Zambia’s Peace Education Achievement Takes Center Stage at 11th HWPL World Peace Summit

Zambia’s peace education and youth-led initiatives presented as a model for Africa’s peace leadership.

Cheongju and Seoul, Republic of Korea – September 18–20, 2025 – The 11th HWPL World Peace Summit convened over 800 leaders from governments, international organizations, and civil society across two venues in Cheongju and Seoul. Hosted by Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), an international peace NGO dedicated to global peace and cessation of war, the summit showcased global peace initiatives with a particular focus on Zambia’s success in institutionalizing peace education and implementing youth-led community action programs.

Zambia Leads Africa in Peace Education Integration

Zambia has become a leading example in integrating peace education into national curricula. The Ministry of Education in Zambia has adopted HWPL’s Peace Education program in schools across Lusaka, with plans for nationwide expansion.

Mr. Ian Miyoba, Principal Education Officer at the Ministry of Education, said, “Through peace education, we are amplifying citizens’ voices for peace and fostering a culture of respect and responsibility. It addresses critical issues such as child rights violations, early marriage, and drug use, creating tangible change in communities. This is what makes HWPL Peace Education so effective and suitable for Zambia.”

Youth-Led Peace Initiatives Drive Community Change

The 2025 International Youth Peace Conference emphasized the role of young people in driving community-level change. Mr. Andrew Junior Mwima, President of Chreso Youth United Nations Association (Chreso YUNA), stated, “Peace is not passive. It begins with action.”

Through the Youth Empowerment Peace Class (YEPC), over 100 young Zambians took ownership of community change. They launched the “Clean Up, Crime Down” campaign to restore order, inspire civic pride, and reduce crime in Lusaka. Today, 38 youth committees serve as official peace ambassadors, supported by peace signboards inscribed with Articles 5, 9, and 10 of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), reminding residents that peace is a shared responsibility.

Collaborative Leadership Strengthens Local Peace Efforts

At the HWPL Global 08 Branch Conference, local leaders highlighted collaborative efforts between civil society and municipal authorities. Dr. Charles Ndakala, Director of the Curriculum Development Centre, emphasized that education and moral values are essential for fostering a sustainable culture of peace.

Mr. Victor Kagoli, Director of Public Health at Lusaka City Council, noted the city’s support for youth-led initiatives, including the Crime Free Zone Lusaka Project, and partnerships with HWPL and IPYG.

New Peace Ambassadors Appointed to Expand Advocacy

The conference featured the appointment of two new HWPL Publicity Ambassadors to strengthen peace advocacy through media and civic engagement. Mr. Joseph Phiri, producer at Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC), and Mr. Andy Vermaut, founder of Fundamental Rights Movement PostVersa, were recognized for their commitment to advancing peace through responsible journalism and advocacy.

Sign for Her Campaign Addresses Girls’ Education and Health

The summit hosted the Sign for Her Campaign Launching Ceremony, a joint initiative addressing girls’ menstrual health and school retention by integrating health and education programs. The campaign provides school-based menstrual health education, reusable sanitary pad production and distribution, support for girls returning to school, and awareness of Zambia’s Children’s Code Act (2022).

Sheikh Yussuf Ayami, Director of Family Development Initiatives, emphasized that ensuring girls can continue their education is not only a health issue but a matter of social equity and national development, calling on religious leaders to raise their voices on pressing social challenges.

Regional Partnerships Expand Peace Initiatives

In addition to Zambian participants, Mr. Solomon Madalitso Mlinda, Programme Officer for Youth Engagement, Leadership, and Inclusion at the National Youth Council of Malawi, joined the summit. An MOU signing between HWPL and Malawi’s National Youth Council formalized cooperation on youth-led peace initiatives across the region.

During the African Countries Networking Session, representatives from Zambia and Malawi shared strategies for advancing peace at both national and community levels.

Zambia Presented as Model for African Peace Leadership

Concluding the conference, Mr. Joung Il Choi, Chief Director of the HWPL Global 08 Branch, emphasized that peace is achieved through action. Highlighting Zambia’s “Clean Up, Crime Down” campaign, interfaith cooperation, and peace education, he presented Zambia as a model for Africa’s peace leadership.

“Zambia shows us that peace begins in classrooms, communities, and dialogue, offering inspiration beyond Africa,” he noted.

The 11th HWPL World Peace Summit demonstrated that sustainable peace requires collaboration across generations, sectors, and borders. Zambia’s achievements in peace education, youth-led initiatives, and community campaigns provide a model for other African countries and the wider world, inspiring collective action toward a culture of peace across the continent