Latest news with #WorldPeace
GMA Network
13 hours ago
- General
- GMA Network
Multi-sectoral approach vital in achieving peace, advocates say
Peace advocates on Saturday gathered together in Quezon City and emphasized the role of multi-sectoral collaboration in maintaining peace nationwide. During the 3rd National Peace Convention organized by the Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), over 800 peace advocates and delegates conducted discussions on what initiatives can restore peace in the world. Discussions in the event included the possible inclusion of the Bangsamoro peace accords in UNESCO's Memory of the World Registry to be recognized as symbols of national reconciliation and global heritage. It also included initiatives on support for the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) and Religious Peace Academy (RPA), furthering peace education through school peace clubs, peace monuments, and capacity-building. 'So what our future generations need is a world of peace without wars. Is there anything greater than this? Who will make this a reality? It is all of us today. We must absolutely make this happen. That is why we have all become one united in heart. What do we always say at the beginning and at the end whenever we meet? We say, 'We are one' because it is proof that we are one within HWPL,' said HWPL chairman Lee Man-hee, who was represented by HWPL Global Branch 1 chief branch manager Jin Mo Lee. 'Ang mga ganitong kolaborasyon ay patunay na kapag nagsanib ang sining, kasaysayan at malasakit, tunay na posibleng makamit ang isang makatarungan at pangmatagalang kapayapaan (Collaborations like these are proof that when art, history, and compassion come together, it is truly possible to achieve a just and lasting peace),' added NCCA Chairman Victorino Mapa Manalo. The 3rd National Peace Convention had the theme of 'Uniting for Peace and Fulfilling Humanity's Duty Together,' following calls from the 1st convention for a peace-themed national resolution and an emphasis on peace education and religion for the 2nd convention. —KG, GMA Integrated News
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
South Korean delegation wants Gadag delared as ‘peace district'
Delegates from the South Korea-based global peace organisation Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) visited Mahatma Gandhi Rural Development and Panchayat Raj University in Gadag on Saturday and held discussions with Minister for Law, Justice, Human Rights, Parliamentary Affairs, Legislative Affairs and Tourism H. K. Patil. During their interaction with the Minister, branch manager of HWPL Global-O3 Branch Woonam Kim and director of the International Law Department, Jaden Lee apprised him of the organisation's global peace initiatives. The delegation urged the Minister to takes steps to declare Gadag district a 'Peace District' and Karnataka be recognised as a 'Peace State'. Responding to the request by the delegation, Mr. Patil told them that Gadag district had been known as one of the most peaceful districts for long and Karnataka was recognized as one of the most peaceful States in the country. 'The government will consider the request from HWPL and take appropriate steps,' he said. The Minister emphasised that world peace was essential for people to live in harmony and tranquillity. 'India has always been a peace-loving nation, and the principle of non-violence taught by Mahatma Gandhi has been our guiding light. Many countries around the world should follow this example', Mr. Patil said. Vice-Chancellor of MGRDPR University Suresh Nadagoudar, various faculty members and officials were present.
Irish Times
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Irish Times
Beijing Letter: China's war commemorations contrast with hesitant approach of Japan's
Beijing's Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in the southwestern district of Fengtai is far from the city's main tourist attractions. But the museum was the centre of attention this week when it reopened after an extended closure, with almost twice its former display space and a new exhibition called For National Liberation and World Peace. It tells the story of the 14-year struggle, which began in 1931 when Japanese troops invaded and occupied northeast China and ended with Japan's formal surrender in September 1945. The exhibition is part of a programme of events, documentaries and short-form dramas that will culminate in a military parade on Tiananmen Square on September 3rd, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of the war. READ MORE The exhibition uses thousands of artefacts and photographs, as well as video and virtual displays, to portray the war as a national effort that involved the entire Chinese people. But the role of the Chinese Communist Party is at the centre, as it is seen mobilising soldiers and civilians in a united front with the Nationalists, and guiding the war of resistance. The museum is next to Beijing's Marco Polo Bridge, where Japanese troops began their full-scale invasion of China on July 7th, 1937, with an attack on Chinese forces. China sees this battle not only as the start of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, but also of what it calls the World Anti-Fascist War, or the second World War. President Xi Jinping marked this week's anniversary with a visit to Yangquan in Shanxi province, the site of one of the war's big battles called the Hundred Regiments Campaign. The campaign was a huge sabotage operation led by the Communist Party's National Revolutionary Army against the Imperial Japanese Army and its Chinese collaborators, and it has long had a celebrated place in the party's wartime lore. 'The past should not be forgotten and should be a lesson for the future. Coming here is to receive spiritual baptism,' said Xi. The war between China and Japan cost 14 million lives between 1937 and 1945, and during its first few years neither the Soviet Union nor the western powers offered any assistance. China had a place at the Potsdam Conference at the end of the second World War, but Winston Churchill's dismissive view of this war as a sideshow in the Pacific theatre contributed to its neglect in later western accounts. Dedicated sections in museums like London's Imperial War Museum have increased western awareness of the Sino-Japanese war in recent years. Meanwhile, the Chinese have been engaged in a decades-long research effort that includes deep and intensive study of Japanese military and civilian decisions during the war and the world's leading institute devoted to the Tokyo War Crimes Trials. Memorialising the war is part of a broader narrative of national rejuvenation, and the party is explicit in its view of museums as 'patriotic education bases' as well as sites of memory. This is especially evident at the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall, built around a mass grave where the skeletons of some of the hundreds of thousands of Chinese civilians slaughtered by the Japanese lie half-buried. When the museum first opened in 1985, its focus was almost exclusively on the tragedy and the suffering of the massacre. Recent additions to the memorial hall concentrate on the Chinese victory over Japan and its importance in the creation of a new China under communism after 1949. China's confident programme of commemorations this year contrasts with the hesitant approach of Japan's prime minister, Shigeru Ishiba. He will make no official statement backed by his cabinet to mark the anniversary, but has instead asked a panel of experts to study the circumstances that led Japan to go to war against much of the rest of the world. In his statement on the 50th anniversary of the end of the war in 1995, prime minister Tomiichi Murayama expressed 'deep remorse' and issued a 'heartfelt apology' for Japan's aggression. Junichiro Koizumi maintained a similar approach on the 60th anniversary in 2005 but Shinzo Abe changed the tone 10 years later. In his statement on the 70th anniversary, Abe used some of the same expressions of remorse as his predecessors, but he noted that more than 80 per cent of Japan's population was born after the war. 'We must not let our children, grandchildren and even further generations to come, who have nothing to do with that war, be predestined to apologise,' he said. Under pressure from conservative elements in his Liberal Democratic Party, Ishiba has decided to follow Abe's guidance by saying nothing.
Borneo Post
05-07-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Pasir Panjang beach clean-up promotes urgent environmental awareness, community sustainability
The participants gather for a group photo. KUCHING (July 5): Rain did not dampen the spirit of some 20 volunteers who took part in the recent beach clean-up at Pasir Panjang near Santubong here. Organised by the international non-governmental organisation (NGO) Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) Malaysia, in collaboration with the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG), the programme was run in conjunction with the World Environment Day and World Oceans Day last month. 'These globally recognised events aim to bring attention to urgent environmental issues, namely ecosystem restoration and the protection of marine life, and also encourage local communities to take part in sustainable actions. 'The reason for this event is part of HWPL and IPYG's efforts to raise awareness of world nature and in this respect, it is also meant to open opportunities for people to take local action that aligns with the global sustainable goals. The beach clean-up continues on after the rain. 'The event at Pasir Panjang brought together a group of young volunteers who were committed to making a tangible difference for the environment. 'Although it was raining, they showed up and carried out the beach clean-up. 'Equipped with gloves and garbage bags, they collected plastic bottles, food wrappers, and other non-biodegradable waste that were strewn along the beach,' said HWPL Malaysia. Ning Bong, president of HWPL Malaysia, remarked: 'Some people may wonder what cleaning a beach has to do with peace. 'Actually, a clean place makes people feel calm, safe and happy. 'When we come together to take care of the environment, we're also building good habits of caring for our community. 'That's part of peace too.' Those interested in participating in future clean-up drives or collaborative projects can reach out via [email protected]. beach clean-up HWPL Malaysia Pasir Panjang santubong
Scoop
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
HWPL Urges End To Israel-Iran Violent Conflict In Official Statement
In June 2025, Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) expressed deep concerns over the violent conflict between Israel and Iran, and condemned the grave threat it poses to international peace and security. In an official statement, HWPL urged the immediate cessation of hostilities and called for a peaceful resolution to the situation. The organization strongly denounced the violence, emphasizing that it has led to the loss of innocent civilian lives. Israel launched a large-scale airstrike targeting Iran's nuclear facilities—including Natanz—and other military installations on the 13th, marking an escalation in direct military confrontation between the two nations. Thousands of innocent civilians have been killed or injured, and the destruction of infrastructure in both countries has reached a level of 'social collapse,' posing a serious threat to international security. The global community is increasingly recognizing the gravity of the current situation and showing various responses. International organizations, including the United Nations, along with leaders of major countries, have expressed concerns over the prolonged violence and are calling for immediate restraint and a negotiated settlement. HWPL has reaffirmed, 'The people of Israel and Iran want peace, as the entire global community hopes for peace to be restored.' It then reinforced its appeal for both sides to lay down their arms and pursue a diplomatic solution through dialogue and negotiation, in accordance with international law. Continuing its efforts for global peace, it emphasized its commitment to working closely with international peace organizations, civil society, and national governments to sow and nurture the seeds of peace, ensuring that humanity does not repeat the tragedies of war. The statement concluded with a hopeful message that people around the world will support the efforts of both nations toward a peaceful future. About HWPL: Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) is an international peace organization contributing to the promotion of global peace through its special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and its partnership with the United Nations Department of Global Communications (DGC). Based on the 'Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW),' HWPL conducts various activities aimed at ending war and establishing sustainable peace worldwide.
