The international peace NGO HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light) marked the 11th anniversary of the 9·18 World Peace Summit with commemorative forums held worldwide, including a citizens’ peace forum in Sakai City, Japan, on October 11. The event followed a similar gathering in Cheongju, South Korea, further expanding cross-border dialogue and cooperation for peace.
Under the theme “What Peace Can We Achieve If We Unite?” the Sakai forum brought together citizens from Japan, Korea, China, and Myanmar—ranging from university students to senior participants. Discussions focused on the practical implementation of peace initiatives, reaching a shared understanding that civil society must play a leading role in realizing lasting peace.
Speakers highlighted pressing social issues and the importance of civic engagement. Miura Shunichi, Vice-Chairman of the Nishinari Kamagasaki Labor Union, raised concerns about the ongoing challenges in Okinawa, where the concentration of U.S. military bases continues to impact local communities. Hiroshima Peace Guide Kitagawa Kazuya shared personal reflections on Japan’s current security tensions, reaffirming his resolve to promote a world without war.
Participants concluded that peace must move beyond slogans and translate into concrete actions. The HWPL Kobe Branch announced plans to develop community-based initiatives that reflect citizens’ voices and create sustainable models of civic participation, fostering a broader and more active peace movement.
