[#ManHeeLee #PeaceTour │#PeaceEducation #Malaysia] Seeds of Peace Blossoming in an Alternative School – Peace Education with HWPL

A touching wave of peace recently swept through Sabah, Malaysia. Known for its rich cultural diversity, Malaysia is a nation where various ethnicities, languages, and traditions harmoniously coexist. Yet in the state of Sabah, many stateless children still live without access to basic rights and education.

In the midst of this, a remarkable transformation began—sparked by HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light) and centered around the alternative school “Stairway to Hope.”

▎ “I Want to Teach Peace” – One Person’s Passion Ignites Change

Marilu Saletar Chin, founder of the school, is a respected local figure who has lived in Sabah for over 40 years. Originally from the Philippines, she has dedicated herself to educating stateless children. When introduced to HWPL’s Peace Education, she was deeply moved and immediately expressed her desire to collaborate.

She even planned to transition the school’s moral education into full peace education. In February of last year, 16 teachers participated in an introductory session on HWPL’s 12-step Peace Curriculum. Later, 8 teachers completed a four-month online peace educator training course. With this foundation, the school launched its first offline peace camp, allowing teachers to lead students through peace-themed lessons.

▎ Children Begin to Change – The Power of Peace Education

The results were incredible. Teacher Emma Andrada recalled, “Before the training, students acted based on what they saw at home. But after the program, they became more considerate and thoughtful of their friends.”

In June, 20 sixth-grade students participated in the school’s first peace education session. The response was so positive that a larger peace camp followed in August with 18 teachers and 43 students. The camp covered themes like diversity, harmony, cooperation, gratitude, rule of law, and the principles of peace. Both teachers and students had a joyful and meaningful experience, with everyone singing the song “We Are One” together at the end.

▎ “We Are Peace Messengers Too” – Students Share Their Thoughts

Students shared heartfelt reflections on their experiences:

ㆍ Witness Chang Wen (Grade 5): “I learned so much about teamwork and strategy. I couldn’t have done it without my team. This camp was so much fun.”

ㆍ Rizmah Hiyah (Grade 9): “The roleplay was great. I learned how to be a leader—how important it is to understand and respect your team’s opinions.”

ㆍ Lovely Jean Suson (Grade 10): “The most important lesson was that a good leader listens to and values the voices of others.”

ㆍ Ben Deril Peningbatan (Grade 9): “The world may not be as peaceful as we hope, but that’s why peace education is so meaningful. I learned a lot about harmony and cooperation. I hope more students can experience what we did and help build a better future.”

Students have learned that peace is not an abstract ideal, but can be realized in their daily lives. 

▎ HWPL: Shaping the Future of Peace in Malaysia

So far, six schools in Malaysia—including one kindergarten and five public schools—have signed MOUs with HWPL to implement peace education. And more are expressing interest.

Principal Marilu expressed her gratitude for HWPL’s support, saying, “This was the best peace camp I’ve ever seen.” She emphasized that peace education is a great platform for students to learn and share peace with others.

Peace isn’t far away. The moment we begin to learn about peace, we are already standing at its starting point. The small but powerful shift taking place in Sabah is spreading across Malaysia—and perhaps, eventually, the world. HWPL’s journey continues until every child can grow up with peace in their heart and hope for the future.

Reference : https://reurl.cc/4jYYvj

[9th Anniversary of DPCW] Key Provisions

for the Peaceful Unification of the Korean Peninsula

▎  Can International Law Achieve Peace on the Korean Peninsula?

In a world where wars and conflicts persist, peace remains a goal longed for by many. The Korean Peninsula has been divided for 80 years, experiencing repeated tensions and conflicts. While the people of South Korea yearn for unification, the complexities of international politics and national interests make achieving peace and unification on the peninsula a challenging task.

In this context, a peaceful approach through international law is becoming increasingly important. To achieve unification without military conflict, global support and cooperation are essential. The Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) has gained attention as a key international legal framework that can advance the Korean Peninsula peace process.

▎ What is the DPCW?

The DPCW is an international legislation drafted by Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) in collaboration with legal experts worldwide. Consisting of 10 articles and 38 clauses, this declaration establishes legal and institutional mechanisms to end wars and achieve sustainable peace.

The DPCW aims to fundamentally resolve the causes of war through provisions such as:

ㆍ Prohibition of the use of force

ㆍ Guarantee of self-determination

ㆍ Prevention of religious and cultural conflicts

Among these, Article 5 (Self-Determination), Article 6 (Dispute Settlement), and Article 7 (Self-Defense) are particularly relevant to resolving the Korean Peninsula issue and serve as a legal foundation for an international approach.

▎ Key DPCW Provisions for the Peaceful Unification of the Korean Peninsula

1. Guarantee of Self-Determination (DPCW Article 5)

One of the most crucial factors in Korean unification is the right to self-determination—the right of a people to determine their own political future without external interference.

DPCW Article 5 provides a legal basis to minimize foreign intervention and allow South and North Korea to cooperatively achieve unification through peaceful means. This provision also prevents powerful nations from exploiting the Korean issue for diplomatic leverage, ensuring that the unification process remains in the hands of Koreans themselves.

Currently, the Korean Peninsula is heavily influenced by the interests of major powers such as the United States, China, Russia, and Japan. If the DPCW is established as international law, South and North Korea will have greater independence in their unification efforts, reducing the impact of external political pressures.

2. Prevention of War Through Dispute Settlement (DPCW Article 6)

The Korean Peninsula remains one of the world's most volatile regions, with ongoing military tensions since the Korean War. Issues such as North Korea's nuclear development, military provocations, and joint military exercises between South Korea and the U.S. continue to threaten stability.

DPCW Article 6 emphasizes resolving conflicts through legal and diplomatic measures rather than military force. If this provision is recognized as international law, even in times of rising tensions, disputes can be settled peacefully through established legal frameworks rather than resorting to armed conflict.

This provides an institutional framework for resolving conflicts with North Korea peacefully, significantly reducing the possibility of war.

3. Protection of Self-Defense (DPCW Article 7)

One of the biggest security concerns on the Korean Peninsula is North Korea’s nuclear weapons program and military provocations. In response, South Korea has strengthened its defenses through the ROK-U.S. alliance, while North Korea continues to enhance its military capabilities, leading to prolonged tensions.

DPCW Article 7 acknowledges the right to self-defense while also preventing its misuse. This provision can serve as an international standard to deter aggression from North Korea while ensuring that military actions remain proportionate. Moreover, it helps mitigate excessive military buildup and promotes a de-escalation of tensions on the peninsula.

▎ DPCW: A New Path to Peace on the Korean Peninsula

The Korean Peninsula issue is not just a regional conflict but a significant global peace concern. However, the existing international legal framework has limitations in fully guaranteeing peace in the region.

In this regard, the DPCW presents a strong legal foundation that can make a tangible contribution to the peaceful unification of the Korean Peninsula. If the DPCW is recognized as international law, South and North Korea will be better positioned to build a peaceful future based on their own initiatives, supported by international consensus and cooperation.

▎ Our Role in Achieving Peace

► Expanding global support for the DPCW as an international legal framework

► Encouraging civic participation in peace movements

► Strengthening international cooperation for Korean Peninsula peace

As we mark the 9th anniversary of the DPCW, now is the time to take concrete action toward genuine peace and unification on the Korean Peninsula.

#KoreanPeninsulaPeace #PeacefulReunification #LegislatePeace #HWPL #DPCW #WorldPeace #EndWar #PeaceAdvocate #MakeADifference

[HWPL] New Committee Launches to Bridge Korean Peninsula Divide

and Focus on Legal Framework for Unification

South Korea – March 14, 2025 – At the “HWPL’s 9th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW)“ held in South Korea, a significant step toward Korean Peninsula unification was taken with the launch of the “Preparatory Committee for Peaceful Unification on the Korean Peninsula.” The event, themed ”Building Bridges for Korean Reunification: Establishing Legal and Practical Frameworks for Peace”, drew about a thousand domestic and international leaders, outlining a comprehensive plan for a nationwide peace and unification initiative.

Spearheaded by HWPL, a UN ECOSOC-accredited international NGO, the <Together: Connecting Korea> campaign, involving approximately 170 civic groups, aims to foster communication and harmony across Korean society. The newly formed committee will focus on expanding socio-cultural exchanges between North and South Korea and establishing a robust foundation for future unification.

Carlos Rene Hernandez Castillo, President of Central American Parliament, said in his speech saying “(HWPL’s) tireless work is proof that peace is not just an ideal but an achievable goal when there is will and action. The Central American Parliament firmly supports all unification and integration initiatives that promote peace, such as the dialogue for the reunification of the Koreas,”

 Chairman Man Hee Lee of HWPL said, presenting a vision for peaceful unification on the Korean peninsula “The expeditious path to unification lies in the implementation of free movement. It is imperative that we pursue unification through constructive dialogue without force. Our country must become a testament to peace. We should work together thereby future generations can be happy and our wishes can come true”.

Ven. Seok Yeonhwa, Chairman of the Supreme Patriarch of the World Buddhist Sangha Council, detailed the committee’s future plans by saying, “We will unite people's hearts through campaigns, expand the public understanding and support for unification through education, and conduct research on post-unification social and economic integration.”

Kim Yeong-geun, the 32nd Rector of Sungkyunkwan emphasized the critical role of civilian exchanges, calling for “a legal and institutional framework to ensure their continuity, regardless of political shifts.”

A cornerstone of the event was the presentation of a draft of “The Constitution Establishing a Unified Korea” by Professor Ciarán Burke of Friedrich-Schiller University Jena. Developed by the HWPL International Law Peace Committee, this draft establishes legal foundations for a unified Korea, including denuclearization goals and a peace system that protects citizens’ rights and welfare. “(This initiative) will be furthering the cause of Korean unification, of future stability, and ensuring that the region – and the world – is likely to remain a more peaceful place," said Prof. Burk.

The Together Campaign’s “Connect Korea Challenge” (https://togetherconnectkorea.kr/) is actively promoting unification through advocating free movement and international support. Within 10 days, participants from 243 cities across 72 countries contributed over 1,350 pieces of content, demonstrating global interest in a peaceful unification on the Korean Peninsula.