Latest news with #DeclarationofWorldPeace
IOL News
5 days ago
- General
- IOL News
Manenberg's vibrant clean-up initiative marks World Peace anniversary
Residents from Manenberg cleaning the field Image: Supplied The community of Manenberg came alive recently as residents, local officials, and peace advocates gathered to commemorate the 12th Anniversary of the Declaration of World Peace by HWPL. This energetic community clean-up and engagement event was co-hosted by HWPL, Gun Free South Africa, the Lerato Family Foundation, Soka Gakkai International, the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG), and the International Women's Peace Group (IWPG). As part of the ambitious 'Peace My City' campaign, the gathering marked the second Peace Zone initiative in Cape Town's high-crime areas this May. The day was filled with a palpable sense of unity and purpose. Participants were generously served meals donated by the Food for Life Initiative from the Hare Krishna movement, complemented by refreshments provided by the Mustadafin Foundation. Designed as more than just a symbolic gesture, the initiative aimed to unite citizens and exemplify the true meaning of peace through community action and sustainable development. Supported by Ward Councillor Deidree de Vos, local NGOs, and revered religious leaders, residents banded together with a shared vision of reclaiming public spaces for safety, youth development, and a long-lasting transformation within their community. The event drew a notable crowd, including Councillor Axolile Notywala, fostering an atmosphere of hope and collaboration. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading Volunteers cleaning the area in Manenberg Image: Supplied The clean-up was effectively coordinated by the Peace My City Committee, prominently featuring Councillor Mzwakhe Nqavashe and former editor Aziz Hartley, who ensured seamless participation from the community. This initiative arose in response to expressed desires for hands-on peacebuilding activities, particularly following recent community dialogues addressing gender-based violence and peace education. In a heartfelt moment, Patsy Daniels articulated her emotional connection to the event, underscoring community ownership in maintaining cleanliness in their neighbourhood. Her spirits were lifted upon learning that six local officials would be appointed to help manage waste and curb illegal dumping. Volunteers receiving food at the food distribution point Image: Suppled Nqavashe conveyed optimism about the growing impact of the Peace My City Project, noting how an increasing number of community members are stepping forward. He encouraged everyone to commit just a few hours over the weekend to help keep public spaces safe and clean. One local resident, inspired by the volunteers' efforts, issued a call to action for the rest of the community to join in, linking a cleaner environment to enhanced safety and crime reduction. Hartley lauded the dedication exhibited by the volunteers, emphasising the need for collective responsibility. 'It doesn't matter who made the mess,' he said, 'what matters is that we did our part.' This sentiment resonated with many, as the clean-up not only beautified the area but also fostered a renewed spirit of communal responsibility. A group picture of some of the volunteers who help with the cleanup in Manenberg Image: Supplied The resulting Peace Zone will serve as a community-owned haven for sports, cultural activities, and inclusive dialogue essentials, responding strategically to decades of violence and social instability. As part of HWPL's Legislate Peace campaign, this collective effort reinforces cross-sector partnerships throughout the city, showcasing the transformative power of grassroots peacebuilding.
Borneo Post
29-05-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
HWPL's programme in Kuching highlights unity through ‘steps of peace' movement
The participants make their way to the bridge from the starting point at the Kuching Waterfront Amphitheatre. KUCHING (May 30): Over 200 participants gathered at the Waterfront Amphitheatre here recently for the 'Steps of Peace: Peace for Unity Walk', organised by Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) in collaboration with the i-CATS University College (I-CATS). The event was held in conjunction with the 12th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace. It brought together youth leaders, students, local politicians, educators, and members of civil societies. In his speech for the opening ceremony, Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Lo Khere Chiang highlighted the importance of civic unity and thus, he lauded any initiative aimed at fostering a culture of peace. 'Peace is not just about preventing conflicts; peace is about promoting connection. 'It is about choosing empathy over ego. It's about building bridges instead of walls,' he called upon those participating. Moreover, Lo also emphasised that peace must begin at the individual level. 'It doesn't begin on the international stage; rather, it's right here with each of us in the way that we treat our neighbours, how we speak to one another, and how we listen with care.' Following a simple flag-off, the participants made their way along the waterfront, heading to the iconic Darul Hana Bridge, which the HWPL hailed as an apt symbol of unity among Sarawak's diverse communities. The atmosphere was both celebratory and reflective, with cultural performances and interactive peace-building activities included that encouraged meaningful participation and connection among those joining the peace walk. Lo (second right) leads the contingent for the walk along the Darul Hana Bridge. When met by The Borneo Post after the walk, Loretta Cheremai Kong, a teacher from SK Pudu, shared her reflections. 'Malaysia is a peaceful country – we don't encounter war or guns. 'So I think this world peace movement is a really good step to spread peace to other parts of the world. 'One thing that we can improve is to not focus on our differences; rather, we should look at what unites us to promote peace. 'Even though we come from different cultures and beliefs, this shows that we can move forward together toward a better future.' As the co-host of the event, ICATS brought in its students who actively took part in the accompanying activities. The deputy vice chancellor (industry and community engagement) Prof Leo Sing Lim hailed the peace walk as 'a very meaningful platform', especially in view of Kuching being known as a 'city of unity'. 'We walk for unity, and we show the community that unity is very important. 'Events like this raise awareness and remind us that peace and harmony must be continuously nurtured through education and collaboration.' The Kuching event was part of a worldwide initiative led by the HWPL to commemorate the Declaration of World Peace. For this year, the movement has reached 94 locations across 61 countries, drawing participation from over 1,600 public figures and 10,000 global citizens. Some participants carry the batik banner, spanning six feet (over 180cm) in length, which was especially made for the peace walk. Originally proclaimed in Seoul, South Korea, on May 25, 2013, by HWPL chairman Man Hee Lee, the Declaration of World Peace calls for global cooperation to end war and promote peace. Since then, annual peace walks have been taking place across continents to raise awareness and inspire action. At the previous 10th anniversary of the Declaration, Lee stated that after 'declaring peace on Earth to achieve it together', he travelled around the world for the advocacy of peace. 'I called for peace to be taught at home and in school, and for everyone to become a messenger of peace. 'We need to be united under the title of peace and work together to create a better world and leave it as a legacy for future generations. 'This is our mission in the times we live in.' The participants gather for a group photo, with the State Legislative Assembly Complex in the background. This year's global commemorations include peace education programmes, interfaith dialogues, and grassroots community initiatives – all aimed at cultivating in those involved – and hopefully, everyone – civic responsibility and mutual understanding. 'The movement continues to advocate for sustainable peace through youth and women's empowerment, international cooperation, and legal instruments such as the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW),' said HWPL in an issued statement. Declaration of World Peace Kuching lead Peace for Unity Walk
