Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light Peace Forum: “Humanity on the Crossroads of Conflict and Peace, Which Way Should We Choose?”

Seoul, South Korea – Amid rising concerns of peace and security on the Korean Peninsula from the recent nuclear tests and satellite launch by North Korea, Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) hosted a peace forum on February 19 at the Grand Ballroom in Coex Hall, Seoul. The theme of the forum was “Humanity on the Crossroads of Conflict and Peace, Which Way Should We Choose?”

Attended by over 1,800 renowned figures from all sectors of the society – political and religious leaders, NGO representatives, and journalists- across 13 countries, the HWPL peace forum served as a platform to gather the hearts of leaders and civilians to join in HWPL’s work of peace and deliver the message for promoting peace in the hopes of bringing peace on the Korean peninsula and beyond. The participants pledged to take actions and collaborate on peace promoting activities.

Mr. Keun Park, a former Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the United Nations and Monk Mujin of Hwang-Ryeun Buddhist temple delivered congratulatory speeches.

“Heavenly culture is what is provided to humanity without cost just as the light, rain, and air. Today, this remarkable forum with the purpose of achieving world peace through heavenly culture offers a historical moment to awaken the urgency of the unification of the only divided nation in the world,” said Mr. Keun Park.

Soon-Hwee Jang, Doctorate in Politics and Director of the Korean Institute of Cultural Security, Young-Sook Kang, Vice President of the National Unification Advisory Council, and Ki-Chul Lee, Doctorate in Theology at International Christian Mission Council spoke on the topic of “Humanity on the crossroads of conflict and peace, which way should we choose?”

“Political leaders of major countries proclaim peace and peaceful resolution at any chance, however, in reality, we find ironies at the lack of any instrument or tool being implemented to support their proclamation. In this world of despair, it is the hope for humanity that one person makes a tireless effort to create peace by reviving the spirit and culture of peace. Through the Mindanao Peace Agreement and the World Alliance of Religions’ Peace activities, HWPL Chairman Lee has brought hope that peace can be realized,” said Mr. Jang.

In his keynote speech, HWPL Chairman Man Hee Lee said, “In the crossroads of conflict and peace, in order to cease conflicts, a law is needed. A law for humanity, the one that disposes of all means that initiate war and armed conflicts must be proposed to be implemented. HWPL is currently undertaking an international law initiative which signifies the big leap towards transforming armed weapons into daily instruments and resolving religious conflicts.”

IWPG Chairwoman Nam Hee Kim added, “Women leaders and students throughout the world are uniting their efforts to urge for this international law to become effectively implemented. We have come to a point of time when youth can freely pursue their dreams and their passion and efforts for peace can be guaranteed and recognized.”

At the HWPL Forum, a total of 18 HWPL Publicity Ambassadors were appointed including Peter Kim, the head of the International Medical Volunteer Organization (UN registered). In addition, 20 HWPL Publicity Ambassadors and 7 IWPG Publicity Ambassadors from mainland China were appointed.

At the closing ceremony of the event, about 1,000 leading figures signed the World Peace Agreement to urge for the implementation of the International Law on the Cessation of War and Achievement of World Peace. Each of them pledged on behalf of his/her people and nation, to do their best in their endeavor for the Cessation of War and Achievement of World Peace.

At the lobby of Grand Ballroom, Cheon-ji News’ special photo exhibition on “War and Peace” was held. Participants were able to get a glimpse of life during the Korean War and the current Civil war in Syria. This exhibit let the viewers experience the atrocities committed during war-time captured by cameras and learned about HWPL’s footsteps of peace in current conflicted areas of the world.

HWPL, through the HWPL International Law Peace Committee, consisting of prestigious international law professionals, will publicly present the Declaration on the Cessation of War and Achievement of World Peace in March 2016. There is much attention directed at the Declaration since it will include articles on the most controversial global issues as well as solution.