Walking and Running for Peace: HWPL’s Global Peace Activities in New Zealand, the Philippines, and Korea

In a world still marked by conflict and division, one international peace organization continues to take remarkable strides—literally and figuratively—towards unity and harmony. Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), under the leadership of Chairman Man Hee Lee, is making headlines once again through dynamic and inspiring peace initiatives around the globe.

From the roads of New Zealand to the communities of Mindanao in the Philippines, and to interfaith gatherings in Korea, HWPL’s message of “We Are One” is reaching hearts through action—running festivals, peace walks, and interreligious dialogue. 

Running Toward Unity: Peace Marathon in Auckland, New Zealand

On October 15, 2023, Auckland hosted the “Great South Road Running Festival,” a peace marathon co-organized by the Be A Wolf Foundation and IPYG (International Peace Youth Group) New Zealand. The event featured four race categories—5km, 10km, 22km, and 70km—inviting participants from across the region to run for a cause greater than themselves: social unity and community contribution.

This was the second project under IPYG New Zealand’s Youth Empowerment Peace Workshop (YEPW) initiative. The event didn’t just focus on athleticism, but on volunteering and community spirit. Local residents played crucial roles as volunteers, organizing and supporting the entire event from start to finish.

Nigel Sasil, founder of the Be A Wolf Foundation, emphasized that volunteers were the “true MVPs” of the event. Deakin Yoo, team leader of IPYG New Zealand, shared his hopes for greater youth and family involvement in future events, aiming to strengthen social bonds and assist those in need through peace-centered activities.

IPYG and the Be A Wolf Foundation plan to expand their peace efforts, involving more youth organizations in promoting peace and service through YEPW across New Zealand.

Marching in Solidarity: Peace Walk in Mindanao, Philippines

On September 9, 2023, IPYG Philippines organized a “Youth Religious Exchange Peace Camp” in Mindanao, in collaboration with 13 local youth and religious organizations. The region, once a site of religious and political conflict, has seen a new dawn of peace through the dedication of its youth and the support of HWPL.

This peace camp encouraged interfaith dialogue and promoted the prevention of radical violence. A few months later, on December 2, a large-scale peace walk titled “Peace Comes Home through Harmony and Solidarity” brought together over 300 citizens, including members of the military, NGOs, and academic institutions.

What made this event even more symbolic was the location—it was held at a former military operations zone, now transformed into a path of peace. Avon Camille Lanes Colobong, national coordinator of IPYG Philippines, reflected, “To hold such a peaceful event here is nothing short of a miracle.” She noted that young people once torn by conflict now walk the streets safely, united by a common purpose: preserving peace for future generations.

These youth groups, now part of Mindanao’s YEPW, are actively organizing peace-promoting events such as environmental programs, human rights initiatives, and even peace-themed basketball tournaments—showing that peace can be practiced in everyday life.

Colobong credited Chairman Man Hee Lee and HWPL for bringing lasting peace to Mindanao, saying, “Where there was once the sound of gunfire, now there is the sound of peace.” She called on more youth to join IPYG’s peace efforts, spreading hope where conflict once reigned.

Dialogue and Understanding: Interfaith Collaboration in Korea

Meanwhile, on October 30, 2023, HWPL’s Global 10th Branch opened a new Religious Unity Office at Daeyaksa Temple in Okcheon, South Korea. The launch was marked by a ceremonial signboard unveiling and a Scriptural Dialogue event on the theme “Religion and Peace.”

Buddhist leaders, including Ven. Myeong-an, head monk of Daeyaksa, participated alongside 33 guests. The event featured a symbolic paper airplane activity, expressing hope for a peaceful world. Ven. Myeong-an commented that the Scriptural Dialogues remind us of the true essence of religious teachings, which is peace. He recognized HWPL’s dialogue platform as essential for fostering interfaith understanding and religious harmony.

An HWPL official stated that the new Religious Unity Office will serve not only as a hub for continued scripture comparison dialogues but also as a vibrant space for peace-loving religious leaders to connect and collaborate.

Peace in Action, Led by the People

These events are not isolated actions but part of HWPL’s larger mission to end war and establish lasting peace, guided by the principles of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW). Through citizen-led peace walks, marathons, and interfaith gatherings, HWPL is proving that peace is not only possible—it is happening.

By involving youth, religious leaders, and communities worldwide, Chairman Man Hee Lee and HWPL are building bridges where there were once walls. Their message is clear and consistent: Peace is not just an idea; it is a movement that we can all be part of.

We are one. Let’s walk and run together toward a more peaceful world.

Source: https://shorturl.at/0dDWV