HWPL: A model of powerful youth engagement

With over 60% of the youth population in Asia, HWPL youth engagement in the region has grown from humble beginnings to hosting one of the largest international peace walks in Korea and peace resolution agreements in Philippines. Notable endeavors that have marked the growth of HWPL peace campaigns in Asia have been the International Peace Walk in the Seoul Olympic Park in South Korea, held on May 25th, 2013 that brought together over 30,000 persons and 262 youth organizations from all over the world.

Following the first International Peace Walk in South Korea, students in the Philippines also hosted a peace walk in Mindanao, declaring their desire for an end to the religious violence between the Islam and Catholic populations in the Mindanao region. Through the youth’s passionate engagement, a peace resolution promising peaceful relations between both Islam and Catholic groups was reached between leaders.

Special Activity

The Mindanao Peace Agreement

THE PHILIPPINES, CONCLUSION OF THE PEACE AGREEMENT THAT HAS ENDED ITS 40-YEAR CIVIL WAR

“Why must we fight another and be divided like this? The reason I am meeting with presidents and dignitaries is to sign an agreement to stop war once and for all. I am also meeting with religious leaders, because it is our responsibility to be a light to this world”

- HWPL’s Chairman Lee in an interview with Philippines National Broadcast (PTV)

In southern Philippines, the continuing conflict between government and Muslim insurgents has resulted in the displacement of approximately 80,000 residents, whilst the rising death toll is quickly approaching triple digits. To address this, HWPL led a peace walk on January 24th, 2014 in the conflict-stricken island of Mindanao, Philippines, along with the University of Mindanao, youth associations, mayors, and religious leaders of the Philippines. Thereafter, HWPL mediated a forum between Fernando Capalla, the former Catholic archbishop of Mindanao Davao, and Esmael Mangudadatu, the Governor of Maguindanao (an Islamic autonomous district in Mindanao) – an unprecedented meeting in light of the 40-year long conflict between Catholics and Muslims in that region.