Successful End to 1st ‘365 Peace Relay Speech’: ‘One-Minute Voices, 6 Nations United in Peace’
Citizens from 6 Nations Scarred by Armed Conflict, Spreading Peace Messages
The first cohort of the global citizen-participatory campaign “365 Peace Relay Speech,” hosted by HWPL, successfully concluded in May.
Citizens from six countries — Timor-Leste, Cameroon, South Sudan, Rwanda, Somalia, and Germany — participated in the campaign, and about 50 peace speech videos were released through the official Instagram account (@hwpl_365_peace_speeches).
All six participating countries share histories marked by war and conflict.
Timor-Leste achieved independence after a long struggle, and Cameroon, South Sudan, and Somalia continue to face instability rooted in ongoing armed conflicts and civil wars. In addition, Rwanda’s reconstruction process, rising from the tragedy of the genocide, is regarded as a symbol of reconciliation and coexistence, and Germany’s reunification—achieved by overcoming division—is evaluated as a prime example of national integration.
All countries to which the participants belong have suffered massive loss of life from bloodshed amidst civil wars and conflicts, making them deeply aware of the value of life and the vital importance of peace. The campaign held great meaning in that citizens from various countries with distinct histories and realities came together to speak with one voice for peace.
Participants delivered one-minute speeches on one of the following themes: ▲individual efforts for peace ▲the five core values of peace (gratitude, forgiveness, consideration, sacrifice, and respect) ▲the impact of war on people’s lives. Despite the short speech, the heartfelt messages drawn from each participant’s personal experiences resonated widely beyond borders.
Embodying the spirit of the Olympic torch relay, the campaign is designed to naturally spread solidarity for peace as each voice ignites the next. It also conveyed the idea that peace is achieved not by a single person, but through responding to and connecting with one another’s voices.
With only a smartphone and social media access, participants can join regardless of time or location, making peace messages more accessible and relatable in everyday life. In essence, it is a grassroots peace movement created directly by ordinary citizens rather than experts or institutions.
Renato Unamet de Jesus, a teacher from Timor-Leste, reflected, “Through this campaign, I was able to connect with people from different countries who share the same hope for a more peaceful world. As a teacher, I believe spreading peace and understanding can inspire the next generation to build a better future.”
Saanoui Callistus Befouti, an elementary school principal from Cameroon, also said, “Participating in the 365 Peace Speech was a valuable opportunity to speak about the importance of peace and the value it brings in contrast to war.”
‘When one-minute voices come together, they create a peace that changes the world!’
The second cohort of the “365 Peace Relay Speech” is set to begin this coming June, and its theme is ‘gratitude.’ This campaign stems from the awareness that our lives are built upon the devotion of others. This insight naturally fosters gratitude that translates into respect for one another, laying the foundation for peaceful solidarity with those around us.
It is open to anyone, regardless of nationality and age, and participants can join by giving a one-minute video containing their own peace message. Under the powerful belief that “the peace we enjoy is ultimately created by our own hands,” each citizen’s participation is expected to contribute to building a truly peaceful world. Those who wish to join this global relay of peace can participate by simply scanning the QR code or emailing their speech video to peace.edu_gn@hwpl.kr.
