Amid growing ethnic and politico- religious conflicts across the globe, several world leaders gathered here today to seek peace as they called upon governments to back a UN treaty on cessation of wars.
The gathering of religious, political, social and cultural leaders marks the commemoration of the second anniversary of the World Alliance of Religions' Peace (WARP) summit which aims to promote global cooperation for enactment of an international law for world peace.
Meeting under the aegis of Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), an international body engaged in global peace building, the leaders discussed ways to strengthen legislative activities by NGOs, governments and international organisations for bringing world peace by putting an end to ongoing wars.
The assembly was marked by a grand cultural festival of peace organised at the Jamsil Olympic Stadium in south Seoul, where thousands of youth, women, elderly and children joined hands to send a message of peace to the world.
The event assumes significance as it comes close on the heels of a nuclear test by North Korea which is attracting fresh UN sanctions.
The event saw several religious leaders debate the cause of conflicts and ways to address differences arising from these conflicts including from the ones rooted in religion.
They also dwelt on the oneness of religions and the peace seeking elements that bind together all faiths.
Former President of Croatia Ivo Josipovic, former Prime Minister of Armenia Hrant Bagrotyten, Great Supreme Patriarch of the Kingdom of Cambodia Tep Vong and many other religious heads also spoke and pledged their support for world peace and a treaty to stop wars.
On the occasion, children and youth carrying placards mounted an impressive show that brought out the history of the Korean war, Vietnam war as well as World Wars and their consequences for the mankind.
The event sought to bring different religions together by highlighting the high points of scriptures of each and calls upon faith leaders to use their influence to foster peace.
The International Women's Peace Group (IWPG) and the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG), woman and youth specific organisations working in the area are also part of the event.
In his commemorative address, HWPL Chairman Man Hee Lee said, "people of the earth are gathered, as well as the eyes, ears, and hearts of the global community. Let us urge them (heads of state and religious leaders) to sign their support for the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War and let us sign our support as well".
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"This is the way to love the world and all the people, like the light, rain, and air of the heavens. This is true politics and true religion; this is true love and peace," Man Hee Lee said.
The event saw thousands including former presidents, international law experts, religious leaders, youth and women's group leaders from 130 countries in attendance at the stadium which was filled to capacity, indicating interest for the cause of world peace.
The occasion also saw a parade, reminiscent of the Rio Olympics closing ceremony which showcased various themes, countries' national flowers, world traditional dances, royal procession, language masks among others.
Each performer dressed in a variety of costumes and colors according to their theme, and performed various acts like going around the tracks, while the spectators stood up from their seats and danced.
IWPG Chairwoman Nam Hee Kim said, "To speed up the advancement towards an era of peace, I propose a code of conduct to the global community. First, heads of state around the world should become one for peace and support the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War. Second, all the religions of the world should transcend denominations and doctrines to become one for peace".
The highlight of the event was the card section performance by 11,440 IPYG youth members. The performance was the outcome of roughly five months of sweat-stained efforts in scorching weather combined with a genuine longing for peace that resulted in all the spectators being moved to tears.
The performance was split into three scenes: the history and pain of world wars I and II, the peace activities of HWPL for the cessation of war, and the peaceful unification of the two Koreas, all seeking for peace.
The IPYG card section, even from an artistic perspective, received much interest and became a trademark of the WARP summit. At the 2014 WARP summit, HWPL signed on the Agreement to Propose the Enactment of International Law for the Cessation of Wars and World Peace.
In September 2015, HWPL launched the HWPL International Law Peace Committee, which consists of international law scholars, professors and chief justices.
In March of 2016, HWPL proclaimed the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War, along with international law experts from various countries.
Following the Declaration, the Legislate Peace Campaign - a global advocacy movement aimed at establishing international law consistent with the DPCW - has been conducted worldwide.
Since its beginning in March, 535,493 people from 167 different countries have signed their support for the DPCW.
The event has drawn criticism from some in Korea due to the involvement of Lee, the leader of the Shinchonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony (SCJ), one of Korea's controversial religious groups and also described as a cult.
