12th Anniversary of the Declaration of World Peace: HWPL Calls for Korean Reunification and Peace

On June 7, 2025, more than 2,000 participants gathered at Seoul’s historic Deoksugung Stone Wall Path to commemorate the 12th Anniversary of the Declaration of World Peace—an international call for an end to war and the beginning of lasting peace.

Organized by the global peace NGO HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light) and co-hosted by Namhansanseong Traditional Martial Arts, this year’s commemoration was themed “The Future of Peace and Prosperity: Free Travel on the Korean Peninsula.” The event emphasized the urgency of Korean reunification—not as a distant hope, but as a mission for this generation.

A Peace Festival Rooted in Civic Participation

The event was more than symbolic—it was alive with hands-on experiences that connected history, culture, and peace-building. Civic groups like IPYG, IWPG, and Eco Harmony collaborated on dozens of peace booths and programs including:

• Korean Peninsula Puzzle Challenge
• Peace Bottle Craft Station
• North Korea Quiz Corner
• “Write Your Message for Unification” Wall
• Regional Pictogram Map of Korea
• Exhibition on Division and Separated Families

From children to elders, participants interacted, learned, and reflected on the Korean War’s legacy—and the role they could play in ending its final chapter.

“We Cannot Delay Peace Any Longer”

The event opened with powerful remarks. Former Gwangju Mayor Eok-dong Cho declared, “The first step toward world peace is the peaceful reunification of Korea. And that starts with free travel between North and South.”

Juhwan Lee, youth leader from IPYG, reflected on the fading sense of urgency around reunification:

“To our generation, ‘unification’ has become a question mark, not a dream. But the greatest challenge is not politics—it’s the emotional division between people.”

He emphasized the need to start with trust, dialogue, and everyday interaction. “Healing the division in our hearts is the first and most urgent step,” he said.

A Mother’s Story, A Veteran’s Warning

Myung-sook Kim, a second-generation separated family member, shared her father’s sorrow—his son was left behind in the North during the Korean War.

“This event gives us the chance to feel heard and understood. It’s a first step toward peace—not in theory, but in our hearts.”

Korean War veteran Byung-chu Yoo reminded participants of the horrors he witnessed:

“There is no such thing as a beautiful war. If we don’t act now, this may be our last chance for peaceful reunification.”

 

Why the Declaration of World Peace Still Matters

On May 25, 2013, HWPL’s Chairman Man Hee Lee proclaimed the Declaration of World Peace in Seoul. It called on people of all nations to come together—regardless of nationality, culture, or religion—to end war and achieve sustainable peace through international law and grassroots action.

Twelve years later, the declaration remains a cornerstone of HWPL’s work in 170+ countries. This year’s event reminded the world that reunification is not just a political project—it is a people’s mission.

Citizens Reflect: “Peace Feels Real Now”

For attendees, the event was transformative:

• So-young Kim (26, Anyang): “Peace always felt like a distant idea. Today, it felt real.”
• Suji Park (27, Anyang): “My grandmother is a separated family member. This was deeply meaningful.”
• Sunwoo Kim (44, Gwacheon): “As a former soldier, I always hoped peace would come. Today brought that hope back.”

Let’s Not Wait Until It’s Too Late

From separated family testimonies to calls from veterans and youth, the message was clear: the time for peace is now. Not in theory, not in diplomacy alone—but through human connection and civic action.

HWPL’s Declaration of World Peace continues to unite hearts around the globe. And in the case of Korea, it’s more than a vision—it’s a mission rooted in love, memory, and shared humanity.

Peace begins when we choose to connect. And for the Korean Peninsula, that connection starts today.

Source: https://vo.la/hujMCNS