From Dialogue to Action: Highlights from HWPL’s 11th World Peace Summit

On September 18–19, 2025, Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) hosted the 11th Anniversary of the September 18th HWPL World Peace Summit in Cheongju, South Korea, under the theme “Uniting for Peace and Fulfilling Humanity’s Duty Together.” Unlike previous gatherings that mainly reflected on broad achievements, this year’s summit spotlighted practical outcomes in peace education, interfaith cooperation, and unification dialogue.

Expanding Global Support for the DPCW

At the heart of discussions was the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), HWPL’s proposed international legal framework to ban the use of force, prevent conflicts, and ensure sustainable peace.

Over the past year, 17 institutions have formally endorsed the DPCW. These include the Latin American and Caribbean Parliament (PARLATINO), national legislatures in Paraguay, the Dominican Republic, and South Sudan, and local governments in the Philippines, Mongolia, the U.S. state of Georgia, Madagascar, Mali, and India.

Croatia’s former president Ivo Josipović reflected on this momentum:

“Our efforts to prohibit wars worldwide are more important than ever. This year’s achievements are proof that humanity can achieve eternal peace.”

Religious Cooperation: Launch of the SRPC

A significant milestone this year was the launch of the Standing Committee on Religious Peace and Cooperation (SRPC). Building on HWPL’s long-standing scripture-based dialogue held in 292 locations across 132 countries, the SRPC provides a permanent platform for faith leaders to deepen cooperation.

Alongside this, the International Religious Peace Academy (IRPA)—introduced in 2023—was highlighted as an interfaith education program now officially recognized in some countries as a citizen and leader engagement platform.

Peace Education: From Timor-Leste to Zambia and Mongolia

Peace education has become one of HWPL’s most impactful initiatives.

• In Zambia, all schools in the capital Lusaka have already adopted HWPL’s Peace Education program, with plans for nationwide expansion through collaboration with the Ministry of Education.

• In Mongolia, HWPL Peace Education is being integrated into public education and lifelong learning institutions.

• In Timor-Leste, national-level adoption is also underway.

At the Global Peace Education Conference, Zambian education policy director Ian Miyoba stated:

“Through peace education, citizens’ voices are united to spread a culture of peace. This prevents child abuse, early marriage, and drug abuse, creating real social change. That is why Zambia has chosen this program.”

Korean Peninsula Peace and Unification Dialogue

Another key highlight was the International Conference on Preparing for Korean Unification. Following the launch of the Korean Peninsula Peaceful Unification Preparatory Committee in March, leaders discussed strategies for inter-Korean exchanges, unification education, policy research, and international cooperation.

In his keynote, Chairman Man Hee Lee stressed:

“Conflicts can never be considered good. Creating peace is what is good. If we fail to build a peaceful world in our time, future generations will inherit conflict. What we must leave behind is not division, but peace.”

Membership Growth: Citizens Driving Change

Reflecting the strong public demand for peace, HWPL’s membership has grown by 140,000 in just one year, surpassing 580,000 worldwide. HWPL Secretary-General Kang Tae-ho explained:

“Citizens around the world who suffer from wars and conflicts strongly yearn for practical peace beyond the existing order. That earnest desire has driven this explosive growth in membership.”

Looking Ahead

The 11th World Peace Summit will continue through October with commemorations in 78 countries. More than 15,000 participants—from international organizations, governments, and civil society—are expected to engage in discussions tailored to their regional contexts.

This year’s focus on peace education, interfaith cooperation, and unification shows that HWPL’s peace movement is not just about dialogue—it is about building practical models that can transform societies.