The Liberia Peacebuilding Office (PBO), through its Executive Director, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), a South Korea-based international peace organization.
The exercise is a significant step toward strengthening peace and social harmony in the country.
The official signing ceremony took place over the weekend at the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Monrovia.
During the ceremony, PBO Executive Director Sheikh S. S. Kamara, signed on behalf of the Liberian government, while Jang Semin, Chief Branch Manager of HWPL-Liberia, representing the South Korean organization.
The MoU outlines a mutual commitment to promote peace education across secondary schools in the country to implement coordinated peace project activities nationwide.
The agreement seeks to foster a culture of peace among young Liberians through structured educational programs aimed at building awareness, tolerance, and conflict resolution skills among students.
“This partnership is timely and vital,” said Kamara, adding: “Liberia is still recovering from decades of conflict and fragility, therefore, educating of our young generation concerning the importance of peace and coexistence is critical for sustained national development.”
Kamara then thanked HWPL for identifying Liberia as a priority country in this global peacebuilding mission.
He further described peace education as a must to the cornerstone of the nation’s long-term stability, particularly in light of rising communal tensions and lingering post-conflict divisions.
He noted that the PBO will collaborate closely with relevant stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education and civil society actors, to ensure successful rollout of the peace curriculum in targeted schools.
The PBO, established under the Ministry of Internal Affairs, is the lead government agency responsible for conducting conflict-sensitive policy analysis that addresses the root causes of conflict and enhancing the capacity of local peace structures.
It also facilitates coordination among peacebuilding actors and monitors the cumulative impact of peace efforts nationwide.
Meanwhile, Jang Semin of HWPL, has expressed optimism about the partnership. Jang reiterated HWPL’s commitment to supporting the country’s journey toward lasting peace.
“HWPL is a global non-governmental organization registered in Seoul, South Korea capital. We are committed to building a peaceful global community by empowering citizens, especially the youth through peace education,” he said.
Jang added that the Liberia initiative is part of HWPL’s broader international peace strategy, which includes collaborations in several countries in Africa, Asia, and beyond.
“Liberia,” he said, “is a country with strong potential for transformation, and we are honored to be part of this journey.”
HWPL’s peace education program includes modules on nonviolence, inter-group dialogue, civic responsibility, and the role of youth in national reconciliation.
The initiative also envisions the training of schoolteachers and peer leaders to serve as peace ambassadors in their communities.