Cleaning the Earth, Cultivating Peace: How HWPL's Eco Projects Are Uniting the World

As climate change and global conflict continue to challenge the well-being of humanity, one international NGO is proving that peace can begin with something as simple as picking up trash.

Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), led by Chairman Man Hee Lee, has long been known for its tireless advocacy for global peace through interfaith dialogue, education, and legal cooperation. But its recent environmental initiatives show another side of peacebuilding—one that begins at the grassroots, in neighborhoods, on beaches, and in the hands of youth.

From Thailand to Japan, and even through cultural networks in Germany, HWPL and its youth wing IPYG are sparking local movements that connect environmental care with sustainable peace.

Thailand’s “Eco Project”: A Peaceful Festival with Purpose

In July 2024, the southern province of Pattani, Thailand, held a cultural festival on Wasukri Beach with a unique addition: an eco-volunteering initiative led by HWPL. Invited by the Pattani Provincial Tourism and Sports Office, HWPL organized the “Eco Project” to kick off the multi-day celebration.

Over 500 participants—including local students, volunteers, city officials, and members of diverse faith communities—came together to clean the beach and beautify the surrounding area. The project not only promoted ecological awareness but also fostered interreligious and intercultural understanding in a region often overlooked by mainstream tourism.

The project’s origin dates back to September 2023, when HWPL first proposed the Eco Project as a way to support southern Thailand’s environmental and tourism goals. In April 2024, the province officially requested HWPL’s involvement, leading to a collaborative effort that has since become a model for community-based peace work.

Mr. Waeromlee Waebula, chairman of the Southern Civil Society Council, praised the event:

“It helped our citizens realize the value of protecting our local environment. We’re grateful for HWPL’s commitment and hope to keep building this partnership.”

 

Youth in Japan Take the Lead: Weekly Street Clean-Ups in Kobe and Beyond

Across the sea in Japan, HWPL’s youth division—the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG)—has been empowering young people to take pride in their cities through weekly cleanup campaigns. Since 2022, IPYG Kobe has organized regular volunteer events in popular areas like Osaka, Nagoya, and Namba, where young people gather every Saturday to collect litter and restore public spaces.

But this isn't just about trash—it’s about mindset.

Before each activity, IPYG members discuss their motivations and reflect on how local action can inspire broader change. Over the past year alone, approximately 900 people joined more than 50 sessions, and partnerships have formed with local civic groups and city offices.

To make things fun and welcoming, volunteers sometimes wear character costumes or incorporate games into the cleanups. This creative approach has helped the program grow and made peace advocacy more accessible to everyday citizens.

Uemura Yuta, President of the Morikuchi Rotaract Club, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership:

“It’s been amazing to see so many youth working together. We’re proud to support HWPL and IPYG, and we look forward to expanding our joint impact.”

Building Cultural Bridges: Frankfurt’s Indian Scholars Join the Movement

Meanwhile, in Germany, a powerful partnership is blooming between IPYG and the Indian Scholars Association of Frankfurt, a group affiliated with the Indian Embassy that supports more than 5,000 Indian students and young professionals.

What brings them together? A shared belief in cultural harmony and the unifying power of peace.

The association has already collaborated with IPYG on several cultural events, including a Peace Art Festival in 2023 and a Peace Walk in 2024. These activities, rooted in music and dance, provide safe spaces for young people from different backgrounds to connect and express themselves.

Founder Abdullah Safi shared his vision:

“Music and dance can bridge cultural and religious divides. Working with IPYG aligns perfectly with our mission to support youth and foster peace. Together, we can create a global community grounded in respect and understanding.”

 

Peace Starts with Us—And It Starts Now

From beach cleanups in Thailand to street-level volunteering in Japan and cultural empowerment in Germany, HWPL and IPYG are proving that peace is not an abstract dream—it’s something we build with our hands, our time, and our willingness to care for the world around us.

Chairman Man Hee Lee’s message of “We Are One” resonates more than ever in these stories. Through unity, service, and compassion, everyday people are shaping a world where peace is possible—one neighborhood, one youth group, one act of kindness at a time.

Source: https://vo.la/kxjdvT

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