Building Bridges for Korean Reunification: A Step Toward Lasting Peace

On March 14, 2025, at the “HWPL’s 9th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW)” held in South Korea, a significant milestone was achieved for peace and unification on the Korean Peninsula. The event, themed “Building Bridges for Korean Reunification: Establishing Legal and Practical Frameworks for Peace”, marked the launch of the “Preparatory Committee for Peaceful Unification on the Korean Peninsula” – a bold step towards fostering lasting peace and bringing the divided nation together.

This launch comes as part of the broader Together: Connecting Korea campaign, initiated by HWPL, an international NGO accredited by the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). The campaign, which includes the participation of around 170 civic groups, seeks to create open channels for dialogue and cooperation, bridging the gap between North and South Korea through socio-cultural exchanges. It aims to establish a sustainable foundation for unification by building stronger connections across Korean society.

Attracting around a thousand leaders from both domestic and international communities, the event featured impactful speeches and presentations that shed light on the steps necessary for achieving peaceful unification.

International Support for Peace and Unification

President of the Central American Parliament delivered a powerful statement on the importance of dialogue and peace-building efforts, saying, “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.”

HWPL Chairman Lee Man-hee, in his address, emphasized the importance of dialogue over force in the pursuit of unification. “The expeditious path to unification lies in the implementation of free movement. It is imperative that we pursue unification through constructive dialogue without force,” Chairman Lee stated. He urged all parties involved to work collaboratively for the well-being of future generations, making Korea a true testament to peace.

The Path Forward: Education, Research, and International Cooperation

Ven. Seok Yeonhwa, Chairman of the Supreme Patriarch of the World Buddhist Sangha Council, provided insight into the committee’s future plans, explaining that the committee’s efforts will center around uniting the people’s hearts through campaigns, expanding public understanding of unification through education, and conducting essential research into post-unification social and economic integration.

Kim Yeong-geun, the 32nd Rector of Sungkyunkwan, highlighted the importance of establishing a legal and institutional framework for unification that ensures the continuation of civilian exchanges, regardless of political shifts. This vision for unification not only seeks to bridge the gap but also ensure that both North and South Koreans can benefit from peaceful integration.

Drafting a Legal Framework for Unification

One of the key highlights of the event was the presentation of a draft for “The Constitution Establishing a Unified Korea”, authored by Professor and Senior Research Fellow at Jena Center for Reconciliation studies at the Friedrich Schiller University Jena. This draft, developed by the HWPL International Law Peace Committee, lays the legal groundwork for unification. It includes critical goals such as denuclearization and the establishment of a peace system that will protect the rights and welfare of citizens across the unified Korea. Professor Burke emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, “This initiative will further the cause of Korean unification, ensuring future stability and promoting a more peaceful region and world.”

A Global Call for Unity

The Together: Connecting Korea campaign has garnered overwhelming global support, as seen through the “Connect Korea Challenge” initiative. Within just 10 days, participants from 243 cities across 72 countries contributed over 1,350 pieces of content, showcasing a widespread desire for a peaceful and unified Korea. This global participation reflects the international community’s backing of efforts toward peaceful reconciliation and unification on the Korean Peninsula. To learn more about the Connect Korea Challenge and see how you can get involved, visit togetherconnectkorea.kr.

As HWPL continues its work to promote peace, dialogue, and unification, this event serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and a shared vision for a peaceful future on the Korean Peninsula. With legal frameworks, education, and continued international support, a peaceful reunification of Korea is becoming an increasingly achievable goal.