SEOUL   -   2019 World Peace Summit, with the title of “Legislate Peace” - Implementation of the DPCW for Sustainable Development, was hosted by an international peace NGO called HWPL in South Korea for 2 days from September18-19.

Marking the 5th Anniversary of the WARP Summit, the summit has been held worldwide with 300,000 participants over 166 cities in 113 countries including South Korea, Germany, New Zealand, Russia, Turkey, the Philippines, Republic of South Africa, and the United Kingdom throughout September.

With the aim of building sustainable peace and development, the host organization has carried out 3 global initiatives including the establishment of international law for peace based on the DPCW, promotion of religious harmony through interfaith dialogue, and creation of a culture of peace with peace education as well as peace-actors’ network in the field of media, youth and women.

The 10 articles and 38 clauses of the DPCW - Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War - were drafted with the intent of representing marginalized voices of all those yearning for peace at the same time calling the united efforts of states to practice the principles of the Declaration, ultimately ceasing all conflicts and hostilities and facilitating peace in a cultural asset.

“On the day of the Peace Summit 5 years ago, politicians determined to support drafting an international law for peace, religious leaders pledged to make religions one under peace, and social representatives promised to encourage and support these efforts. We are gradually achieving the promises. Each country in the globe holds this event. These efforts will be the light in global history. We must be one to fulfill the promised goal – peace,” said Man Hee Lee, Chairman of HWPL.

This year’s summit, in particular, addressed the “Legislate Peace (LP)” project that urges national leaders to support to build a legally binding international framework for peace and cessation of war. The LP project is a global citizen-led peace movement that includes the “Peace Letter” campaign, “Sign your Support” campaign, and “Peace Walk.”

Starting with the peace festival that promoted the spirit of peace and harmony on 18th, various sessions on 19th covered the following topics: 1) Expanding support at international level for introducing the DPCW to the UN General Assembly as a draft resolution; 2) Spreading a culture of interfaith understanding and dialogue based on religious scriptures; 3) Strengthening the ability of youth and women’s peace network; 4) Implementing peace education for building the character of global citizens with peace values; 5) Expanding a global peace media network.

 “I recognize and support the work of HWPL for peace through the international law based on the DPCW, which is an international agreement in which human rights and values are protected among all races, cultures, and borders. Through this work, the young HWPL volunteers around the world are planting the seed of hope so that future generations can cultivate a culture of peace,” said Vincente Fox Quesada, Former President of Mexico.

In his response to the “peace letter” from citizens, “Children, because of their vulnerability, are the ones who suffer the most from armed conflicts. Children in war are robbed of their innocence. The trauma of losing their family members, constant displacement and the disruption of their education during their formative years creates a life-long of disrupting and insecurity. Let us continue to empower the communities for a lasting transition from a culture of violence to one of peace and security,” said Vicente “Tito” C. Sotto III, Senate President of the Philippines.

Global leaders of politics and religions, representatives of youth and woman organizations, educators, and media persons have agreed to cooperate with HWPL for peace initiatives and support the DPCW by signing MOUs and the partnership agreement.

As part of this process, the new Coalition for Caribbean Leaders for Peace (CCLP) including former heads of states and diplomatic leaders (ambassadors) from the OAS, Caribbean, South American and African states was launched to further develop peacebuilding in international cooperation based on the DPCW. Also, the MOUs that introduce to apply peace education were signed by representatives from HWPL and National Commissions for UNESCO – Comoros and The Gambia, Seychelles.