[The Path of Peace - Ep. 11] Resonating Across Europe: Uniting Statesmen, Interfaith Leaders, and Veterans for Peace

What drives regional governors, academic heads, and war veterans across Europe to step forward and join a global movement for peace?

From June 2 to 10, 2014, HWPL Chairman Man-hee Lee and the peace delegation embarked on the 11th World Peace Tour, visiting Romania, Germany, and Türkiye following requests from high-level Romanian leaders. Over nine days, Chairman Lee engaged state officials, university leaders, Islamic scholars, press networks, and Korean War veterans, securing signed peace agreements and expanding HWPL's international coalition.

Civic and Academic Alliances in Romania

The tour opened in Romania on June 3 at Alma Mater University in Sibiu. Addressing University President Georgescu Nicolae, faculty, and students, Chairman Lee drawing from his personal experience as a Korean War veteran urged youth to become active protectors of their own generation:

"When war breaks out, it is the youth who fight on the front lines, sacrificing their lives before they ever have the chance to bloom. Youth must unite with youth networks to end war and establish lasting peace."

In recognition of his global peacebuilding contributions, President Nicolae presented Chairman Lee with an honorary diploma and university flag, subsequently signing a peace agreement. Inspired by the message, attending students pledged participation with the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG).

On June 4, Chairman Lee met with Ovidiu Ioan Sitterli, Governor of Sibiu County. Governor Sitterli endorsed the vision for cross-border cooperation, stating, "Peace is a common task for all humanity, and I hope all nations unite to achieve it."

Media Coverage and European Outreach

European media outlets closely monitored the delegation's activities. On June 3, Romanian network Observator TV reported on Chairman Lee's arrival at Sibiu International Airport, capturing welcoming ceremonies held by local dignitaries.

Chairman Lee also conducted interviews with Romanian national broadcaster TVR1, RVE Christian Broadcasting, and Germany's Radio TV Kimpwanza on June 6. Emphasizing interfaith harmony and media responsibility, he called upon journalists and faith leaders to serve as messengers of peace. Impressed by the movement's clarity, several broadcasting executives formally registered as HWPL members following the interviews.

Interfaith Cooperation and Veteran Ties in Türkiye

In Istanbul, Türkiye, the 11th World Peace Tour built bridges across religious and historical lines.

On June 9, Chairman Lee met with Abdulaziz Bayındır, Director of the Süleymaniye Foundation's Islamic Research Institute. Following an in-depth dialogue on interfaith harmony, Director Bayındır signed a formal peace agreement, affirming that genuine religious principles align with peace.

The delegation also visited the Istanbul Korean War Veterans Association. Members welcomed Chairman Lee, himself a fellow Korean War veteran, as he expressed gratitude for their service:

"It is thanks to your sacrifice that our country stands today. As a fellow veteran, I am working to end all wars, and I invite you to join in leaving peace as a lasting legacy."

Ahmet Kendigel, President of the Istanbul Veterans Association, pledged full support and signed a peace agreement, presenting Chairman Lee with a plaque of appreciation on behalf of Turkish veterans.

Through diplomatic dialogues in Romania, media engagement in Germany, and interfaith and veteran alliances in Türkiye, the 11th World Peace Tour demonstrated that actionable peace transcends national boundaries, generational gaps, and religious differences.

Source: https://tinyurl.com/mvwbz4as