CHEONGJU, SOUTH KOREA — More than 770 high-level leaders, including presidents, prime ministers, speakers of national assemblies, chief justices, and ministers, are set to gather at the “11th Anniversary of the HWPL 9·18 World Peace Summit” on September 18-19 to discuss strategies for peace and sustainable development for humanity.
This 11th-anniversary event is built upon two core agreements signed at the inaugural Peace Summit in 2014. Under the guiding principle, “Let us all be messengers of peace for the global community,” leaders at the time signed the Agreement to Propose the Enactment of an International Law on Peace and the Agreement on the Great Unity of Religions. These foundational documents were pivotal milestones, leading to the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) in 2016, the “Legislate Peace (LP)” program, the promotion of religious harmony, and an emphasis on the vital role of civil society.
Namibia currently faces the dual challenges of high youth unemployment and the need for a green energy transition to combat the climate crisis. While the nation’s youth are the key drivers of development, a lack of opportunities in education, employment, and civic participation has intensified social tensions.
The HWPL summit will serve as a platform to foster a global consensus that youth must become agents of peace. The International Youth Peace Group (IPYG), in partnership with HWPL, has conducted peace campaigns and educational programs worldwide with direct youth participation. Their extensive experience can offer a vital model for young people in Namibia.
The green energy transition and peace are not separate goals but are complementary and mutually reinforcing tasks. A stable and peaceful society is essential for the successful development of sustainable energy and the creation of youth employment. The conference is expected to open new avenues for Namibian youth to connect with the international community.
Moving forward, HWPL will work together with Namibian youth to amplify their voices on the international stage, supporting youth-centered peace education and sustainable development initiatives. This 11th-anniversary peace conference will provide a platform for Namibian youth to engage, collaborate, and develop as the leaders of tomorrow.
Over the past year, HWPL’s membership has grown significantly from 500,000 to 700,000. This growth reflects a shared commitment to the vision expressed by Chairman Man Hee Lee at the 9th anniversary of the DPCW this March: “We are not strangers to peace. We are the people involved, and we ourselves are peace. So let us lead this global community to a world of peace.”
In addition to the main event in Cheongju, local anniversary events will be held in 78 countries until October, with a total of over 15,000 participants expected to attend. These regional events underscore the summit’s goal of strengthening local peace networks and engaging a wider global community in fulfilling a common mission for peace for humanity.
