HWPL PEACE Movement Reaches 700,000 Members: 11 Years of Making History
Celebrating 11 Years of Building Peace: HWPL's Remarkable Journey
A Vision That's Growing Stronger
Under the inspiring theme "Uniting for Peace and Fulfilling Humanity's Duty Together," this year's summit promises to bring together an extraordinary gathering of global leaders. The event will host presidents, prime ministers, chief justices, and over 600 leaders from educational, religious, and media sectors – all united by a shared commitment to peace.
What started as a bold vision in 2014 has evolved into a genuine global movement. The inaugural summit laid the groundwork with two foundational agreements that established a simple but profound principle: everyone should become a messenger of peace. This wasn't just idealistic thinking – it was the beginning of practical, measurable change.
Real Progress, Real Impact
The numbers speak for themselves, and they're genuinely exciting. HWPL's membership has surged from 500,000 to 700,000 individuals worldwide in just the past year alone. But it's not just about numbers – it's about the tangible impact these peacebuilders are creating.
The Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), proclaimed in 2016, has gained remarkable momentum. Legislative bodies across multiple continents are endorsing it, from Georgia's cities and counties to Mongolia's provinces, from Mali to Madagascar. The Latin American and Caribbean Parliament (PARLATINO), representing 23 countries, has fully endorsed the DPCW principles and is recommending official adoption by member states.
Perhaps most encouraging is how HWPL's peace education has been formally adopted into Timor-Leste's national curriculum. This shows that peace isn't just being talked about – it's being actively taught to the next generation.
A Movement That Reaches Everyone
What makes HWPL's approach particularly compelling is its inclusivity. The organization has expanded interfaith dialogue through scriptural studies, bringing different religious communities together in meaningful conversation. The 'Together: Connecting Korea' program demonstrates how peace work can address specific regional challenges while contributing to broader global harmony.
The movement extends far beyond a single location. This year's anniversary will include local events in 66 locations across 60 countries, with over 13,000 participants expected to attend. This represents the kind of grassroots engagement that creates lasting change.
Why This Matters to All of Us
Chairman Man Hee Lee's words from this past March capture something essential: "We are not strangers to peace. We are the people involved, and we ourselves are peace. So let us lead this global community to a world of peace."
This perspective shifts peace from being something that happens "out there" to something that individuals can actively participate in creating. The approach is empowering and represents exactly what the world needs in current times.
Join the Movement
As HWPL celebrates 11 years of dedicated peace work, the organization is not just looking back at achievements but charting a path forward. The summit will review key initiatives and present new opportunities for the international community to get involved.
Whether individuals are interested in policy work, education, interfaith dialogue, or community organizing, there is a place in this growing movement. Peace represents more than the absence of conflict – it encompasses the presence of justice, understanding, and active cooperation among all people.
The 11th Anniversary Summit represents more than a milestone; it serves as a call to action for anyone who believes that a peaceful world is not just a dream, but an achievable goal when people work together.
Those interested in learning more about becoming a messenger of peace can visit HWPL's website to discover how they can contribute to this vital work in their community and beyond.
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