At the 9th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), hosted by HWPL and held across 93 countries, a significant milestone towards Korean Peninsula unification was achieved with the launch of the “Preparatory Committee for the Peaceful Unification of the Korean Peninsula.”
HWPL, headquartered in South Korea, organised the event under the theme “Building Bridges for Korean Reunification: Establishing Legal and Practical Frameworks for Peace.” Drawing around a thousand domestic and international leaders, the gathering outlined a comprehensive roadmap for a nationwide peace and unification initiative.
On 23 March, a commemorative ceremony also took place in Osaka, Japan, where approximately 80 peace activists, citizens, and HWPL members convened to express their collective hope for global peace.
Since its proclamation on 14 March 2016, the DPCW has stood at the core of HWPL’s annual commemorations, with the aim of institutionalising peace through international cooperation.
The event began with an introduction to the significance of the Anniversary Ceremony—originally launched in South Korea—followed by an in-depth explanation of the DPCW’s legal foundation for fostering world peace. Drafted in collaboration with legal experts from 15 countries, the DPCW comprises 10 articles and 38 clauses, outlining principles and mechanisms for conflict prevention, resolution, and the promotion of a peaceful global society. It also details the responsibilities of individuals, communities, and states in securing sustainable peace. Participants gained deeper insights into the DPCW’s relevance and impact on international peacebuilding.
Future activity plans from HWPL’s Kobe and Nagoya branch leaders were also announced, underscoring the organisation’s commitment to expanding its peace network throughout Japan. This reinforced participants’ optimism for further peace-building efforts.
The event featured a membership registration campaign and a petition drive in support of the DPCW. Attendees actively participated by writing and sharing personal messages of peace.
Mr Morimoto Tadanori, Yamato Takada City Representative of the Nara Prefectural Japan–North Korea Friendship Association, remarked:
“It was truly inspiring to witness how people can come together in the shared mission of promoting peace. It would be wonderful to see more young people from Japan actively participating in these events. Their involvement is crucial in shaping a peaceful future for all.”
HWPL plans to actively expand its peace initiatives in Japan and strengthen collaborations with a diverse range of organisations and individuals to further global peace efforts.
