[HWPL Youth Peace Program] "Not Just Tomorrow's Leaders, But Today's": 43 Nations Unite in Seoul

 What turns historical sites of war into global classrooms for peace?

From September 17 to 19, 2026, HWPL—an international NGO with Special Consultative Status with the UN ECOSOC—hosted the HWPL World Youth Peace Program in Seoul, South Korea. Under the theme "We, the Living Legacy of Peace," youth leaders and civil society activists from 43 countries gathered to transform the historical memory of division into actionable peace initiatives.

Structured around a three-step methodology—Discover, Learn, and Act—the three-day program demonstrated that peace is not an abstract ideal, but an active, daily practice led by today's youth.

Step 1: Discover — Facing the Reality of War and Cultural Respect

The program opened at the War Memorial of Korea in Seoul. Walking through the Korean War exhibition halls and UN monuments, participants reflected on the profound impact of armed conflict on individuals, families, and young generations.

• Raisani Sepo (National Youth Council of Fiji): "Seeing the history of the Korean War reminded me that peace is never guaranteed. It requires the courage to move forward despite difficulty and criticism."

Beyond historical reflection, participants engaged with Korean traditional culture in Insadong and explored Gwanghwamun and Gyeongbokgung Palace. These cultural immersions underscored that mutual respect and understanding are foundational to peaceful coexistence.

• Alwand Talaat Jauhar Kaluri (Civil Society Activist, Iraq): "We need safe, inclusive spaces where youth from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds can share their concerns. The act of listening to one another's experiences is itself a vital peace activity."

Step 2: Learn — Interfaith Dialogue and Civic Leadership

On September 18, the focus shifted to interfaith harmony and civic engagement during a roundtable discussion and the World Religious Peace Academy held at Heungryunsa Temple in Incheon. Participants examined teachings across Buddhism, Confucianism, Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism, exploring how youth can bridge religious divides.

• Janveer Kaur Bansal (Sikh Community Youth Leader, New Zealand): "Law and policy alone cannot create peace unless society embraces those values. Diversity should be viewed as an opportunity to learn rather than a threat."

• Sarah Vermote (Law Student, Belgium): "I discovered hope in how South Korea remembers its painful history. Peace begins by building empathy in small communities and expanding those connections."

• Siju Thomas Daniel (Founder of SEED Foundation, India): "In a diverse nation like India, respecting another's language and culture is the very force that builds peace. We must carry these historical lessons to the next generation."

Step 3: Act — Empowering Youth as Today’s Leaders

The final day focused on converting insights into concrete action. Participants reviewed regional case studies from the Youth Engagement Peace Working Group (YEPW) and drafted localized action plans leading up to 2027.

HWPL Secretary General Tae-ho Kang highlighted the core message of the initiative:

"Peace is not merely a heritage we inherit, but a legacy we must actively pass on to future generations—and young peace leaders are the primary agents of this transformation."

• Andrew Junior Mwima (Youth Organization Leader, Zambia): "Youth are often the ones sent to the frontlines of war. Therefore, youth must also lead at the frontlines of peacebuilding. Young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow—they are the leaders of today."

A Living Legacy for Global Communities

Over three days, youth from 43 nations with different languages, religions, and backgrounds arrived at a shared conclusion: sustainable peace begins with small, deliberate actions—listening, respecting differences, and engaging local communities.

As these young leaders return to their respective countries to launch localized peace forums and educational programs, the lessons learned in Seoul continue to expand into a worldwide network of action.

Source: 

- https://vo.la/8RKvtZY

- https://vo.la/vzvfFQ0