Showing posts with label CULTURE. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CULTURE. Show all posts

Sunday, April 19, 2026

IWPG Peace-Love Art Contest Grows Fivefold in 8 Years… Children’s “Painting Peace” Moved the World

April 19, 2026 0 Comments

IWPG Peace-Love Art Contest Grows Fivefold in 8 Years… 
Children’s “Painting Peace” Moved the World



A special global stage where children share the value of peace through art continues to grow each year. Using colored pencils and brushes, they express the pain of war while imagining a brighter future. Their sincere voices through drawings are touching many people around the world. The pure perspective of children often delivers the message of peace more deeply than words.

The International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) Peace-Love Art Contest has now become a recognized international event. Since its launch in 2018, participation has increased significantly, drawing wider global attention. It is no longer just an art competition, but a platform where young people communicate through the theme of peace.

At the most recent contest, a child from Bangladesh received major attention for a powerful artwork. The drawing expressed a heartfelt desire for peace even in the midst of war and earned the highest honor. The emotional message created by a child resonated deeply beyond national borders.


Children’s imagination has also moved audiences in previous contests. Scenes of erasing the scars of war or flowers blooming over destroyed cities symbolized hope in creative ways. These artworks continue to deliver messages of healing and courage to viewers.

Experts say that artistic activities can also support emotional recovery. For children who have experienced war or conflict, art can become an important tool for expressing feelings and restoring inner peace. A single drawing can be the first step toward healing emotional wounds.

The 8th contest, scheduled for May, will be held under the theme My Peace Story. Students will be invited to freely express their own ideas of peace through art. As an event that welcomes broad participation, it is expected to create even greater empathy and communication across generations.

Reference : https://vo.la/AWWq4Qo

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

IWPG Global’s 7 Divisions Sign an MOU with a Malian Women’s Organization… Expanding Cooperation on Women’s Rights and Peace Education

January 28, 2026 0 Comments

IWPG Global’s 7 Divisions Sign an MOU 
with a Malian Women’s Organization… 
Expanding Cooperation on Women’s Rights and Peace Education



IWPG Global’s 7th Division recently signed a meaningful Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a women’s organization in Mali to promote cooperation in peace education. On January 10, IWPG Global 7th Division concluded an online MOU with WiLDAF-AO (Women in Law and Development in Africa), a network working in the fields of women’s rights, law, and development in Mali.

This agreement goes beyond a simple partnership, carrying strong significance as a step toward realizing peace through international women’s solidarity. In particular, the MOU fulfills a promise made with Bouaré Bintou Founé Samaké, former Malian Minister for the Promotion of Women, Children, and the Family, who attended the World Women Peace Conference held in Cheongju last September.

Ms. Samaké currently serves as a commissioner of Mali’s National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) and has long been engaged in advancing women’s rights and human rights in Mali. WiLDAF-AO, where she serves as Secretary-General, is an organization dedicated to promoting women’s legal rights and development across Africa.

Following the conference, the two organizations held a series of online meetings to discuss peace education strategies tailored to the local context in Mali. As a result, they agreed to develop educational programs that combine WiLDAF-AO’s local educational framework with IWPG’s peace education content.


Under the agreement, the two organizations will jointly operate a peace instructor training program and develop pilot programs adapted to local conditions in Mali. They also agreed to establish a Joint Steering Committee (COPIL) to collaboratively manage, coordinate, and monitor the educational initiatives.

In addition to education, the partnership also includes cooperation through arts and cultural activities for peace. Plans include joint peace-related art activities and exhibitions for youth, as well as intergenerational exchange programs, along with co-branded events, publications, press releases, and social media outreach.

Kim Eun-kyung, Director of IWPG Global 7th Division, stated, “We plan to implement peace-related initiatives step by step, based on women’s education and cooperation.” WiLDAF-AO also expressed its commitment to actively participating in peace education projects by leveraging its local networks.

IWPG is an international women’s NGO registered with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the Department of Global Communications (DGC), with its headquarters in Korea. It operates 115 branches in 122 countries and works with over 800 partner organizations in 68 countries toward the vision of “realizing sustainable world peace.”

Reference : https://vo.la/uXcBdQE

Tuesday, July 22, 2025

HWPL Opening New Paths to Peace Through Interfaith Dialogue and Refugee Solidarity

July 22, 2025 0 Comments

HWPL Opening New Paths to Peace 
Through Interfaith Dialogue and Refugee Solidarity




More than 400 citizens gathered at the town square of Itaosy, Madagascar, for a touching event that transcended religion and culture. Jointly hosted by HWPL and UMMI Madagascar, the "Interfaith Peace Gathering" was especially meaningful as it coincided with the nation’s 65th Independence Day celebrations.

Under the theme “Unity in Diversity,” the event brought together people of different faiths—Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, and even non-religious participants—reaffirming the values of peace and tolerance.

Jamal Sheikh, representing UMMI, shared that "Islam emphasizes solidarity and love among all creations of God," adding, “This event fully aligns with our core beliefs.”



Alongside speeches by religious leaders, the event featured traditional Malagasy music, dance, and storytelling performances. An MOU signing ceremony followed, symbolizing ongoing cooperation between peace-related organizations.

Meanwhile, HWPL’s Germany branch commemorated World Refugee Day by partnering with the Migrant Support Netzwerk e.V. in Frankfurt. Volunteers cleaned and refurbished the group’s space, embodying practical solidarity with refugees and migrants.

Aoun, a refugee from Myanmar who joined the volunteer activity, shared, “I was happy to help other refugees like myself,” showing that refugees themselves can be key agents of solidarity.



The HWPL Germany branch regularly engages in clean-up projects and community service, sending messages of peace and offering hope to those who have lost their homes.

In San Francisco, HWPL and the Fresno Cambodian Buddhist Association co-hosted an interfaith and cultural exchange event in honor of one of Buddhism’s most sacred holidays, Maha Visakha Puja.



Participants reflected on Buddhist teachings and peace values, engaging in dialogue under the theme “Peace Through Scripture.” Several Buddhist leaders expressed interest in joining HWPL-led interfaith initiatives.

The HWPL San Francisco branch noted, “This event reminded us of the importance of understanding and unity across religions and cultures,” and pledged to strengthen collaboration with diverse communities.

Reference https://vo.la/kLJknZo

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