By Tony Wafula
As conflicts erupt worldwide, threatening global security and coexistence, hope of peace emerges from citizens.
In May 2024, citizens across all continents will joined hands for HWPL’s 11th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace and Peace Walk, organized by a UN-affiliated NGO Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL). Themed “Communication for Global Citizenship of Reconciliation and Tolerance” this event aimed at cultivating and sharing a global culture of peace.
The flagship event commenced on May 25th at the Peace Gate of Seoul Olympic Park sponsored by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs of Korea.
In about 50 countries, the Peace Walks are complemented by diverse peace-building activities. The worldwide events include landmark walks reflecting each nation’s unique character, alongside peace performances, video screenings, photo exhibitions, poster drawings, sports activities, bazaras and volunteer opportunities.
Tree planting ceremonies and “free hugs” initiatives further emphasize the spirit of unity and environmental well-being.
This annual event commemorates the 2013 proclamation of the Declaration of World Peace at the Peace Gate in Seoul Olympic Park with 30,000 global youth advocating peace.
This declaration outlines the roles of individuals from all walks of life in achieving peace and urges a united global effort.
This event was also held in Kenya on May 24th at Karen Park in Nairobi. About 50 people from the education community, youth, and lawyers attended.
This event was held to announce the start of an environmental campaign called ‘Seeds of Peace, Power of the Environment’ to save the environment as HWPL participates in Kenya’s national project to plant 15 billion trees.
Bartholomew Lumbasi Wanikina, Director of Education Bilateral Relations and East Africa Community Affairs of the Ministry of Education in Kenya, who attended the event, said the Ministry of Education aims to grow 200 million trees, this year we target 20 million trees.
“We are grateful to the initial seed of 100 trees from IPYG planted. This reconciles us with nature, to peacefully co-exist with nature,” he said.
Additionally, to ensure that this campaign continues, Kenya’s Ministry of Environment promised to provide park land where trees can be planted.
At the 10th annual commemoration last year Chairman Lee Man-hee said, “Since we pledged to work together for world peace 10 years ago, we have been calling for peace all over the world. We have advocated that peace should be taught at home and at school, and that everyone should become messengers of peace,”
He also emphasized, “Everyone should be one under the title of peace and work together to create a good world and make it a legacy for future generations. This is what we need to do in this era in which we live,”
HWPL recently issued a statement on the Israel-Iran conflict and highlighted the devastating impact on civilians. “Organizations worldwide, in alliance with HWPL as peace solidarity, urged Iran and Israel to put a stop to the acts of aggression immediately and to come forward for conversations to usher in peace,”
