HWPL and IPYG Lead a Citizen-Powered Peace & Environment Campaign

Uniting across generations and communities—for the planet, and for peace

On July 5, 2025, a powerful movement of hope and action took root along the banks of the Tancheon River in Seongnam, South Korea. Citizens from all walks of life gathered for the "One Step to Save the Earth Challenge", a participatory event that combined environmental stewardship with a peace-building vision.

Hosted by Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) and organized by the Together Peace Campaign Southern Seoul-Gyeonggi Committee and the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG), this meaningful event brought together community members under the theme: “Connecting the Future.”

A Citizen-Led Call for Peace and Sustainability

The challenge was far more than a symbolic gathering. It was a call to action—a practical and heartfelt response to climate change, social division, and the need for sustainable peace. From students to seniors, dozens of participants showed up, proving that everyone can take part in shaping a better future.

The three-hour event began with an opening ceremony featuring national protocol, guest introductions, and speeches from civic and peace leaders. As Ms. Hong Ran-hee, head of the Together Peace Campaign, stated:

“We believe that small steps can lead to big changes. Today is a day for harmony across generations and communities.”

Mr. Lee Sang-woo, Secretary General of the National Unification and Peace Welfare Committee, emphasized:

“Environment and peace are the two key challenges of our time. Real change starts with personal action.”

 

“We Are One” in Action: Plogging for the Planet

The heart of the event was the plogging campaign—a collective activity where participants jogged or walked while picking up litter around the Tancheon River. From discarded plastic to food wrappers, each item collected was a step toward restoring the natural ecosystem and a tangible act of peace.

“It wasn’t just cleaning up trash—it was a way to live out peace,” one participant shared during an interview.

Messages of Peace Along the Path

Throughout the venue, signs and banners read:
🕊 “Peace begins in our everyday lives”
✌️ “For a world without war”

These words weren't just decoration—they were declarations. Youth volunteers from IPYG engaged citizens in conversations about HWPL’s global peace initiatives, particularly the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), which seeks international legal frameworks for ending conflict.

A United Voice for the Future

The event closed with a moment that captured the spirit of the day. Representatives from various backgrounds—including Buddhism, Protestantism, Won Buddhism, local NGOs, and businesses—joined hands and voices in a unison chant:
“We Are One!”

A group photo sealed the memory, a snapshot of solidarity that transcended generations, religions, and ideologies.

An HWPL representative shared,

“This is not just a campaign. It is the beginning of a citizen-led movement for environmental and peace action. We will continue working together with communities for a more sustainable future.”

 

Because One Step Today… Can Change Tomorrow 🌏

The “One Step to Save the Earth” Challenge reminds us that peace and sustainability are not distant dreams—they begin with small, collective actions in our neighborhoods. Let us keep walking together, hand in hand, until every step becomes a lasting footprint of peace.

Source: https://vo.la/lmbcGmU