The International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) commemorated the 6th anniversary of April 26 International Women’s Peace Day under the powerful theme, “Women Bring Peace that the World Needs,” hosting events in 70 major cities across 40 countries. From April 26 through early May, more than 3,500 participants joined the global movement, reaffirming their dedication to building a peaceful world through female solidarity and advocacy.
IWPG, a South Korea-based international NGO registered with the UN ECOSOC and DGC, first declared April 26 as International Women’s Peace Day in 2019. Guided by its vision of achieving world peace and the cessation of war, the organization continues to mobilize women globally to protect lives and pass down peace as a legacy to future generations. IWPG currently operates 115 branches in 122 countries and collaborates with over 800 partner organizations across 68 countries.
This year’s commemoration featured vibrant events throughout South Korea—including Seoul, Busan, Daejeon, Incheon, and Iksan—and extended internationally to countries like the Philippines, Ethiopia, Australia, Lebanon, the U.S., the Czech Republic, and Japan.
In Busan, 300 participants gathered in celebration, while in Daejeon, 110 attendees joined a flash mob and peace march along Gapcheon Waterfront Park. Incheon hosted 200 participants, and Iksan featured an IWPG booth at Seodong Park with 30 members in attendance. In Goyang, Seodaemun, Paju, and Eunpyeong, branches collaborated for a joint event at Imjingak Pyeonghwa Nuri Park. Meanwhile, Seoul saw celebrations at the Peace Culture Bunker in Dobong-gu and a peace campaign along the Yangjaecheon River in Gangnam-gu.
In the Philippines, a Korean IWPG peace delegation held a commemorative ceremony at the 3rd IWPG Peace Monument and engaged in dialogue with local leaders about ongoing peace initiatives.
Read More: Ambassador Highlights Pakistan’s Strategic Role in Global Trade and Logistics
A key focus of this year’s celebration was the global advocacy for the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), a comprehensive legal framework aimed at ending armed conflict through practical, people-driven measures. Participants championed the legislation of the DPCW and underscored the critical role of women in sustaining peace efforts worldwide.
Interactive booths and cultural activities enhanced public engagement, featuring peace-themed arts and crafts, street campaigns, exhibitions from the International Loving-Peace Art Competition, hand massages, peace quizzes, and more.
In her keynote address, IWPG Chairwoman Hyun Sook Yoon called for collective action, echoing the spirit of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security (WPS).
“We need real peace, not just as a rhetoric,” she declared. “As written in the UN Security Council Resolution 1325, women must be the main agents of peacebuilding and be protected from war and conflict.”
She urged women around the world to unite under the IWPG’s banner: “Alone, one may be weak, but together, we are powerful. Women around the world, please unite with IWPG to become leaders of peace through peace education. Work with fellow women to protect victims of war and ensure the DPCW becomes the peace law of the world.”
The 6th International Women’s Peace Day events served not only as a celebration but also as a powerful reminder of the growing global movement for peace led by women.
Comments are closed.