KOREAN WAR VETERANS REMEMBERED: NEED FOR PEACE PROMOTED

On May 25, 2024, Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), a UN-affiliated NGO, held the 11th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace under the theme of ‘Near War, Remembering the Heroes of Peace’ at the Peace Gate of Seoul Olympic Park, South Korea.

This event was sponsored by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs of Korea and was held to remember the dedication and sacrifice of Korean War veterans, share the horrors of world wars, and promote the need for peace.

Participants had the opportunity to increase their understanding of war and peace through various booths, including an exhibition of nuclear waste remnants from South Pacific countries, writing letters for Korean War veterans, peace performances, and a Korean War VR experience.

Ms. Shin Hyu-hee, Chief Branch Manager of HWPL, said: “The VR experience about war will allow the generation that has not experienced war directly to feel the horrors of war through indirect experience.

She added: “I hope that it will be an opportunity for our generation to reflect on their sense of duty to protect peace in the future.”

One of the citizens, who participated in the event said: “I am grateful for the noble sacrifices of Korean War veterans and was once again reminded of the importance of the peace we enjoy today,” adding that “I hope that many young people can feel the value of peace and the importance of its achievement by participating in this meaningful event.”

The Declaration of World Peace, proclaimed in 2013, addresses the endorsement of national leaders, engagement of women and youth, cooperation among civil societies around the world, and expansion of media coverage for peace. Based on this Declaration, HWPL announced the Declaration of World Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) in the process of establishing international legal instruments for global peace and has emphasized global cooperation to achieve sustainable peace for the past 11 years.

The International Youth Peace Group (IPYG), an affiliate group of HWPL, holds a peace walk event annually where young people from around the world call for peace by celebrating the proclamation of the Declaration of World Peace.

In addition, a Youth Empowerment Peace Class (YEPC) has also been held, where they discuss issues such as education, human rights, and conflicts that they face in their real life and seek for joint actions.

For a month from the end of April, about 50 young people from South Pacific countries, including the Solomon Islands and Fiji, participated in the YEPC program. “Young people should be grateful to be given a platform to understand the power they have and gain knowledge about world peace and human rights,” said Ms. Jean Uwesi, Youth and Volunteer Officer at SIRCS (Solomon Islands Red Cross Society). “It is important for young people, who account for 70% of the population in Solomon Islands, to use their voices for community change and human rights advocacy,” she said.

Starting with the flagship event at the Peace Gate of Seoul Olympic Park, the Peace Walks are complemented simultaneously by diverse peace-building activities in about 50 countries. The worldwide events include landmark walks reflecting each nation’s unique character, alongside peace performances, video screenings, photo exhibitions, poster drawings, sports activities, bazaars, and volunteer opportunities. Tree planting ceremonies and “free hugs” initiatives further emphasize the spirit of unity and environmental well-being.