World Alliance of Religions’ Peace Summit: Press Conference on the 1st Annual Commemoration of September 18th
غسان الزعتري
Sidonianews.net
Ambassador
Ghassan Zaatari
- Saida Lebanon
Sidonianews.net- Ghassan Zaatari - World Alliance of Religions’ Peace Summit: Press Conference on the 1st Annual 2015 Commemoration of September 18th
Press Conference on the 1st Annual Commemoration of September 18th
World Alliance of Religions’ Peace Summit
GYEONGGI, SOUTH KOREA – Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), a non-governmental peace organization registered under the UN Department of Public Information (DPI), is hosting the 1st Annual Commemoration of September 18th World Alliance of Religions’ Peace (WARP) Summit. The two affiliates of HWPL, the International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) and the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG), organized the Summit. Prior to the first day of the official event, on September 17th 2015, a press conference was held at the Peace Palace in Gyeonggi Province, Korea. Over 30 journalists, reporters, and chief editors from major international broadcasting stations representing 15 countries came to report about the Summit and interview Chairman Lee, of HWPL, and organizing representatives.
Held just before the UN’s International Day of Peace, the 1st Annual Commemoration of the WARP Summit will serve as a platform for world leaders from all sectors of society to discuss the progress on two major works of HWPL: the Implementation of an International Convention on the Cessation of War and Achievement of World Peace and the establishment of the World Alliance of Religions’ Peace Offices. It expects to highlight September as the “Month of Peace.”
Elizabeth Costales Cachin, a journalist of PTV from the Philippines asked about the purpose of HWPL and the duty of the press and media in stopping armed conflicts and achieving world peace. Chairman Lee said, “First of all, we have to carefully examine what is behind the scenes of armed conflicts. In order to stop wars, a rigid system is needed to bring forth a practical solution for peace. That solution is the international convention on the cessation of war and achievement of world peace. The purpose of HWPL is to bring about the cessation of war and establish peace as an inheritance for future generations. Certainly, world peace will be achieved if all reporters are accountable for accurate reporting standards and continually report on peace.” Chairwoman Kim of the IWPG added, “All reporters and journalists have to become the eyes and mouths of all people to widely deliver the message of peace accurately and quickly. This is the responsibility of the media.”
Suraj Bhattarai, English News Editor of Himalaya Television in Nepal also asked about the roles of IWPG and IPYG in urging the implementation of the convention on the cessation of war. Chairwoman Kim replied, “A bird cannot fly with only one wing. Likewise, IWPG and IPYG serve as the two wings of peace, making it possible for HWPL to soar. We have clearly seen that the development of weapons and armed forces have not guaranteed to bring peace to us. If we continue what we’ve been doing, we will not only inherit a world of war but also the destruction of mankind for our future generations. Therefore, we call women and youth of the world to sign a statement to urge for the implementation of the convention on peace. We will work until the time when we can inherit a sustainable peace as an eternal legacy for our children.
Over the course of two days, the Summit will feature the presentation of the first draft of the Convention on the Cessation of War and Achievement of World Peace prepared by members of HWPL’s Peace Advisory Council and International Law Committee. As these legal professionals will continue to carry out the project based on the convention drafted at the event, expectations are high for its outcome.
On behalf of the international community and nongovernmental organizations, HWPL is taking the lead in peace-building in response to a world rife with disputes and armed conflicts. Such efforts are evident from not only the upcoming commemorative event but also with the peace activities of the two affiliated organizations of HWPL—IWPG and IPYG. HWPL is striving to promote world peace and prosperity of mankind by presenting the most peaceful solution to the structural problems that our society is currently facing.
2015-09-18