More than 100 community and religious leaders gathered at the CUNY School of Law to commemorate the ninth anniversary of an international law for peace developed by Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), an international peace NGO with United Nations consultative status.
The event, co-hosted by multiple religious and community organizations, focused on HWPL's legal framework promoting religious freedom, peaceful coexistence, and a global culture of peace. Specifically, the commemoration highlighted articles 8-10 of the organization's international peace law, which was originally proclaimed on March 14, 2016.
HWPL's legal framework aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 16 and 17, which aim to promote peaceful societies and encourage global partnerships for sustainable development. The New York event featured performances by HWPL volunteers and representatives from United Sikhs and the Hindu Temple Society of North America.
HWPL Chairman Lee Man-hee, whose remarks were shared during the event, emphasized the critical importance of collaborative efforts toward peace. 'There are things that humanity needs to keep to protect peace,' Lee stated. 'If we don't work for it, who will? So even religions, we should all transcend different authorities and differences but work together as brothers and family for the shared goal of peace.'
The New York commemoration was part of a global series of events marking the anniversary, with the main event taking place in Cheongju, South Korea. By bringing together diverse religious and community leaders, the event underscored the potential for interfaith dialogue and cooperation in addressing global challenges.
