Conference Empowered a New Generation of Peacebuilders
May 27, 2025
MONICA KAYOMBO, Lusaka
TO mark the Africa Freedom day which was commemorated on May 25, this year, International Peace Youth Group (IPYG) in Zambia hosted by Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) held a youth conference in Lusaka to appreciate the courageous strides Africa has made towards attaining independence.
Over 200 IPYG Zambia Youth Leaders, civic organisations and senior Government officials gathered to attend the Peace Conference hosted by HWPL and its youth affiliate, the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG), in partnership with the Lusaka City Council and co-organized with seven youth-led organizations representing environmental, educational, and civic youth networks, the eventamplified a unified voice for peace.
“This conference was part of HWPL’s 12 th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration
of World Peace, launched in 2013 by Chairman Man Hee Lee in South Korea,’’ the statement reads in part.The statement read that in 2025, events were held in 94 locations across 61 countries involving over 10,000 global participants, affirming the continued relevance of youth-led peace action.
Held under the theme “Youth Make the Peace Flow,” the event marked the official
launch of the Youth Engagement camp; Peacebuilding Working Group (YEPW), a
national initiative in Zambia with a vision to grow into a global youth peace network.
The first cohort of YEPW members was introduced, and over 50 youth organizations
were formally affiliated into IPYG, international youth peace network, signaling the beginning of a unified platform for youth-led peacebuilding in the country.
The program featured testimonies from youth representatives on choosing peace
through personal purpose and cultural heritage, followed by a symbolic Unity Board
Signing Ceremony affirming their commitment to peace. Junior councilors from
Lusaka’s 38 wards presented creative “Ward Branding” campaigns, highlighting their visions for peaceful, engaged communities. The event also included cultural
performances from local school and university groups and concluded with
networking session where participants co-developed action plans for community
peace initiatives.
Representing Deputy Mayor of Lusaka, Ketty Nanyangwe, Mr. Victor Kagoli of the Lusaka City Council emphasized the importance of youth in sustaining peace and national development.“We would love to see young people flourish in a nation where there is peace and truth… You are a valuable energy toward making Zambia a peaceful country and a beacon of development in Africa.
Zango Foundation President Senika Banda Cheta, delivered a compelling address titled “Choosing Peace Through Purpose,” urging young people to view volunteering not merely as service, but as a powerful investment in themselves and a pathway to leadership.
In addition, Mr. Simate Simasiku from Youth For Peace.
Zambia highlighted the global significance of the philosophy of humanism as inspired by Zambia’s founding Father and late Dr Kenneth Kawanda in 1964.
She said Dr Kaunda He stressed the importance of embracing diversity and unity to build a culture ofpeace, urging young people to overcome divisions and work together through alliances to promote lasting peace.
The event emphasized the rising role of Zambian youth in global peacebuildingefforts and reaffirmed HWPL’s commitment to legal, educational, and interfaithapproaches to sustainable peace. Through such initiatives, HWPL continues to buildcollaborative partnerships that empower youth across Africa and beyond to becomekey actors for peace in their communities.
