Letters from Youth who Long for Peace Delivered to National Leaders Highlighted at International Peace Youth Group Conference

On 18 February, the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG) held the “2019 Youth Peace Conference” under the theme of “Youth Make Tomorrow: Unity & Harmony” at the International Convention Centre, Cockle Bay room in Sydney, Australia. This event, attended by 45 leaders in politics, education, and youth organizations as well as 350 audience members, was aimed to promote the collaboration of civic groups for the establishment of international law for peace.

The conference began with a congratulatory message from Cr. Stephan Barbour, the Deputy Mayor of North Sydney Council. “I was so surprised that young people are building a foundation for peace in support of the DPCW. I am also very excited to see the scene where the peace letters, which contain the voices of young people for peace, are delivered to the representatives of each country. This is evidence that young people are changing the world,” he said.The “Peace Letter Campaign”, one of the IPYG’s initiatives that aims to create world without war, urges the heads of each state to enact legally binding international law for peace based on the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW). The DPCW consisting of 10 articles and 38 clauses includes provisions to avoid war-related actions and achieve peace and addresses respect on the international law, peaceful dispute settlement, and spreading a culture of peace.

Youth group leaders delivered the peace letters to 30 national leaders including Governor General of Tuvalu. In the speech, H.E. Iakoba Taeia Italeli, Governor General of Tuvalu, replied to the youth by saying, “I have received your hearts through the letters, and will make the best of my efforts to realize the world you dream to come true. I will do my best to encourage the rest of the world to support the DPCW so that we may bring a better future for the youth.”

Chairman Man Hee Lee of HWPL, an international peace NGO of UN ECOSOC, said, “I met leaders of politics, religion, and social groups from all over the world, but no one wanted war. If war does not happen, peace will be achieved. With the principles guaranteeing peace and avoiding conflicts and wars, the DPCW will contribute to the cessation of war, ultimately leading to the world of peace. It will be achieved when every individual of our global society advocates for it. Let us all become one and make peace.”

Mr. Young Min Chung, the General Director of IPYG, emphasized the role of youth in creating peace in this world for the responsibility of future lies in their hands. He also encouraged the participants to join the “Peace Letter Campaign” that will convey their longing for peace to the heads of state as well as their neighboring nations.