Lafaek News—Commemoration of meaningful Public Peace Art and introduction of ‘Peace City, Dili’ project, On November 25th, HWPL Unveiling Ceremony of Public Peace Art, organized by the international peace organization HWPL took place at the Xanana Sport Center Event Hall in Dili, Timor-Leste.

This event, orchestrated by HWPL’s Global Peace branch 04, commemorated the completion of the Public Peace Art through the Peace Wall-painting Project.

The ceremony aimed to raise awareness about peacebuilding by introducing upcoming HWPL peace activities and peace initiatives of the ‘Peace City, Dili’ project, scheduled for 2024. Notable government officials, including the Vice Prime Minister, Minister of Youth, Culture, and Arts, Minister of Education, and Minister of Higher Education, participated. Other attendees included education officials from Dili University representatives from FONGTIL and CNJTL organizations, artists from Arte Moris, students from eight universities in Dili, local community members, and 7 media members of the Timor-Leste Press Council.

The successful Peace Wall painting Project, initiated since July, aimed to contribute to the development and peace promotion of Timor-Leste’s local community through Public Peace Art to create the walls as an attractive and meaningful work. Volunteers, including youth, local artists, and university students, collaborated under the theme of “Love Myself, Love Family, Love Country, Love Peace and HWPL” to transform bland city walls into vibrant art spaces reflecting the culture, history, and aspirations of East Timor.

The aesthetic improvement has not only enhanced the city’s overall beauty but also unleashed creativity for urban development, fostering a sense of ownership among community members. Efforts to promote collaboration among students, local artists, and community members have strengthened the sense of unity, enhancing social cohesion in the local community.

During the event, HWPL urged all participants to support the ‘Peace City, Dili’ project in 2024. Participants who expressed their commitment to HWPL’s efforts to achieve peace in Timor-Leste joined HWPL as members and supported the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), proclaimed by HWPL as an international law for achieving peace through the cessation of war.

Looking ahead to 2024, HWPL plans to engage in discussions with local community stakeholders of Timor-Leste to explore avenues for regional development and peace. The organization will continue its collaboration with various community members in Timor-Leste through initiatives like signing MOUs, establishing religious coalition offices, and promoting peace education.