Over 800 Former and Current Presidents Attend the 11th Anniversary of the HWPL World Peace Summit

 Hello, I'm Kkotnim 🌸—a dream-filled twenty-something who cherishes peace.

In my previous blog, I shared both my excitement for the upcoming 11th anniversary of the HWPL September 18th World Peace Summit and my thoughts on how precious ordinary days can be.

And finally—the event has taken place! ✨

Hearing about the ceremony, I didn’t just feel excited—I felt assured that peace is truly becoming a reality.

The 11th anniversary ceremony was held in Cheongju, South Korea, from September 18–19, and will continue in major cities across 78 countries through October.

I learned that more than 800 leaders—including former and current presidents, prime ministers, parliamentary speakers, chief justices, ministers, as well as leaders in education, religion, media, and youth—gathered in Korea.

Isn’t it remarkable that so many leaders voluntarily came together for peace?

Hearing this news, I realized that peace is no longer just the cry of a few, but a global movement we are all creating together! 🌈

The central agenda of the event was, of course, the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW). This declaration calls for the prohibition of the use of force, the prevention and mediation of conflict, and the guarantee of sustainable peace.

Over the past year, 17 resolutions of support have been adopted, including by the Latin American and Caribbean Parliament (PARLATINO), Paraguay, the Dominican Republic, the legislature of South Sudan, and local governments in the Philippines, Mongolia, the U.S. state of Georgia, Madagascar, Mali, and India.

This part moved me the most. War is never just one nation’s problem. But seeing countries around the world join in support of peace legislation gave me hope that peace can truly become a reality.

In his commemorative address, HWPL Chairman Man Hee Lee said: “Conflict can never be good; what is good is achieving peace.”

He also emphasized, “What we will leave for future generations is a world of peace, not conflict.”

Hearing this, I thought of my peers and the children yet to be born. If we fail to create peace now, we will only pass on pain to the next generation. 

Former Croatian President Ivo Josipović also said, “Working to ban war worldwide is more important than ever.” Watching leaders raise their voices for peace together gave me confidence that real change is coming!

The ceremony also highlighted achievements in different fields. In the religious field, interfaith dialogues based on scriptures are being held in 292 locations across 132 countries, and the “World Religions Peace Academy” has been launched. Some nations have even approved it as an official platform for communication.

In the education sector, Zambia has introduced peace education in all schools across Lusaka, with plans to expand nationwide. Mongolia has also integrated HWPL’s peace education into public education and lifelong learning.

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I was especially touched by this. A Zambian Ministry of Education official said, “Peace education can prevent violations of children’s rights, early marriage, and drug abuse.” It reminded me that peace isn’t only about stopping wars—it has the power to transform our lives for the better. ✨

HWPL’s global membership has grown by 140,000 in just one year, now surpassing 580,000. Isn’t that proof that more and more people want to be part of peace?

Until October, commemorations will continue in 78 countries. Around 15,000 leaders from international organizations, governments, and civil society will be discussing ways to establish peace within their own contexts.

I’m already looking forward to it! For a world without war, and for the ordinary daily lives we must protect.

How about we start today—by devoting just a little more of our hearts to peace? 🌸

>> The 11th Anniversary of the September 18th HWPL World Peace Summit