Faith, Human Rights, and Hope: How HWPL Is Building Peace Across Borders
In a world shaken by division, violence, and war, HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light) is steadily crafting a global tapestry of peace through dialogue, education, and grassroots unity. In recent months, the organization has taken powerful steps toward interreligious harmony, human rights advocacy, and civic engagement across continents.
From a virtual academy uniting faith leaders across 96 countries to a human rights forum in Paris and a massive DPCW anniversary celebration in Congo, HWPL continues to show what “We Are One” looks like in action.
Bridging Faiths: Interreligious Peace Academy (IRPA)
Religious conflict accounts for nearly 70–80% of global wars. In response, HWPL launched its Interreligious Peace Academy (IRPA) — a unique program that brings together leaders of diverse faiths to build understanding based on their own scriptures.
In March 2024, the second term of IRPA took place both online and offline. It drew 1,456 religious leaders from 96 countries, covering Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, and more. Each leader shared interpretations of universal themes — the origin of life and the human journey through birth, aging, sickness, and death — from their faith’s perspective.
For many, it was more than academic. It was transformative.
“Though we walk different paths, it feels like we are all climbing toward the same summit,” said one participant.
Others expressed joy at learning from other religions and discovering shared values. Importantly, this round of IRPA expanded beyond screens — communities gathered in temples and mosques, watching sessions together, breaking down barriers face-to-face.
HWPL confirmed that IRPA will continue as a long-term project to foster mutual respect and prevent religiously motivated violence.
Human Rights in Focus: Paris Conference on Education in Conflict Zones
On March 16, 2024, HWPL’s Paris branch hosted a human rights conference at the Anis Center under the theme:
“The Right to Education in Times of War.”
The event drew local government officials, UNESCO delegates, educators, and citizens — all gathered to discuss how war obstructs young people’s access to education. According to UNHCR data, only 3% of refugee youth reach higher education.
One powerful moment came through a video testimony from Diana, a young Ukrainian studying abroad after being displaced by war. Her story resonated deeply, reminding attendees of the real lives impacted by conflict.
Legal scholars and education experts also delivered presentations on:
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Government responsibilities to protect education rights
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International law and youth protection
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Field case studies in conflict zones
Local leaders voiced strong support for HWPL’s work and expressed hopes for future collaboration. The event concluded with a Q&A session that sparked thoughtful engagement from the audience.
10,000 Strong for Peace: Congo Celebrates the DPCW
Also on March 16, HWPL’s presence was felt in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where over 10,000 citizens gathered in Masina to celebrate the 8th Anniversary of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW).
The event was supported by high-ranking officials, including the Deputy Minister of Transport and the leadership of the local NGO CPG, whose 100,000 members are now engaging with HWPL’s peace efforts.
Attendees watched videos of HWPL’s global initiatives and the DPCW’s journey since its proclamation in 2016. The event ended with a mass membership ceremony, as attendees pledged to become "peace messengers" and spread HWPL’s vision throughout Congo.
A representative who previously attended HWPL’s 9.18 World Peace Summit remarked:
“HWPL is the only peace NGO offering real answers to war. We must all join this global mission.”
A Global Tapestry of Peace
From faith leaders studying together, to displaced youth fighting for their right to learn, to thousands rallying in unity — HWPL is proving that peace isn’t just an idea, but a shared effort.
Across all borders, faiths, and languages, the message is the same:
We are one. And together, we can build a world without war.
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