If there is an answer to peace, then every family born in this era — regardless of who they are — should become a messenger of peace, bringing an end to war and leaving sustainable peace as a legacy for future generations.
- Address by Chairman Lee Man-hee during HWPL's 29th Peace Tour -
August 15, 2018
Part 1 Ethiopia-The Heart of Africa, the Land of Dignity and Sovereignty
page Part 2 HWPL: Sowing Seeds of Peace in Ethiopia
page Part 3
Journey Toward Peace with HWPL
page
Part 1
Ethiopia – The Heart of Africa, the Land of Dignity and Sovereignty
Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) PEACE EDUCATION
Ethiopia
Location
Landlocked country located in the Horn of Africa
Languages
Official languages include Amharic, Oromo, Tigrinya, and over 80 others
Area
Approximately 1,104,300 km² (about 11 times the size of South Korea)
Religion
Ethiopian Orthodox (approx. 43.5%), Islam (approx. 34%), indigenous religions, etc
Population
Approximately 132 million (as of 2024) (the world's most populous landlocked country)
Ethnicity
Oromo (35%), Amhara (27%), Tigray (6%), and more than 80 ethnic groups
Capital Addis Ababa
Tigray
Amhara
Gambella
SNNPR
Oromia
Somali Harari
Dire Dawa
Afar
Benishangu Gumuzl
Addis Ababa
'Cradle of Culture'
Injera, a traditional Ethiopian flatbread
More than 80 ethnic groups live in harmony while maintaining their distinct languages, traditions, and arts. Ethiopia has a high cultural value as it is the birthplace of coffee, with its traditional fermented food, injera, steeped in culture and community spirit, and the unique rituals of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
'Ethiopian Orthodox Festival. Meskel'
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
'Ethiopia, the Birthplace of Coffee'
'Terrain Diversity'
The Ethiopian highlands are where human evolution began, and they are home to a rich diversity of life, from the extremes of the Danakil Desert to the ecosystems of the
Simien Mountains National Park
Simane Mountains.
'Danakil Mountains'
The Danakil Depression in Ethiopia — where temperatures soar up to 63°C — is known as one of the hottest and most otherworldly places on Earth.
Danakil Mountains
'African Union (AU) Headquarters'
As a symbol of African independence and unity, Ethiopia stands at the heart of Pan-Africanism — a historical center of solidarity and cooperation across the continent.
African Union Headquarters
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Part 2
HWPL: Sowing Seeds of Peace in Ethiopia
Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) PEACE EDUCATION
All families around the world do not want war but long for peace.
The Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War(DPCW) was proclaimed on March 14, 2016, at 3:00 PMin Seoul, Republic of Korea.
The UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), which has granted special consultative status, the UN Department of Global Communications (DGC), and the Seoul-based non-governmental peace organization Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL)have prioritized the enactment of a new international law to promote a culture of peaceacross the globe.
The DPCW was finalized through discussions led by the HWPL International Law Peace Committee, which is composed of legal experts from around the world. The declaration consists of a preamble and 10 articles with 38 clauses, having been drafted in 2015.
HWPL implements peace education to promote a culture of peace in order to fulfill the DPCW.
Purpose of Peace Education
To raise awareness of peace
To participate in voluntary peace activities
as a
subject of peace holders
Excerpts from the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW)
Article 1 Prohibition of the threat and use of force
1. States should solemnly reaffirm that they refrain from the use of force in all circumstances, savewhere permitted by international law, and should condemn aggression as constituting aninternational crime.
2. States should refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of military force againstthe territorial integrity or political independence of any State, or in any other manner inconsistentwith the purposes of the United Nations Charter or international law in general.
Article 3 Friendly relations and the prohibition of acts of aggression
3. States should condemn the illegal occupation of territory, resulting from the threat or use of forcein a manner contrary to international law.
Article 4 State boundaries
1. In accordance with United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2625 (XXV), every State has theduty to refrain in its international relations from military, political, economic, or any other formof coercion aimed against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State, or in anyother manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations. It is without prejudice toinstances when such forms of coercion may be lawfully applied, inter alia, to induce States tocease internationally wrongful acts, or when sanctioned by the United Nations Security Council.
2. Every State has the duty to refrain from the threat or use of force to violate the existinginternationally recognized boundaries of another State, or as a means of resolving internationaldisputes, including territorial and frontier disputes, in a manner inconsistent with international law.
Article 5 Self-determination
1. The duty of every State to refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity orpolitical independence of any other State includes the duty to not engage in any action that wouldresult in the dismemberment of any State, or force the secession or annexation of any territorialunit from that State.
Article 10 Spreading a culture of peace
1. States should recognize and engage with groups and organizations that seek to further the cause ofpeace as a global movement. States should facilitate such groups in their awarenessraisingactivities, including providing tuition in human rights and peace studies, as provided for, inter alia,in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 1999 UN Declaration on a Culture of Peace.
2. States should recognize that, in order to preserve a lasting culture of peace, public awareness of theneed for, and value of, peace should be created. In this regard, States are encouraged to facilitateactivities, commemorations, and initiatives that engage public consciousness with peace, includingthe erection of peace monuments as an alternative to war monuments.
In Ethiopia, the seeds of peace are being sown
The Mission of HWPL’s Peace Education in Ethiopia
HWPL aims to plant the seeds of peace in the hearts of Ethiopian youth so that they may learn the values of diversity and coexistence, and grow into peace citizens with the character and ability to resolve conflicts through peaceful means.
HWPL’s Vision for Peace Education in Ethiopia
- Foster peace citizens who respect and embrace ethnic, religious, and cultural diversity
- Educate youth to develop empathy, engage in dialogue, and resolve issues through non-violence
- Promote social sensitivity and a sense of community to prevent conflict and establish peace
- Discover and nurture future peace leaders equipped with leadership for sustainable development
HWPL’s MOUs and MOAs for Peace Education in Ethiopia
One MOA Signed with State and City Education Departments to Support Peace Education at the Ministry Level
Sixteen MOUs Signed with Educational Institutions to Support Continuous Peace Education in Schools
August 15, 2018 – HWPL Chairman Lee Man-hee and representatives of 10 Ethiopian universities sign an MOU at the UN Economic Commission for Africa
Schools with Signed MOUs and MOAs
Debre Tabor University
CPU Business and Information Technology College
Wachemo University
Jimma University
Ethiopian Teachers Association
Addis Ababa Science and Technology University
Leadstar Theological College
Rift Valley Unviersity
St. Mary's University
MOU 16 / MOA 1
Addis Ababa University
Arsi University
Hawassa University
Alpha Unviersity
Ethiopian Civil Service University
Oromia State Unviersity
Kotebe University of Education
Haramaya University
HWPL collaborates with various educational experts from different continents in various fields including teaching materials, teaching methods, and training for peace educators for the continued development of peace education. Currently, we are developing teaching plan for each level of children, teenagers, and the youth.
HWPL Peace School and Honorary President
At the Ethiopia Peace Conference held at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UN ECA) in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, Rift Valley University was designated as an HWPL Peace School, and HWPL Chairman Lee Man-hee was appointed as its Honorary President.
10 Peace Educators Appointed by HWPL in Ethiopia
Implementing HWPL Peace Educator Training
<HWPL Peace Educator Online Training>
Elias Gudisa Kebede (Lecturer, Ethiopian Civil Service University)
Peace begins with respecting myself and understanding my students with an open mind. We must teach our students the value of self-sacrifice for others, the importance of being law-abiding citizens, and the attitude of choosing dialogue over conflict. Through such education, we can nurture individuals who reject war and violence and actively practice peace.
Meharu Mathewos Erbeto( Lecturer in Peace Studies, Jimma University)
I have learned that peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but a state of life realized through harmony with one’s inner self, nature, and the community. I have gained the conviction that peace can be practiced and spread through laws and systems, civic awareness, and education. From now on, I will live as a teacher and messenger of peace who conveys the culture and values of peace not only in Ethiopia but also anywhere in the world.
HWPL Peace Educator
Appointment Ceremony
Ethiopian Students Nurtured as Peace Messengers
Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) PEACE EDUCATION
Wasarbi Primary School
Wasarbi Primary School
HWPL Peace Education
I loved the peace education that HWPL provided to the students, and I would like to have other students of different ages participate in the next class.
Dalota Boru Secondary School
HWPL Peace Education
The peace tug-of-war was a natural way to realize that "peace is not achieved through individual strength alone, but only when everyone practices peace with one mind."
Rift Valley Unviersity
3rd Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War
Rift Valley University launched the Peace Academy at its main campus on November 22, 2018. This club is the first of its kind established in partnership with Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), a South Korea-based organization.
St. Mary's University
3rd Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War
Students at St. Mary’s University gained a deeper understanding of HWPL’s current direction and enhanced their awareness of peace through an explanation of the DPCW. By writing Peace Letters themselves, they were able to directly feel that they are the protagonists in achieving peace.
Addis Ababa University
Introduction of HWPL and HWPL Peace DNA at 3rd Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War
Banti Leuye (Student)
I really enjoyed the peace letter and peace education conducted by the Peace Club at Addis Ababa University. We should start with the idea that we are all ambassadors of peace. The Peace DNA class was really good and I hope other universities will have this class.
Zembero (Vice President of Peace Club)
It was great to have the opportunity to take a peace education class and write a peace letter in front of friends who first joined the Peace Club.
Addis Ababa Science and Technology University (AASTU)
HWPL Peace Education Orientation
Lesson 1, Original State of All Creation
Iskan Anabab (Student)
As all creatures are created equally, we, various humanity also should apply respect and equality to each other. It is important to discuss peace in Ethiopia. It is very timely to discuss peace. I really appreciate HWPL to visit AASTU for peace education. I am going to encourage other students to participate.
Sultan Feisso(Dean ,College of Electrical & Mechanical Engineering)
The most favorite part of the class was that the students were very happy to take the class and had many communications. Active participation from students were so nice, such as discussion, activities and presentation. I think it will be good to organize groups to prepare such classes in the future.
Student
I learned co-existence. Though we are all different from each other, it was interesting to learn how to collaborate with others of various ethnicity and characteristics. We were able to learn more about each other.
Ethiopian Civil Service University
Introduction of HWPL Peace Education_Becoming Meterials for Peace
Lesson 1, Original State of All Creation and 6th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace
Wogari Negari (Former Vice President)
The handwritten Peace Letters written by the students will be delivered to the Office of the Prime Minister of Ethiopia. We are eager to adopt ideas from other countries to help bring peace to Ethiopia.
Students
We will apply peace education to fit Ethiopia's local conditions, including localizing HWPL Peace Education textbooks. Since each country will have different contexts and peace formulas, I think we should apply peace textbooks while maintaining Ethiopia's unique values.
HWPL-ESCU Peace Education Training Program
HWPL conducted a peace education training program in collaboration with Ethiopian Civil Service University (ESCU). The event brought together over 300 faculty members and students to commemorate the 9th anniversary of the HWPL Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) and to raise awareness of the roles HWPL and peace citizens play in building sustainable peace.
A student majoring in project leadership and management at ESCU reflected, “Everyone believes that their own path is the only way to achieve peace. However, today’s session helped me understand the perspectives of other peace advocates and the importance of listening to the voices of diverse organizations. Moreover, I deeply realized that peace is not just a necessity, but a precious value that must be realized. I hope there will be more ongoing opportunities to freely discuss peace in the future.”
Kotebe University of Education
3rd Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War
HWPL Peace Education Orientation
Lesson 1, Original State of All Creation
Student
I'm happy to join the Peace Club. The whole class and the learning process were very interesting. Peace education is not going well in Ethiopia. So, I think taking this peace education class will help us develop ourselves and our minds every day. Through this class, we can promote peace in our country.
Yosef Beco Dubi (Professor)
We started it and it was so good. We also posted in our Facebook for our community. This is one point to promote our peace education. The participants are also very much happy. delegation is also a concerned individual for the program. We will strengthen this program.
Bekalu. Atnafu Taye (Professor)
I thought it would be better for more students to participate in the upcoming classes. In the 21st century, where this conflict and debate exists everywhere, peace education is essential. To reduce these conflicts, HWPL's peace education is necessary. This is a timely and necessary lesson.
CPU Business and Information Technology College
HWPL’s 10th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace and the Peace Walk
HWPL’s 10th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace and the Peace Walk was held at CPU College with 117 participants. The event included congratulatory speeches, a peace video screening, a peace letter reading, and MOU signing, and 99 membership applications and DPCW support signatures were collected. In the future, HWPL plans to expand cooperation with youth through peace education and IPYG programs.
MOU-signed Schools
Part 3
Ethiopia’s Journey Toward Peace with HWPL
Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL)
PEACE EDUCATION
HWPL Blood Donation Campaign: Sharing the Gift of Life
HWPL, in collaboration with Positive Peace for ETHIOPIA, Friendship Support Association, Model AU, and Safe Light, organized a blood donation campaign at the Signal Center in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The campaign promoted the value of life and solidarity by encouraging voluntary blood donations to save lives.
Ethiopia Youth Empowerment Peace Workshop
The International Peace Youth Group (IPYG), an affiliate of HWPL, hosted the Ethiopia Youth Empowerment Peace Workshop at CPU Business and Information Technology College. Approximately 80 youths from diverse ethnic backgrounds participated, engaging in activities focused on conflict resolution and fostering harmony. United in the chant “We are One!”, the participants pledged to persistently pursue peace alongside youth worldwide, embracing a spirit of resilience and active commitment.
HWPL International Religious Peace Academy(IRPA)
To promote interreligious understanding and prevent conflicts arising from religious differences, HWPL established the International Religious Peace Academy (IRPA), a platform offering in-depth lectures on various scriptures delivered by religious leaders.
H.E. Sheikh Haji Ibrahim Tufa, President of the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council, was invited to deliver a special lecture on Islam at the HWPL IRPA.
HWPL-African Union(AU) Commission Workshop
A workshop was held at the African Union Commission under the theme “The Role of Faith Communities and Ethical Organizations in Advancing Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations." organized by HWPL, the African Union Citizens and Diaspora Directorate (CIDO) in collaboration with the AU Chaplaincy, Pan African Conference on Ethics and Bioethics (COPAB), Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), Interreligious Association for Peace and Development (IAPD) Africa, and United Religions Initiative (URI).Participants discussed action plans to promote healing and justice in response to historical injustices.
HWPL Briefing Session in Ethiopia
Following the establishment of the HWPL Ethiopia branch office, a special briefing session was held where peace messengers in Ethiopia gathered to reflect on past HWPL activities. The event reinforced their collective commitment to establishing sustainable peace within the country.
"Is there any greater education than creating a better world where we can live, and passing that world on as a legacy to future generations? That is the true meaning of education. All of us living on this Earth today must come together to make this vision a reality. There is no reason why we cannot achieve it. We can."
- Chairman Man Hee-lee, HWPL -
Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) PEACE EDUCATION
