Choue In-won, the present chairman of the Kyung Hee University System, commeorating the enactment of the Miwon Peace Prize

Photo: Miwon Peace Prize (themiwonprize.org)

In the autumn of 2021, Kyung Hee University (KHU) announced the establishment of the Miwon Peace Prize to commemorate the 100th birth anniversary of its founder and first president, Dr. Choue Young-seek, and his lifelong dedication to world peace. To support this initiative, the Miwon Peace Prize Supporters Association (MPPSA) was founded in November 2022. This year marks the inaugural Miwon Peace Prize Ceremony, which will be held on November 30 at the Grand Peace Hall in the KHU Seoul Campus.

Dr. Choue, the Founder of KHU

Dr. Choue established KHU by taking over Shinheung Junior College, under the guiding philosophy of creating a civilized world and contributing to world peace. In 1951, Dr. Choue articulated his ideology in his book Creating a Civilized World. He further refined his vision in 1979 with the publication of Oughtopia. This philosophy, centered on world peace and a civilized world, stays a foundational principle of KHU. Dr. Choue also made substantial contributions to world peace. In 1965, he co-founded the International Association of University Presidents (IAUP) with other university presidents to foster global academic exchange. At the sixth IAUP Conference in 1981, he proposed the establishment of an International Day of Peace and an International Year of Peace to the General Assembly of the United Nations, a proposal unanimously adopted later that year.

Enactment of the Miwon Peace Prize

The MPPSA highlighted that despite the tireless efforts of Dr. Choue and his students, civilization continues to face crises such as a new Cold War and climate change. In response, the Miwon Peace Prize was established to support and encourage global peace initiatives. The association’s charter specifies that its primary purpose is to recognize and promote the achievements of individuals and organizations striving for world peace and civilizational progress.

The Elders: The First Recipient of the Miwon Peace Prize

On September 20, 2024, at KHU’s Grand Peace Hall, The Elders was named the first recipient of the Miwon Peace Prize. The Elders, an non-governmental organization founded in 2007 by former South African President Nelson Mandela, includes prominent global figures, including United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. KHU recognized The Elders for their unwavering contributions to world peace, addressing issues such as universal human rights, public health, and the climate crisis. Their recent visits to conflict zones to advocate for peace and human rights played a decisive role in their selection. The first Miwon Peace Prize Ceremony was held at KHU’s Grand Peace Hall on November 30.

KHU established the Miwon Peace Prize not only to honor Dr. Choue’s dedication to world peace but also to inspire and support global peace efforts amid ongoing global crises. KHU continues to uphold Dr. Choue’s philosophy through initiatives like the Miwon Peace Prize, which is expected to strengthen international collaboration and recognize outstanding contributions to peace.