Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), a South Korea-based international peace NGO, will hold the HWPL’s 12th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace across 94 locations in 61 countries worldwide including USA. The events will take place both offline (86 locations) and online (8 locations), with a projected participation of over 1,600 public figures and 10,000 citizens globally.

The Declaration of World Peace was first proclaimed on May 25, 2013, by Chairman Man Hee Lee in front of the Peace Gate at the Olympic Park in Seoul with 30,000 global youth advocating peace. It was a call to end war and establish peace through the collective efforts of global citizens by outlining the roles of individuals from all walks of life in achieving peace. The event also featured a large-scale Peace Walk, which has since become a symbolic annual movement in cities around the world.

This year’s commemorative events aim to reflect on the historical significance of the declaration and encourage greater civic participation in peacebuilding efforts. Programs will include peace education presentations, video screenings, and interfaith dialogue sessions tailored to the cultural and social contexts of each participating country.

On Sunday, May 25, Crissy Field Park in San Francisco served as the venue for the 12th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace, hosted by Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) and the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG). Held under the theme “A Future of Peace and Prosperity with San Francisco,”the event brought together approximately 200 participants, including youth, religious leaders, and local residents, creating a platform for promoting sustainable peace in the community.

The event commenced with a special performance by IPYG, followed by the reading of a Peace Letter by HWPL Chairman Lee Man-hee, reaffirming a collective aspiration for a world free from conflict. Participants then joined a Peace Run to honor the sacrifices of military personnel ahead of Memorial Day and to express hopes for lasting peace.

Following the Peace Run, participants engaged in a park clean-up volunteer activity at Crissy Field, embodying the spirit of peace and environmental stewardship in everyday actions. An IPYG member shared their experience, stating, “While running, I felt a strong sense of unity as each person ran with a shared desire for peace. It was also a moment to reflect on the significance of the DPCW, which HWPL has been advocating globally. As youth, it inspired us to consider how we can spread this message of peace both locally and worldwide. I am committed to continuing to share the value of peace with more people and to actively participate in putting these ideals into action as an IPYG member.”

The organizers expressed hope that the commemoration would not only raise awareness of the importance of the DPCW in North America but also promote its value and necessity worldwide. A representative from HWPL San Francisco remarked, “Peace is not just an ideal but a way of life that must be realized in every sector of society. We hope this event will serve as a starting point for that endeavor.”

At the previous 10th anniversary, Chairman Lee Man-hee emphasized, “After declaring peace on earth (to achieve it together), I traveled 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 HWPL’s 12th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace is expected to not only recall the past achievement but also reaffirm a shared commitment to practical actions for a peaceful future. HWPL will continue to expand its efforts in supporting international law for peace, promoting peace education, and fostering interreligious harmony through global partnerships.

For more information about the events and HWPL’s peace initiatives, visit www.hwpl.kr.

In a meaningful gesture of cultural and religious exchange, local Buddhist leaders and international peace advocates gathered at the Buddhasāsanarangsey Temple in Fresno, California, for the ’2025 Maha Visakha Puja’ celebration. The event, co-organized by the HWPL San Francisco branch and the Cambodian Buddhist Association of Fresno, drew approximately 20 participants including prominent monks and peace activists.

Maha Visakha Puja, one of the most sacred days in the Buddhist calendar, commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha. Held annually in the Theravāda tradition, this three-day observance offers a time for reflection, community unity, and spiritual renewal.

As part of the celebration, the May 24th program featured two main segments: cultural exchange and interfaith peace dialogue. Religious leaders including Venerable Bunthon Say, head of the Cambodian Buddhist Association in Fresno, and Venerable Ratana Yoeung of Wat Khemara Rangsey Temple, introduced attendees to the spiritual significance of the temple and Buddhist rituals. A prayer for peace was held, highlighting the ceremony’s deeper intent to foster harmony beyond borders and beliefs.

HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light), a global peace NGO, introduced its peace initiatives and ongoing interreligious projects. During a keynote message, the HWPL San Francisco branch emphasized the importance of sacred texts as a source of common moral ground for dialogue and reconciliation between religions. “This celebration is not only a tribute to the life and teachings of Buddha, but also a platform for shared commitment to peace and mutual understanding among different faiths,” said an HWPL representative.

The event culminated in a round of interfaith interviews and dialogue under the theme of “Peace Through Scripture,” where participants agreed on the need for continued cooperation. Buddhist leaders expressed strong interest in joining HWPL’s Religious Youth Peace Camp and Interfaith Alliance for Peace in America (RPA), pledging to engage in further peace-promoting activities across communities.

The 2025 Maha Visakha Puja celebration highlighted the importance of interreligious understanding and cultural exchange, serving as a platform to explore potential collaboration between local religious communities and international peace organizations. Based on this experience, the HWPL San Francisco branch to expand engagement with diverse faith groups and civil society actors, aiming to develop ongoing initiatives for peace and dialogue.