[The Path of Peace - Ep. 4] A Call for Peace in the South Pacific: 5,000 Villagers Gather in Papua New Guinea

In March 2013, the momentum of the World Peace Tour expanded into the South Pacific. Following an official invitation from the government of Papua New Guinea, HWPL Chairman Man-hee Lee embarked on his 4th World Peace Tour, engaging state leaders, religious authorities, and tribal communities in a shared mission for global harmony.

State-Level Hospitality and High-Level Dialogues

The 4th World Peace Tour was initiated after then-Prime Minister Peter O'Neill watched footage of a major peace festival in Seoul and extended an official invitation to Chairman Lee. Recognizing the significance of the visit, the government provided state-level accommodations, including the Prime Minister’s suite, and assigned senior aides to coordinate the itinerary.

On March 5, Chairman Lee held a bilateral dialogue on global conflict resolution with Deputy Prime Minister Leo Dion in Port Moresby. Highlighting his personal experiences as a veteran of the Korean War, Chairman Lee emphasized the urgent need for international legal frameworks to prohibit war.

Deputy Prime Minister Dion expressed strong support for the initiative, stating:

"It is important to put faith and words into concrete action. We support this peace movement and look forward to engaging our youth in these efforts."

Engaging Religious Leadership

During the visit, Chairman Lee also met with key religious representatives, including Pastor Simon Samuel, head of the Papua New Guinea Council of Christian Churches.

After attending a discussion on scriptural alignment and global unity, Pastor Samuel noted:

"I have engaged in many discussions with ministers over the years, but today I found true clarity. To bring peace to this land, we must embrace these practical teachings."

Tribal Gatherings in Pangia and Ialibu

The final segment of the 4th World Peace Tour took place in the Southern Highlands—the regions of Pangia and Ialibu. Helicopter transport was provided by the government to facilitate travel into the interior regions.

• Pangia: Over 3,000 residents gathered as sirens announced the arrival of the delegation, welcoming the message of peace with local community leaders.

• Ialibu: A gathering of approximately 5,000 villagers took place, with some participants walking a full day to attend. Local tribal leaders presented Chairman Lee with traditional headwear customarily reserved for honored guests, accompanied by ceremonial dances prepared weeks in advance.

Media Coverage across the South Pacific

The 4th World Peace Tour generated significant national media coverage. State broadcaster EMTV aired promotional features two weeks prior to the visit, while major outlets including PNG Christian Broadcasting, NBC Radio, and Communications Fiji Limited conducted on-site interviews focusing on international peace frameworks and legal cessation of war.

A Continuing Movement

The 4th World Peace Tour demonstrated that the desire for sustainable peace resonates across all levels of society—from national governments to remote tribal communities. By building partnerships in Papua New Guinea, the foundation for an inclusive global network grew even stronger.

Source: https://tinyurl.com/2uacfu4t