HWPL Successfully Concludes Interfaith Peace Expo 2025 in Zambia

On August 9, 2025, the Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) successfully hosted the Interfaith Peace Expo 2025 at the Ramakrishna Vedanta Centre in Lusaka, Zambia.

Held under the theme “Born to Be Loved: Dignity, Faith, Action,” the expo gathered government ministries, religious associations, NGOs, youth groups, and community leaders to reaffirm the inherent dignity of all people and call for united action toward peace and justice.

Celebrating Zambia’s Spiritual Diversity

The event reflected the country’s rich interfaith heritage, with leaders from Christianity, Catholicism, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Baháʼí, and indigenous traditions participating. Attendees emphasized that every individual is “born to be loved” and carries equal worth, urging collective efforts to overcome division and promote peace.

The program began with an opening prayer from Bishop David Masupa, President of the Independent Churches of Zambia (ICOZ).
In his address, Dr. Kelvin Hambwe, Zambia’s Deputy Minister of Education, stressed that education should shape values as well as transfer knowledge. He highlighted a pilot project in collaboration with HWPL to integrate peace education into the national curriculum, aiming to raise a new generation of empathetic and socially responsible leaders.

Protecting Children and Building Peace

Christopher Kalila, Chair of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Executive Committee, underscored the urgent need for child protection:

“We cannot vaccinate children against violence, but we can teach them peace—and peace preserves both health and hope.”

His remarks called on all participants to commit to safeguarding dignity and rights while empowering the youth to “love first, then lead.”

Key Highlights of the Expo

• Religious Peace Academy (RPA) Session: Faith leaders answered pressing questions from the perspective of their sacred texts.

• Unveiling of the DPCW Peace Monument: Zambia’s fourth monument representing the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) was revealed, symbolizing Article 8, which guarantees freedom of religion.

• Youth and Cultural Performances: Local children and youth volunteers delivered performances aligned with the theme “Born to Be Loved.”

A Joint Effort for Lasting Peace

The Interfaith Peace Expo was co-hosted by HWPL, the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG), the International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG), the Ramakrishna Vedanta Centre, Family Development Initiative (FDI), Lusaka Muslim Youth, the Creso University Youth UN Association, and other civic and faith-based partners.

By combining diverse voices, the expo highlighted the importance of interfaith cooperation, education, and youth empowerment as the foundation for a culture of peace in Zambia and beyond.

Source: https://vo.la/zP78wp