Peace Built Through Civic Solidarity: HWPL Global Branch 03 Opens 2026 With New Year Gathering

In late January, Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) Global Branch 03 held its 2026 New Year Gathering in Busan, South Korea, bringing together members and local partners to reflect on the past year and outline a shared vision for peace in the year ahead.

The event took place on January 24 at Louis House, located on the third floor of BIFC Mall in Busan. Under the theme “Lighting the Light Together, Achieving Peace Together,” the gathering emphasized civic participation and solidarity as essential drivers of sustainable peace.

Reflecting on 2025 and Setting a Direction for 2026

The New Year Gathering was designed as both a review and a starting point. Participants looked back on HWPL Global Branch 03’s peace-related activities in 2025 while also discussing concrete plans and operational directions for 2026.

The program opened with a formal declaration, followed by welcome remarks, presentations of appreciation and appointments, a review of 2025 activities, and an outline of plans for the new year. A special performance concluded the first part of the event, after which attendees continued informal networking over dinner.

Organizers noted that the gathering was not intended as a ceremonial occasion alone, but as a space to reaffirm shared responsibility and collective commitment to peacebuilding at the community level.

Emphasizing Citizen-Led Peace

During his remarks, Branch Director Woo-nam Kim highlighted the importance of civic participation in peace efforts. He stated that while a single light may appear small, many lights together can illuminate the world—underscoring the idea that peace is not achieved through individual effort alone, but through the collective will and action of citizens.

He further expressed hope that the 2026 gathering would serve as a point of encouragement, inspiring participants to continue walking together toward peace and supporting one another throughout the year.

Strengthening Local Networks for Sustainable Peace

HWPL Global Branch 03 also used the occasion to present strategies for increasing member participation and strengthening internal operations in support of long-term peace initiatives. Branch representatives explained that reinforcing organizational cohesion and expanding civic engagement are key to embedding a culture of peace within local communities.

According to organizers, the gathering served as an opportunity to align individual motivation with shared goals, reinforcing peace as a lived practice rather than an abstract concept.

Peace as a Collective Endeavor

The 2026 New Year Gathering reaffirmed HWPL’s broader approach to peacebuilding—one that prioritizes citizen involvement, cooperation, and sustained local action. By bringing people together to reflect, connect, and plan, HWPL Global Branch 03 positioned the new year as a continuation of collective effort rather than a reset.

As HWPL continues its peace activities both locally and internationally, events such as this gathering highlight how peace initiatives can grow through civic solidarity, shared vision, and consistent participation within communities.

Source: https://vo.la/vFpfVJx