A Decade of Peace in Action: The Legacy of the HWPL 9.18 World Peace Summit

On September 18, 2024, the world united once again under a banner of peace. From Seoul to Gambia, from Romania to the Philippines, over 40 countries joined in commemorating the 10th anniversary of the HWPL 9.18 World Peace Summit—an event that has come to symbolize a global movement for dialogue, unity, and the end of war.

At the heart of this year’s summit was a powerful message: We are one. And leading that message was the man who began this journey a decade ago—Chairman Man Hee Lee, a war veteran turned peace advocate, and the founder of HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light).

A War Survivor’s Call for Peace

Chairman Lee’s commemorative address, delivered at the HWPL Peace Training Institute in Gapyeong, Korea, was more than a speech—it was a personal testimony. Having served on the front lines of the Korean War, Chairman Lee spoke of the hunger, suffering, and death he witnessed firsthand.

“Surviving that war was a miracle,” he recalled. “But what legacy do we want to leave behind for future generations? Not wealth—but peace.”

His words weren’t born of theory but of lived reality. Reflecting on his spiritual journey, Lee emphasized that peace is a value found throughout sacred scriptures—appearing over 70 times in the Bible alone—and urged global citizens to embrace love and peace as the only true tools for unity.

“We must not pass judgment based on nationality, religion, or power. We must inherit peace, not conflict.”

Dialogue Over Division: Lessons from Mindanao

Lee’s peace journey has not remained within Korea. One of the most moving stories he shared was his role in mediating dialogue between conflicting religious groups in Mindanao, Philippines, where over 120,000 lives had been lost over 40 years.

Instead of weapons, Chairman Lee brought questions and compassion:

“Did your God command you to kill? Why are you alive if so many others died?”

His efforts helped pave the way toward a historic peace agreement. The message was simple: No more division. Let us resolve our differences through dialogue, not war.

The World Responds: Voices from 158 Countries

This year’s anniversary was marked by over 10,000 peace messages from 158 countries—a chorus of global hope and support for HWPL’s mission.

• Cristina Reyes Hidalgo, former president of the Andean Parliament, described HWPL as “a family of souls working with all their hearts to overcome adversity.”

• Tilman Thomas, former Prime Minister of Grenada, called for global cooperation, stating: “Now is the time to strengthen HWPL’s efforts and unify peace movements under one vision.”

• Habib Mayar, Deputy Secretary-General of g7+, emphasized that while we can’t change the past, “we can choose to create a peaceful future.”

From judges and lawmakers to teachers and religious leaders, the messages reflected a deep understanding: that peace is not the absence of war, but the presence of justice, empathy, and human dignity.

We Are One: A Message That Transcends Borders

The theme of “We Are One” has become more than a slogan. It is a declaration of our shared humanity. As Robert Maseka, founder of Rob Youth Foundation in Namibia, put it:

“The next generation will judge us if we fail to leave them a peaceful world. We have a duty—as youth, as citizens—to act.”

Each message shared during the 10th anniversary event reaffirmed that peace is no longer optional. It is urgent. It is necessary. And it is possible—when we act as one.

A Legacy in Motion

As Chairman Man Hee Lee concluded in his commemorative remarks:

“Let us not dwell on the past or divide ourselves by labels. Let us stand together in front of God—as one humanity—bound by love and peace.”

The HWPL 9.18 World Peace Summit is no longer just an annual event—it is a growing, living movement. And after ten years, the message remains clear: Peace is achievable—if we walk the path together.

📣 Join the Peace Movement

The world needs more than words—it needs action. Explore how you can be part of HWPL’s global peace projects, education initiatives, and the campaign to support the DPCW (Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War).

🔗 HWPL Official Website: https://www.hwpl.kr/language/en/about-hwpl-_en/

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