Women aspiring for world peace amidst continuous wars and conflict came together to share their experiences of peace activities and renew their determination and commitment toward world peace. International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG, Chairwoman Hyun Sook Yoon) held the 2024 International Women’s Peace Conference at Kensington Resort in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi-do province on September 19.

This conference was held under the theme “Female Leaders Acting Upon Peace,” a place for women to share the most latest examples of peace activities in their communities to ultimately bring an end to war. IWPG introduced its peace achievements, much more fruitful compared to last year, and encouraged the participation of everyone. 

 In her opening remarks, IWPG Chairwoman Hyun Sook Yoon said, “‘Implementation’ is crucial for peace to be realized into practical institutions and culture. If people from all sectors of society fulfill their role, peace can be achieved. Please always think, ‘What can I do at this moment for peace?’” 

 The conference was divided into two parts: “Why should women engage in peace activities?” and “Practicing Peace: Women becoming the leaders of peace.” 

 Ms. Sarah Chong, Director of Femme Solidarity from Australia, pointed out women’s education and their participation in decision making processes as the challenges for women to find their right to peace. She said that immigrant and refugee women struggle to find peace and safety, emphasizing that “Women’s participation in decision-making processes is not just a matter of gender equality; it is essential for achieving sustainable peace.” 

The importance of Women’s Peace Education was also highlighted under the context of embracing various cultures. Professor Jeong Jee-youn, head of Korea Research Institute of Immigration and Multicultural Policy, said, “The transformation into a multicultural society is inevitable, but there is not lot of attention brought to this topic. Now, it is time for us to break away from the current approach and adopt a continuous multicultural education to build a lasting, peaceful society.” 

 She added, “The challenges arising from globalization cannot be resolved solely by our own singular approach. In this regard, I hope IWPG’s Women’s Peace Education, which addresses tolerance(inclusivity) and respect as essential virtues of peaceful citizens, becomes a cornerstone for social integration and peace in a multicultural era.” 

The story of female leaders who participated in IWPG’s peace campaigns was also introduced. Ms. Maria Theresa Royo-Timbol, Municipal Mayor of Kapalong, Davao Del Norte from the Philippines, gave a speech on “The Roadmap of Women for the Cessation of War” based on her experience establishing the 3rd IWPG Peace Monument in the Philippines last month. 

She explained that she built the monument hoping that it would manifest as a concrete peace monument for the current and future generation. She said, “It will definitely have a ripple effect on women and young people as well. I encourage women to participate in any IWPG peace initiatives so that women will appreciate more the importance of their involvement in peace activities.” 

Ms. Sanem Arikan, Director General of Services of Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Copyright Office, spoke of her various endeavors to accomplish world peace. As an advocate of various social issues, including empowerment of women and children, prevention of violence, and eradication of drugs, she has received IWPG’s Peace Education and tried to spread peace culture and raise awareness in collaboration with media, politics, and academia.

Ms. Sanem Arikan said, “I believe that the press, social media, political leaders, artists, and community leaders play a crucial role in spreading a culture of peace. And, I believe a sustainable peace process can only be achieved through the power of women. We must stand up for women and children that are sacrificed at war even at this moment.” 

Hon. Dr. Joyelle Trizia Clarke, Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Climate Action and Constituency Empowerment of the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, said, “When we include more women as leaders and decisionmakers, we allow for an all-encompassing approach.” She proposed enhancing women’s participation in decision-making, advancing gender equality and empowering women, encouraging peacekeeping activities in the individual and professional level, and supporting vulnerable groups. 

On this day, the IWPG Peace Achievement Award was given to Ms. Rania Alam, and Ms. Sanem Arikan and Ms. Thandar Aung were appointed as Publicity Ambassadors. 

This year’s conference was held as part of the 10th Anniversary of the Sep 18 World Peace Summit, hosted by Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), a peace cooperative organization of IWPG. 

 IWPG Introduction

IWPG is an international women’s NGO registered in UN ECOSOC and UN DGC. It has 114 branches in 122 countries, and 730 partner organizations in 66 countries. Under the vision “achieving sustainable world peace,” IWPG is actively working to build peace networks, spread peace culture, conduct women’s peace education, and support the legislation of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW).