One Step Toward Peace: Citizens and Youth in Germany, Japan, and Cameroon Walk with HWPL
Spreading Peace Across Borders
While humanity has long struggled to end wars and divisions, voices of hope are rising around the world. Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), led by Chairman Man Hee Lee, continues to inspire citizens and youth to unite under the message “We Are One.” Through global peace initiatives, HWPL is building a culture of harmony that transcends nationality, religion, and background.
This month’s HWPL Peace Newsletter (122) highlights recent peace walks in Germany, Japan, and Cameroon, where communities joined hands to share the vision of lasting peace.
Germany: Essen Becomes a “City of Peace”
On May 24, the HWPL Essen branch hosted a peace walk at Essen City Hall Square to mark the 12th Anniversary of the Declaration of World Peace. Once a center of Germany’s steel and weapons industry, Essen is now embracing a new identity as a symbol of peace.
The event began with a peace message from Chairman Man Hee Lee, urging citizens to take part in fulfilling the mission of peace:
“Peace is the task of our time. If all people become witnesses of peace, it will surely be achieved, and your names will remain as eternal light.”
Young participants marched through the city singing songs of peace, joined by citizens from diverse cultural backgrounds. At the close, 204 participants left their handprints on a “Peace Tree,” symbolizing their collective commitment to a peaceful future.
Japan: Youth Lead a Peace Walk in Osaka
That same day, May 24, the HWPL Kobe branch organized a peace walk in Osaka under the theme “We Are Workers of Peace. Let’s Walk Together.”
Despite unexpected rain, around 400 youth members participated. They began with a “Peace Fan-Making” activity at Utsubo Park before walking approximately 3 km along Osaka’s iconic Midosuji Avenue.
Local city council member Hideto Koshiba expressed his admiration:
“Seeing young people walk with sincerity, even in the rain, left a deep impression. I now want to learn more about HWPL and support their efforts.”
The walk highlighted the role of young people as active practitioners of peace in daily life, spreading a positive message throughout the city.
Cameroon: Peace Walk and Environmental Campaign in Yaoundé
In Cameroon’s capital, Yaoundé, HWPL and its youth wing IPYG hosted a peace event as part of the 12th Anniversary of the Declaration of World Peace.
The program combined a peace walk with an environmental cleanup campaign held in conjunction with World Environment Day (June 5). Participants marched from City Hall, carrying the message that peace is not only spoken but lived through concrete action.
One participant, Dzudie Fotso Jerome, shared:
“Walking together helped us respect differences and build solidarity. Despite the heat, the smiles of participants gave me hope for true peace.”
The Cameroon branch emphasized its commitment to expanding citizen participation and raising awareness of HWPL’s vision for ending wars and achieving lasting peace.
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A Shared Mission for Humanity
From Essen to Osaka to Yaoundé, citizens and youth are showing that peace begins with small steps taken together. HWPL’s global peace walks are now firmly established as an annual tradition that connects communities, spreads the values of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), and inspires future generations to live as peacemakers.
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