By Staff Reporter
THE Southern African branch of Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) hosted the 11th Anniversary Commemoration of the HWPL World Peace Summit on October 11, 2025, in Cape Town, South Africa, to strengthen citizen-led peacebuilding efforts.
The Southern African branch of Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) brought together hundreds of community members, policymakers, youth, women, and faith leaders in Cape Town for the regional commemoration of the 11th Anniversary of the HWPL World Peace Summit. The event, held on October 11, 2025, reaffirmed the region’s commitment to advancing peace through grassroots participation and collaborative action.
Held under the theme “Citizen-led Institutionalization of Peace in Southern Africa’s Evolving Landscape,” the gathering emphasized the importance of community-driven approaches in addressing persistent social challenges such as youth unemployment, gender-based violence, inequality, and unrest. The commemoration followed the global summit in Cheongju, Republic of Korea, where over 800 international delegates including representatives from Southern Africa came together to discuss sustainable peace initiatives.
The Cape Town event attracted more than 280 participants, including government officials, educators, traditional and religious leaders, and media representatives. It featured peace reports, inspiring testimonies, and a panel discussion that explored the role of citizens in peacebuilding. One of the major highlights was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between HWPL and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, marking a new milestone in interfaith collaboration for peace in the region.
Speakers and panelists stressed the need to strengthen youth leadership through the International Peace Youth Group, increase women’s participation in conflict resolution via the International Women’s Peace Group, and expand peace education programs in schools and communities. The event also advanced the Legislate Peace campaign, which advocates for embedding peace and human rights principles within national legal systems to ensure long-term stability.
Mrs. Noangelina Debeshe, Principal of Morifi Community High School in Lesotho, expressed how HWPL’s peace education initiatives have transformed her school and surrounding community. “Gatherings like these empower educators to take information back to our schools and our country too,” she said. “The HWPL curriculum has transformed our school and even the village around us. Fights and conflict have stopped. I wish all schools could realise the value of peace education it truly changes students and communities.”
As the commemoration concluded, participants reaffirmed their dedication to peace by pledging to strengthen partnerships across borders and sectors. They committed to enhancing youth engagement, empowering women, promoting inclusive dialogue, and advancing peace education at all levels.
The Cape Town commemoration of the HWPL World Peace Summit not only celebrated 11 years of global peace advocacy but also reignited Southern Africa’s vision for unity and community-led transformation. The event served as a powerful reminder that sustainable peace begins with ordinary citizens working together, fostering understanding, and shaping a future built on cooperation and compassion.
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