IWPG Hosts World Women’s Peace Conference in Cheongju

IWPG Hosts World Women’s Peace Conference in Cheongju

In the midst of ongoing conflicts around the world, women leaders gathered in Cheongju to explore solutions for peace. The International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG), led by Chairwoman Jeon Na-young, hosted the “2025 World Women’s Peace Conference” on September 19 at the Nford Hotel in Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do. More than 800 women leaders from Korea and abroad came together to discuss pathways for sustainable peace. The conference was held under the theme “Beyond Conflict: Women’s Peace Leadership for Hope and Recovery,” drawing significant attention with the participation of women politicians from conflict regions.

Notable participants included Samaké, former Minister of Women, Children, and Family Promotion of Mali; Salam, Deputy Minister of Culture of Yemen; and Shalabi, a Libyan Member of Parliament. In her keynote speech, Shalabi emphasized that women play a pivotal role in seeking new hope amid conflicts. Former Minister Samaké highlighted that women are not just victims but drivers of national recovery. Kim Simplis, former First Lady of Belize, also noted that inclusive women’s leadership contributes meaningfully to global peace.

The event also featured case studies from different regions. Maria Teresa Royo Timbal, Deputy Mayor of the Philippines, shared her experience in transforming Mindanao into a land of peace. Lakshmi, an advisor from Mongolia, presented examples of feminist foreign policy, while Secretary General Richardson from the Netherlands stressed the importance of women’s involvement in addressing the climate crisis. These presentations highlighted the diverse roles women play in building peace.

The importance of institutionalizing peace and expanding education was also underscored. Kgomo from South Africa referred to the “Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW),” stressing the need for women’s participation in legislative processes. IWPG Peace Chairwoman Lee Haeryeong emphasized that peace on the Korean Peninsula must be supported by active involvement of women in civil society. A notable case was the completion of IWPG peace education by 160 members of the Mongolian military, which drew much attention.

In the afternoon, the “Peace Family Workshop” was held with the participation of 44 international delegates and 25 Korean peace activists. They shared practical tasks to be carried out over the next year as a united peace family, strengthening solidarity across borders. IWPG Chairwoman Jeon Na-young emphasized that this global gathering of women discussing and acting together would serve as the foundation for sustainable peace. The conference was broadcast in six languages with simultaneous interpretation to reach audiences worldwide.

Reference : https://vo.la/jlDrOJj