of hope. The 9th annual commemoration of the HWPL September 18th World Peace Summit, held in Incheon, South Korea,2023, once again gathered world leaders, policymakers, and peace advocates from 121 countries, with over 1,800 attendees, to discuss and promote sustainable peace.

A Global Gathering for Peace

The event served as a platform for legal experts, religious representatives, educators, youth, women, and media professionals to collaborate on effective peace strategies. Themed “Implementing Multidimensional Strategies for Institutional Peace”, the summit featured approximately 30 sessions over four days. These discussions aimed at developing practical solutions for achieving legally binding international peace law.

One of the highlights was the speech delivered by Chairman Man Hee Lee, a war veteran who has dedicated his life to global peace. He passionately called on world leaders to take real action beyond mere words, emphasizing that peace must be established as a legacy for future generations.

“If peace had triumphed over war, so many precious lives would not have been lost. Peace cannot remain as just an ideal—we must enact it into law.” – Chairman Man Hee Lee

International Support for HWPL’s Peace Initiatives

Distinguished speakers, including former Romanian President Emil Constantinescu, echoed HWPL’s vision, reaffirming that peace is a fundamental value that must be protected and institutionalized. The summit also highlighted the success of HWPL’s mediation efforts, particularly in Mindanao, Philippines, where HWPL played a key role in fostering interfaith harmony between Muslims, Christians, and indigenous communities.

In his remarks, Ahod Ebrahim, Chief Minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, emphasized the need for continued global cooperation:

“Now is the time for all influential leaders, policymakers, and peace advocates to unite, lay down weapons, and work together for a sustainable future.”

Strengthening Peace Through Education and Media

A key focus of the summit was peace education, which HWPL actively promotes worldwide. HWPL’s peace curriculum has been integrated into schools across 90 countries, nurturing a mindset that fosters harmony rather than conflict. HWPL’s peace education initiatives aim to equip students with the values necessary to become peace messengers in their own communities.

Moreover, HWPL continues to emphasize the role of media in peacebuilding, urging responsible journalism that promotes dialogue and understanding rather than division and conflict.

Recognizing Peace Contributions

At the event, 13 individuals, including former heads of state and international legal scholars, were honored with the HWPL Peace Contribution Award for their dedication to advancing HWPL’s peace initiatives. This recognition underscores the importance of collaboration between governments, civil society, and individuals in achieving a conflict-free world.

The Path Forward: A Citizen-Led Peace Initiative

With the momentum built over the past nine years, HWPL continues to advocate for the DPCW’s adoption at the United Nations, seeking international legal recognition of peace as a fundamental right. As citizens, we all have a role to play in making peace a reality. By supporting HWPL’s initiatives, participating in peace education, and raising awareness through social media, we contribute to a collective movement that ensures the future of our world is one of harmony, not conflict.

Let us all stand together and amplify the message: Peace is possible, and it begins with us!