May 18th, 2024
In Sacramento and San Francisco, the 11th Annual Peace Walks organized by Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) focused on fostering unity and dialogue in the midst of growing conflicts both globally and locally. The Golden Gate Bridge, I-880, and local universities have been the site of intensifying protests and demonstrations on conflicts in the Middle East.
The HWPL Peace Walks, part of a global initiative spanning over 50 countries, promote peace and highlight the significance of living in harmony and mutual respect. Cultural performances, volunteer events, and donation drives were also hosted over the last 2 weeks to reinforce the importance of understanding and dialogue in creating a peaceful world.
These events aim to inspire individuals to take active roles in their communities to foster peace and understanding. In Sacramento, a city symbolizing governance and community, the peace walk started from the Capitol and stretched past the Tower Bridge. Hundreds of participants, including religious leaders of various faiths, chanted and walked with posters and signs that engaged onlookers with messages about harmony, ending violence, and raising awareness of the role of politicians and religious leaders in achieving peace.
Participants and bystanders were invited to join and contribute to future peace initiatives with HWPL. HWPL is a non-governmental organization associated with the UN Department of Global Communications (DGC) and in Special Consultative Status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
One of HWPL’s most prominent efforts has been the advocacy around the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW). Drafted in 2016, the DPCW is a proposed framework with 10 articles and 38 clauses that aims to prevent armed conflicts and establish peace. HWPL also hosts many workshops and provides practical tools for peacebuilding and conflict resolution. Locally, volunteers with HWPL of Northern California have established partnerships with several public and private schools to teach peace education to the youth.
As HWPL continues to organize peace walks and other activities, the message of unity and reconciliation is spreading around the world. By coming together in these peace walks, participants are not only advocating for peace but also demonstrating the power of collective action in creating a better world.