Tag: InternationalNews

Click this link to watch the video

The sessions, conducted on March 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th, included parent education sessions on the first two dates and youth health education on the latter two. The goal was clear: to equip parents and youth with the necessary knowledge and skills to promote peace and become leaders in their communities.

The International Peace Youth Group (IPYG) is a youth organization under the Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) organization. IPYG has designed NGO-led informal education programs to address the lack of educational opportunities faced by youth worldwide, ensuring accessibility to citizens worldwide, including youth.

Initially, through IPYG Youth Empowerment Peace Workshops, opinions were gathered from youth worldwide regarding the education they require. Subsequently, HWPL peace education, global citizenship education, youth health education, and parent education courses were established through the IPYG IPYG Youth Empowerment Peace Class platform. This initiative has been ongoing since 2021, spanning four years.

In many countries across Africa, autocrats continue to seize power, and coups and civil wars persist. The continent grapples with harsh environments, political instability, as well as ethnic and religious conflicts. The conflicts destroyed most of the economic, social, and intellectual foundation and led to the emergence of a generation that grew up without parents.

This generation is having difficulty in educating their children because they have no educational experience from their parents, and there is no place to learn for them, so improving the educational environment for their children remains an unresolved challenge.

James Ochuho who attended this event from South Sudan said “I believe that YEPC education is crucial for young people, especially Parent Education, which is immensely beneficial for both current and prospective parents. Positive discipline is to propose a role and to allow choices rather than one-sided commands, so it it very helpful in actual discipline”

Chairman of HWPL says that “We can see that peace starts from family. Therefore, we need fine education in families. When we can foster our children so that this word becomes one with their flesh and bone. I am sure we can make world peace together.”

Parent education was divided into two parts, along with the vision that teaching love, peace, and respect at home will lead children to embrace the values of peace and contribute to building a peaceful world. In the first session, participants learned about positive discipline techniques that can enhance children’s self-esteem. The second session focused on applying these techniques through case studies and role-playing exercises, providing an opportunity to gain deeper insights into understanding children.

Following IPYG’s parent education, the next two weeks focused on youth empowerment and health education. In the first session of youth health education, participants learned about skills and leadership necessary to live as global citizens. The second session covered topics such as drug abuse and smoking, emphasizing Youth Health Education to protect the health of young people.

Audace Musoni from Rwanda said “The ‘Power of Youth’ education was particularly impactful. Reflecting on examples of servant leadership, I pondered on what kind of individuals are truly needed in this era. It would be beneficial to extend this education to more young people.”

African youth realized that the most significant positive change they can make as young individuals is to end wars and pass on peace to future generations. They aspire to grow as leaders of peace, spreading a culture of peace alongside IPYG.

HWPL aims to continue its parent education efforts in Africa, emphasizing the need for active involvement and efforts from local educators, youth group leaders, and volunteers to ensure sustainable progress.

Click this link to watch the video

Xi congratulated Prabowo on winning the election and asked Prabowo to relay sincere greetings and best wishes to President Joko Widodo.

Recalling the rapidly developing and fruitful bilateral ties over the past decade under the guidance of the two heads of state, Xi said both sides have made the Jakarta-Bandung High-speed Railway an exemplar of high-quality bilateral cooperation and entered a new stage of building a community with a shared future.

China views its relations with Indonesia from a strategic and long-term perspective, and is willing to deepen all-round strategic cooperation with Indonesia, Xi said.

He said China will work with Indonesia to build a China-Indonesia community with a shared future that has regional and global influence, so as to bring more benefits to the two peoples and contribute to regional and world peace, stability and prosperity.

Xi said the key to successful China-Indonesia relations is to adhere to strategic independence, mutual trust and mutual assistance, win-win cooperation, and fairness and justice.

Xi said China and Indonesia are both representatives of major developing countries and emerging markets. In the past, the two countries have always supported each other in the cause of national independence and development, he said, while in the future, the two countries should also unite in good faith to set an example of win-win cooperation and shared development, and become a pacesetter for South-South cooperation.

The two sides should firmly follow the development path suited to their own national conditions, firmly support each other in safeguarding sovereignty, security and development interests, and understand and support each other on issues concerning each other’s core interests and major concerns, according to Xi.

Xi said China is willing to maintain close exchanges with Indonesia, share experience on governance, strengthen synergy of development strategies, further promote the construction of the “Two Countries, Twin Parks” and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Corridor, and continue to deepen maritime cooperation.

He added that China is ready to strengthen cooperation with Indonesia on poverty reduction and eradication, and provide support in this regard.

Noting that at present, momentous changes not seen in a century are accelerating across the world, Xi said the two sides should actively practice the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, vigorously promote the Bandung spirit of solidarity, friendship and cooperation, promote an equal and orderly multi-polar world and inclusive economic globalization that benefits all, strengthen multilateral coordination, and safeguard the common interests of developing countries.

Xi said China is ready to work with Indonesia to uphold ASEAN unity and centrality, maintain an open and inclusive regional architecture, and build a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future.

Prabowo conveyed President Joko Widodo’s sincere greetings to Xi, and said he is delighted to make China the first country he visits after being elected.

China is a major influential country, and the two countries always respect each other and treat each other as equals, he added.

He expressed admiration for the great achievements made by the Chinese people under the leadership of President Xi. He said he is willing to learn from the experience of the Communist Party of China and deepen exchanges on governance.

Prabowo noted that China is a strong partner of Indonesia, and Chinese enterprises have participated in-depth in Indonesia’s economic growth and contributed to Indonesia’s national development in recent years.

He said that he supports the development of a closer relationship with China and will continue the country’s friendly policy toward China, adhere to independence and stick to the one-China policy that is always pursued by the Indonesian government.

Prabowo added that Indonesia and China will firmly support each other’s core interests, promote the comprehensive and high-quality development of bilateral relations, and implement the important consensus of building a community of shared future between the two countries.

The new Indonesian government is willing to actively strengthen the alignment of the development strategies of the two countries and push for more cooperation results in various fields such as economy, trade and poverty alleviation to further benefit the two peoples, Prabowo said.

He said he appreciated that China has always upheld fairness and justice in international affairs, especially on the Palestinian question, adding that Indonesia is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with China on international and regional affairs, and make a greater contribution to South-South cooperation.

Recognizing this dire reality, Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), an international peace NGO, held its 8th annual commemoration of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) on March 14th at its peace training institute in Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.

The event’s theme resonated deeply: “Building the Minds of Peace: Promoting Institutional Peace via Intercultural Dialogue and Understanding.”

Since the DPCW’s proclamation on March 14, 2016, HWPL has consistently held annual commemorative ceremonies to advocate for the institutionalization of peace.

This year, the event gathered about 12,500 distinguished experts from diverse fields – political, legal, religious, educational, media, and representatives from women and youth sectors – both online and in person.

Among participants, about 10,000 HWPL members moved in an orderly manner under the guidance of staff and filled the commemorative ceremony venue.

Drafted in collaboration with international legal specialists from 15 countries, the DPCW comprises 10 articles and 38 clauses. It outlines the principles and tools necessary to prevent and resolve conflicts, cultivate a peaceful global society, and defines clear roles for individuals, communities, and nations in achieving lasting peace.

In his congratulatory speech, Vidura Wickramanayaka, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs of Sri Lanka, said, “The commitment and dedication shown in the pursuit of peace projects have not only been commendable but have also laid the foundation for a more harmonious world. The tireless efforts of individuals and organizations working towards the common goal of ending war and fostering understanding among nations are truly inspiring.”

As President of the Daegak Buddhism Jogye Order in South Korea, Ven. Beopsan who has been participating in interreligious dialogue for nine years, emphasized the importance of religious leaders’ participation in peacebuilding efforts including comparative study of scriptures. He said, “Intercultural dialogue and understanding can be found at HWPL’s World Alliance of Religions’ Peace Office. The root of religion is one and its meaning is a truly noble value.”

Having pointed out that conflicts caused by religion have threatened global peace, Chairman Man-hee Lee of HWPL said, “Different religions should come together, learn each other’s values and become one by comparative study on scriptures. Religious communities should practice faith based on scriptures, so they can live with humanity on this earth. We must create a world where people communicate, cooperate, and help each other regardless of religion,”

Lastly, the ceremony concluded with a variety of performances depicting the journey of peace. During the performance, there was a session where the contents of Article 10, 38 clauses of the DPCW were explained through performance, and expressed an image of a paradise filled with flowers where peace was achieved.

Kolle George Nkume, station Manager of Cameroon Radio Television (CRTV) Mount Cameroon Fm Buea, who attended this event emphasized the importance of intercultural dialogue in effectively promoting peace by saying “Institutional peace must reflect societal demands, it must reflect the culture of the society, and it must reflect the ideas of the society.”

IGIHE journalist Théophile Niyitegeka agreed with the theme of this event, emphasizing the importance of intercultural exchange in promoting peace within society and institutions.

He highlighted the significance of cultural dialogue in fostering institutional peace, stating, ” Intercultural exchange is paramount in promoting peace in societies and institutions. Development can only be attained by turning cultural differences into solutions for people to usher themselves into a shared future and promote peaceful coexistence”

HWPL is actively engaging in various peace initiatives in Thailand to improve the negative perceptions of the southernmost region. Efforts include the Pattani Eco Project aimed at boosting the economy of southern Thailand by transforming it into a tourist destination, as well as conducting cultural exchange programs and human rights webinars.

These activities seek to motivate individuals to recognize the importance of youth empowerment and HWPL’s peace activities, fostering collaboration towards the establishment of peace-promoting international laws. Through such endeavors, HWPL is striving to achieve institutional peace, with expectations for further initiatives to enhance the perception of the southernmost region and realize peace within Thailand.

The armed attacks in Burkina Faso have persisted since 2015, resulting in an estimated 20,000 casualties and over 2 million displaced individuals. Since 2019, HWPL has been tirelessly striving for peace, starting with the Peace Summit held in Waga-Dugu, Burkina Faso.

The proactive support from Burkina Faso’s public institutions, as highlighted in the book “The Truth of HWPL: Cessation of War and Peace,” is eagerly anticipated. This book introduces Article 38 of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), authored by renowned international legal experts, advocating for a pragmatic approach towards sustainable peace through conflict prevention, mediation, and resolution.

The expectation is that such efforts in Burkina Faso will lead to the institutionalization of global peace, with HWPL leading the way through its vigorous activities.

Fretting about the monopolization of democratic values by the West, especially the United States, participants at the third International Forum on Democracy: The Shared Human Values called for cross-border dialogue and respect for political diversity.

AILING WESTERN DEMOCRACY

“The glorious season in which the democratic principle was ‘one head, one vote’” has gone, and the new principle is “one dollar, one vote,” said Massimo D’Alema, former prime minister of Italy.

He warned that modern media control enables overpowering money to manipulate political opinion.

D’Alema was one of many speakers who expressed concerns about money politics. Anthony Carty, an Irish professor of international law, told Xinhua that widespread “financial plutocrats” across Europe and North America have corrupted media and politics to serve their interests, leading to distrust between the public and the political sector.

Inequality poses another major threat to Western democracy. Citing a survey from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, Georgios Katrougkalos, former Greek foreign minister, said that today majorities in all Western countries believe that their governments are not acting to promote the general interest but to “promote the interests of the wealthy and the powerful.”

However, despite the “ubiquitous, pathetic scenes” of illicit drug abuse, street vagabonds and looting of shops in U.S. cities, “the bipartisan legislators on the Capitol Hill seem to remain unperturbed,” said Ong Tee Keat, former deputy speaker of the lower house of the Malaysian Parliament.

D’Alema said Western countries should rebuild democracy with public policies that can relieve inequality and social injustice and limit the power of money.

For his part, former Peruvian Foreign Affairs Minister Cesar Landa underlined the risk of social networks to Western democracy, as social networking platforms can be used “to manipulate voters, sometimes in an emotional and irrational way.”

“Given the manipulation of personal data in the last U.S. election campaign, there is serious concern in the world that the elections could be won not by the candidates with the best policy proposals, but by those who use and control technology,” he said.

WEST-MONOPOLIZED DEMOCRACY

Despite their deteriorating systems, some countries continue to wave democracy as a flag against other countries, trying to build a “new Berlin Wall,” said D’Alema.

Electoral democracy is widely touted as a West creation and has ever since been made “the one-size-fits-all benchmark” for democratic rule worldwide, which is a “fallacy,” said Ong.

“The cohesive transplant of electoral democracy, either through military intervention or brutal regime change, as was initiated by Washington in the developing world, has only added more failed states and ensuing humanitarian disasters to the lists,” he said.

“Everywhere they’ve applied this system, it led to chaos,” British economist John Ross told Xinhua, noting that U.S. attempts to impose so-called democracy in Iraq and Libya have caused hundreds of thousands of deaths and a destabilized Middle East.

“You cannot impose a system from the outside for a very good reason because the main factor in any country is always domestic,” said Ross, also a former director of economic and business policy for the mayor of London.

The underlying intention of the United States, Ong said, is to use democracy as a weapon “against geopolitical challenges, or potential adversaries in the global power play.”

Western countries underwent a long “peculiar historical process” in democracy, which is precisely why the West should see that its model “cannot be exported and imposed in other parts of the world, as the experiences in Afghanistan or Iraq or in the Middle East have shown again in recent years,” said D’Alema.

HARMONIZING DIFFERENCES THROUGH DIALOGUE

With diverse levels of modernization and development, trajectories of nation-building, and history of nationhood across the developing world, the practice of democracy varies, which, nevertheless, has “consistently been the blind spot” of the developed West, said Ong.

For instance, China has “a better system for hearing the people and a better system for responding to them,” said Stephen Perry, president emeritus of Britain’s 48 Group Club.

“Chinese democracy and governance works. We should be studying in China, not trying to lecture China,” he said.

Participation and governance matter most regardless of form in the practice of democracy, said Ong.

Peter Mwangi Kagwanja, president of the Africa Policy Institute, said the international community is calling for a more multipolar world given the “glaring democracy deficit.”

For democratic global governance, an equal multipolar world requires “equal rights, equal opportunities and equal rules for every nation” and countries that “are not grouped according to their strength,” he said.

Essam Sharaf, former prime minister of Egypt, called for mutual learning, dialogue and inclusiveness among civilizations to tackle global challenges.

“We can break cultural barriers by harmonizing differences,” Sharaf said. “Different colors and shapes ended up with one beautiful painting.”

Click this link to watch the video

Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, attended the opening ceremony and delivered a keynote speech.

Over 200 guests from various countries, regions and international organizations engaged in discussions on topics including “Democracy and Modern Governance,” “Democracy and the Rule of Law in the Digital Times,” “AI and the Future of Democracy” and “Democracy and Global Governance in a Multipolar World.”

They agreed that democracy is a significant sign of the progress of human civilization, and is what the CPC and the Chinese people have consistently been pursuing.

After long exploration, China has carved out a democratic development path with Chinese characteristics, which has safeguarded the democratic rights of over 1.4 billion Chinese people, and provided strong support for advancing the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization, according to the guests.

Noting that democracy is a common value of all mankind, the guests called for full respect for developing countries’ efforts to pursue, develop and realize democracy, and voiced their opposition to the acts of triggering division, spreading prejudice and undermining peace in the name of democracy.

The forum was hosted by the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council Information Office, and co-organized by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, the China Media Group and the China International Communications Group.

Click this link to watch the full video

Click this link to watch the video