2. Content

While the global community is collectively overcoming the colossal threat of COVID-19, ongoing conflicts continue to cast a dark shadow on the world’s prospects. Conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war, Israel-Hamas war, and disputes worldwide resulted in the deaths of over 33,000 civilians and the displacement of millions in the year 2023 alone. Economic recovery remains elusive, and the resolve to address climate change is fading. It is a critical moment to establish an institutional foundation for ending the era of war and opening an era of peace, for the sake of progress and security.

To open an era of peace institutionally settled, the collective will of citizens worldwide is essential. Each individual’s spirit of peace serves as the fundamental unit in creating a peaceful world. Proclaimed on 14 March 2016 at 3:14 p.m., the 10 Articles and 38 Clauses of the DPCW encapsulates the practical and clear roles of individuals, societies, and nations in achieving the grand goal of peace. This declaration, structured upon the core principles of the international society to achieve a peaceful world, has conveyed the responsibility and role in opening an era of peace as a mission bestowed upon each and every individual citizen, transcending nations.

HWPL has been promoting international collaboration in intercultural dialogue and understanding. Intercultural dialogue serves as a starting point for deriving consensus to address the most challenging global issues of conflict and violence. The substantial differences in perspectives among global citizens, such as nationality, ethnicity, religion, and gender, can be resolved through dialogue and understanding. Violence and brutality stemming from misunderstandings and ignorance can also be prevented through dialogue and understanding. The interfaith dialogues such as HWPL World Alliance of Religions’ Peace Office Comparison of Scriptures and HWPL International Religious Peace Academy share and spread knowledge about the spiritual world, alleviating indiscriminate mistrust and conflicts among each other. Above all, the leadership of religious leaders in such activities is contributing to the expansion of mutual respect and a sense of coexistence among different religions.

Intercultural understanding forms the fundamental basis for communication and exchange. From this, a collective awareness of peace among the public develops, leading to a global peace movement. HWPL collaborates with UNESCO National Commissions, governments, schools, and educational institutions worldwide to promote peace education that fosters understanding and communication. HWPL’s peace education, as part of global citizenship education, cultivates peace values in future generations.

The Human Rights Seminar has become a platform for international discussions aimed at creating a just society where human dignity and universal rights are protected. The Youth Engagement & Peacebuilding Working Group (YEPW) was established to unravel the threads of reconciliation amidst conflicts, ultimately working towards fostering a peaceful environment. Currently, it is sharing cases involving youth and the media worldwide related to this theme, brainstorming collaborative actions based on these experiences.

HWPL will continue to engage in international discussions in 2024 for the sustainable development of institutional peace based on intercultural dialogue and understanding.