HWPL Zambia: From Pieces to Peace… Becoming One Through Dialogue and Art
An interfaith and art-based peace event titled “Art & Peace Talk Zambia: Zambia Moves Us from Pieces to Peace” was held on April 22 at Hillcrest Baptist Church in Ibex Hill, Lusaka.
The event was co-hosted by Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) Zambia Branch and MUZU Arts Collective, with the participation of the National Guidance and Religious Affairs (NGRA), and co-organized by Family Development Initiatives (FDI) and the Zambia Interfaith Networking Group (ZINGO).
In line with the “Brand Zambia Initiative,” launched in March by President Hakainde Hichilema, which emphasizes national unity and social cohesion, the event was held as a participatory program combining dialogue and artistic expression, bringing together religious leaders, youth, and community members. Participants experienced the process of coming together as individual “pieces” to form collective “peace,” while exploring new approaches to sustainable peacebuilding.
The program began with a Collective Peace Artwork activity where participants visually expressed peace. Participation began even before the official program, as attendees filled a large canvas with colors, experiencing the idea of “creating peace together.” In addition, artworks by MUZU Arts Collective and participants were displayed at the venue, allowing attendees to visually engage with the meaning of peace through various pieces.
In the opening remarks, HWPL emphasized that “peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of solidarity, dialogue, and mutual respect,” highlighting the role of art as a tool that transcends language and connects people in the process of building peace.
This was followed by praise and prayer sessions from different religious traditions. Christian choir performances and Islamic nasheed were presented in the same space, demonstrating that despite differences in faith and expression, the shared aspiration for peace can unite people. This moment went beyond a performance, symbolizing harmony among diverse beliefs.
The core session of the event, the interfaith dialogue, featured representatives from Christianity, Islam, Baha’i, and Hinduism, who addressed the question: “What is the key connection that enables people from different backgrounds to become one?”
Sheikh Yussuf Ayami (Islam, Team Leader of Family Development Initiatives) emphasized that universal values such as respect, compassion, and justice—rooted in shared humanity—connect people. Swami Divyabodhananda (Hinduism, Representative of Ramakrishna Vedanta Centre) explained that unity does not require sameness, but arises from a deeper connection, presenting the concept of spiritual oneness beyond religious and cultural differences.
Participants further shared diverse perspectives on the meaning and practice of peace, building consensus across religions and generations. Mr. Victor Kagoli, Director of the Public Health Department of Lusaka City Council and Director of Lusaka City Junior Council, highlighted that peace is a key determinant of community health, stating that “communities that are united, inclusive, and respectful are healthier and more resilient.”
Since 2017, HWPL has continued interfaith dialogue through its World Alliance of Religions’ Peace Office, building a foundation for cooperation among religions. This event demonstrated the potential of a new form of peace activity that incorporates art, serving as an opportunity for a culture of peace to spread throughout Zambian society beyond religion and community boundaries.
