Introduction: Ethiopia, opening new horizons for peace
Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) is an international peace non-governmental organization with consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and associated with the UN Department of Global Communications (DGC).
Established in 2013, HWPL proclaimed its goal of ending war and realizing world peace through the “Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW)” drafted in collaboration with international legal experts, and has since carried out peace-building activities globally. Ethiopia, in particular, hosts the headquarters of the African Union (AU), positioning it as a key hub for continental peace-building efforts. At the same time, the country faces prolonged instability and humanitarian crises.
Recognizing Ethiopia’s unique strategic significance, HWPL has pursued the vision of making Ethiopia a hub for African peace activities. HWPL’s efforts go beyond humanitarian aid, incorporating peace education, interfaith dialogue, and legal peace frameworks to drive meaningful change within Ethiopian society.
Trajectory of peace building in Ethiopia: A decade of footsteps
HWPL’s peace activities in Ethiopia trace back even before its official establishment in 2013. A pivotal moment came on December 3, 2012, when HWPL Chairman Man Hee Lee held an exclusive meeting with then-President Girma Wolde-Giorgis (deceased in 2018) at the Presidential Palace in Addis Ababa. Moved by Chairman Lee’s message to transcend national, racial, and religious boundaries for peace and restoration, President Girma expressed strong support for HWPL’s vision and peace efforts.
Building upon this early exchange, HWPL gradually expanded its peace activities in Ethiopia, particularly in light of the country’s multi-ethnic and multi-religious context. A major turning point was the Peace Summit held in Addis Ababa in August 2018, where key figures including former President Negasso Gidada, representatives from 10 universities, the Minister of Education, and 700 university students participated. They expressed support for the DPCW and emphasized the importance of peace education.
On August 16, an ‘Open Dialogue with Religious Leaders’ was held, where 50 religious leaders pledged to conduct regular interfaith dialogues, laying a foundation for religious harmony. In 2024, HWPL established an official branch in Ethiopia, expanding initiatives such as the World Alliance of Religions’ Peace (WARP) Office, interfaith dialogues, and thematic peace academies. Additionally, HWPL signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with 17 Ethiopian universities, including the Ethiopian Civil Service University (ESCU), demonstrating a long-term approach to integrating peace education into the national academic system.
2025: Peace citizenship begins in Oromia
On April 3, 2025, HWPL took its first step in implementing peace education in Ethiopia’s Oromia region through a meeting with Mr. Solomon Mulugeta, principal of Wasarabi Primary School.
During the meeting, an official letter was delivered specifying April 14 as the date to implement peace education. It was agreed to conduct peace education sessions for primary students and to provide follow-up sessions on HWPL’s peace values for teachers. HWPL received a letter of cooperation from a public school in Oromia, which also included a request to collaborate with 37 schools (16 public, 21 private) in the region, indicating strong local anticipation.
Voices from the Field: The spread and challenges of peace education
On April 14, a peace education event was held at Wasarabi Primary School. Thirty students and four teachers participated in the session. Despite language barriers, students actively engaged through Oromia language interpretation. Teachers responded positively, stating, “We could read the yearning for peace in the children’s eyes,” and expressed interest in expanding the program to other age groups. Field challenges such as power shortages that hindered projector use were present, but an HWPL official noted that despite environmental difficulties, the strong enthusiasm of local educators confirmed the potential to expand peace education.
Strategic moves to secure a foothold in Oromia
To secure a stable foothold for peace education in Oromia, HWPL planned to compile a list of public schools and organize the outcomes of education sessions before submitting the results to the Oromia regional headquarters in Sarbet. Sululta High School, recognized as a major hub in Oromia, was selected as the next site for peace education.
On April 28, a peace education class was conducted at Dalota Boru Secondary School with 20 students and 2 teachers participating. Through activities like making peace newspapers and a peace-themed tug-of-war, students learned that peace is not achieved by individual strength alone, but when everyone practices peace with one heart. On May 1, HWPL met with Director Lammi Mardasa of Future Light High School, and peace education was conducted on May 7. An HWPL official emphasized the aspiration to spread the wave of peace education focusing on key schools in the Oromia region.
Steps toward higher institutional cooperation
HWPL pursued cooperation with higher institutions to expand peace education efforts. On June 2, 2025, HWPL met with Dr. Gezu Mosisa, an Oromia education expert and lecturer at a college of social sciences, and agreed to hold a peace education briefing session in Sululta on June 7. Dr. Gezu noted that successful field cases are essential to gain cooperation from higher institutions and suggested an order of collaboration starting with the Oromia Government Education Department, followed by the Shaggar and Sululta Education Departments. HWPL decided to focus on creating practical examples with public school decision-makers attending the June 7 session.
Ethiopia as a hub for African peace: A future vision
HWPL’s vision to make Ethiopia a hub for African peace activities aligns with the African Union’s (AU) Agenda 2063 goals.
HWPL’s focus on youth empowerment and education corresponds with AU’s goals of people-driven development and engaged and empowered youth and children. AU’s declaration of 2024 as the Year of Education and the launch of the Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA) further highlight that HWPL’s initiatives directly support continental education goals.
The DPCW-based Legislate Peace program promotes legal mechanisms for conflict resolution and institutionalizing peace, aligning with AU goals of good governance, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Interfaith efforts through the WARP Office echo AU’s emphasis on ethical and spiritual integration. Youth engagement programs led by the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG) support AU’s various youth development strategies.
HWPL plans to institutionalize partnerships by formalizing MOUs with the Ethiopian Civil Service University and the Ethiopian Religious Council, while also discussing the establishment of a Peace Experts Committee to oversee the localization of the DPCW and interfaith dialogue panels. An HWPL official stated, We are presenting a blueprint for spreading the wave of peace beyond Ethiopia to the entire African continent.
Conclusion: A journey toward sustainable peace
From its early groundwork in 2013 to its intensive engagement in Oromia in 2025, HWPL has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to building peace within a complex social and political environment. Through its multifaceted approach— including the DPCW initiative, WARP Office, peace education, and IPYG activities—HWPL has addressed local needs while aligning with the African Union’s broader peace and development agenda.
The convergence of Ethiopia’s strategic importance and HWPL’s localized strategies positions the country to emerge as a continental peace hub. HWPL’s efforts in securing institutional support, fostering interfaith dialogue, partnering with educational institutions, and empowering youth not only impact Ethiopian communities but also set a precedent for spreading a culture of peace across Africa.
Through institutional partnerships with the Ethiopian government and public agencies, HWPL is laying the foundation for long-term stability and prosperity. Ultimately, HWPL’s initiatives in Ethiopia serve as a beacon for institutionalized peace for the future of the African continent.
BY ZEKARIAS WOLDEMARIAM
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 19, July 2025
