Realization of the DPCW: Spreading a Culture of Peace with Peace Messengers around the World
2020 has been a difficult year for the world and HWPL. A global pandemic has posed threats to our daily lives, and we are placed in situations where changes in our way of life are inevitable in order to get through the difficulties. At times like this, sympathy and solidarity are needed more than ever to overcome the current crisis, but HWPL is instead facing hatred and stigma in Korea due to COVID-19 and is struggling to protect its charter.
Nevertheless, no wars or diseases could stop humanity from aspiring for prosperity and better lives over the history. The present difficulties came upon us all too suddenly and threw everyone into confusion, but at the same time, we are reminded of the value of peace and safety, why efforts such as the peace activities of HWPL are needed, what has been done, and what can be done from now. If we turn this crisis into opportunity and seek ways to let more people in the world know the importance of peace, we will be able to uphold the noble value of “the achievement of global peace.”
As the year 2021 is drawing near, HWPL is planning to step up its initiatives – the “Legislate Peace” project for the realization of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), comparison of religious scriptures at the World Alliance of Religions’ Peace (WARP) Office, and Peace Education – which have progressed on online platforms this year. Now that COVID-19 is accelerating the trend toward contact-free methods, this time will be an opportunity to explore and experiment new approaches to the initiatives of HWPL.
Through webinars and contact-free meetings, anyone can participate in peace activities as long as they have Internet access in their regions. This kind of platform will surpass the limitations of offline meetings, which are confined to particular locations, and it will allow people around the globe to communicate and interact with one another.
HWPL hopes to think together about human rights and social solidarity, which have emerged as important values in the COVID-19 era. By encouraging webinars and academic activities, HWPL will attempt to hold discussions on public perception of discrimination, hatred, scapegoating of the weak and minorities that have intensified through an infectious disease and ways to improve such social conditions. The outcome of the discussions can be reflected in the peace education curriculum and taught to the growing generation.
HWPL will find what we can do as a peace organization to overcome the global difficulties caused by COVID-19 and participate in the effort. Also, in order to enhance our communication with our members, who share the common goal of creating a permanent peace, and to gather creative ideas for our peace initiatives next year, HWPL would like to receive policy proposals as below. Please refer to the cases below, and if you have any suggestions for contact-free peace activities that HWPL may try in the COVID-19 era, please fill out the form attached at the bottom of the page and send it to info@hwpl.kr.
Through the unprecedented difficulties that confront us today, we realize once again that the world is connected as one. Now is the time when partnership for sustainable peace is important. The peaceful life that we may enjoy at the moment can be attacked anytime, and our small contributions can make big changes. We look forward to receiving great ideas and suggestions from peace volunteers.
■ Information about Policy Proposals for 2021
ㆍTheme: Post-COVID, a New Policy Proposal to Boost HWPL Peace Program
– Keywords: COVID-19, post-COVID, contact-free peace activities
– Part1 : Ways to boost the three key initiatives of HWPL
(implementation of the DPCW, WARP Office, and peace education)
– Part2 : Activities that can realize the DPCW and spread a culture of peace (ex. volunteer work, humanitarian activities, etc.)
ㆍWhen: November 1 – December 10, 2020
ㆍWho: HWPL members and global citizens who are interested in peace activities
ㆍDocument for Submission: 1 copy of Proposal
■ How to Participate
ㆍFill out the form attached at the bottom of the page and send it to info@hwpl.kr (*contact-free method)
■ Cases of Cooperation
1) WARP Office : Kaash Foundation – Online Religious Peace Camp
■ Event Overview
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- Date: July 5, 2020
- Location: Zoom, an online platform for video conferencing
- Participation: About 100 youth members of the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG), the International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG), and Kaash Foundation
- Event Details: Discussion on the role of religion in achieving peace and social solidarity
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※Religious Peace Camp: A program developed with the aim of transcending religions, ethnicities, and beliefs, promoting dialogue and culture exchanges between religions, and improving perception of peace
2) Peace Education: The Commission on Higher Education of the Philippines – Online Peace Education Development Forum
■ Event Overview
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- Date: September 18, 2020
- Location: Zoom, an online platform for video conferencing
- Participation: 375 people including the Commission on Higher Education of the Philippines, professors, instructors, school teachers, and parents
- Event Details: Discussion on ways to promote peace education in the Philippines
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3) Volunteer Work : HWPL D.R.O.P for Taal Volcano Victims in Silang, Philippines
■ Overview
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- Date: January 19, 2020
- Location: Emergency shelter for earthquake victims
- Participation: About 500 people (victims at the shelter and volunteers)
- Details: Delivery of relief supplies, cultural performances and talent donation to comfort the victims
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