Historic First in Oceania: Lautoka, Fiji Adopts Official Resolution Supporting HWPL’s DPCW

Could a local municipality inspire a whole region to champion global peace?

On July 21, history was made in the South Pacific. Lautoka City Council in Fiji officially passed a landmark resolution supporting the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), becoming the first local government in Oceania to do so. Alongside the resolution, the city council signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with HWPL and officially proclaimed Lautoka as a "City of Peace."

From Peace Drawing Contests to Official Municipal Policy

This breakthrough is the culmination of dedicated grassroots collaboration between HWPL Global Branch 11 in Fiji, the Lautoka City Council, and the local Education Office.

Prior to the resolution, the organizations signed an MOU to establish peace education and culture throughout the region. A key milestone occurred on May 30 at the Lautoka City Council Chambers, where city officials, health service directors, and senior education advisors gathered for the "HWPL Peace Drawing Contest Launching & DPCW Event."

Through this initiative, local youth and children were given creative platforms to express peace and coexistence through art, laying a solid foundation for civic participation.

Key Highlights of the Lautoka Resolution

• First in Oceania: Lautoka sets a precedent as the first municipality in the Oceania region to officially declare support for the DPCW.

• Proclamation of 'City of Peace': The municipal government officially committed to embedding a culture of peace across civic institutions and public spaces.

• Focus on Education & Youth: Building on the MOU, local schools and government agencies will expand structured peace education programs for students.

"Peace Starts with Each of Us"

Bimal Deo, local peace coordinator in Fiji, shared his inspiration following the resolution:

"Peace starts with each of us. We are all messengers of peace, and We Are One. Moving forward, we aim to expand peace education and community peace programs beyond Lautoka to all of Fiji."

While the resolution is a declaration of intent rather than a binding statute, it signifies profound civic alignment with the principles of the DPCW—prohibiting conflict, fostering interfaith dialogue, and institutionalizing a culture of peace.

What's Next for Fiji and HWPL?

Building on the unity established by local religious, youth, and municipal leaders, HWPL Fiji Branch will continue partnering with schools, local authorities, and civil society to roll out community-wide peace education and youth engagement programs across the nation.

Source: https://vo.la/eTara9Z