BY ANIS HIPNI & LAKESH KUMAR
KUCHING: In a commitment to a harmonious future, many youngsters and students gathered for the ‘Let’s Walk for Peace, Steps of Peace: Walk for Unity’ event, held in conjunction with Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light’s (HWPL) 12th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace on May 25.
The event took place at the waterfront here, with the scenic route guiding walkers from the Amphitheatre to Pangkalan Sapi.
The event was organised in collaboration with HWPL Malaysia, the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG), and i-CATS University College, Kuching (i-CATS).
The event not only symbolised unity but also served as a call to action for peace and non-violence amid ongoing global conflicts.
Batu Kitang Assemblyman, Datuk Lo Khere Chiang; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Industry & Community Engagement) of i-CATS, Dr Leo Sing Lim; HWPL Malaysia President, Ning Bong; and Secretary of Brahma Kumaris, Amanda Lee, also attended the peace walk as distinguished guests.
In her opening speech, Ning reminded the youngsters and students that peace begins with individual responsibility and community effort.
“Peace is not passive. It is active, intentional and begins with each of us,” she said.
“Unity is not about sameness but about mutual respect, inclusivity and shared progress.”
Lo, in his speech, highlighted the importance of fostering unity and peace within the community, especially among youngsters.
“You are not only the leaders of tomorrow; you are the voices, the hearts, and the change-makers of today,” he said.
“Harmony doesn’t mean we all look the same or think the same; it means we respect those differences.”
He also noted that the event was more than just an annual celebration; it was a call to action.
“Every great movement in history started with one person who chose to stand up,” he said.
Following that, Leo also highlighted the critical role of education in fostering not only academic excellence but also the values of peace and compassion.
“Through programmes like this, we offer our students not just knowledge, but the opportunity to grow as responsible and empathetic individuals and leaders who will shape a more peaceful and inclusive world,” he said.
He also noted that the diversity of youth present was a powerful reminder of the nation’s shared values.
“The presence of so many youths from diverse backgrounds is a powerful reminder that peace, unity and mutual respect are values we all hold dear,” he said.
