The International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) Global Region 2, led by Seo Yeon Lee, held the online international conference “2026 Only Peace Conference – Latin America” on April 23, bringing together around 200 participants from across the region.
Held under the theme “Peace Begins with Women’s Voices: From Experience to Connection and Action,” the conference was attended by government officials, educators, civil society representatives and women leaders from countries including Colombia, Argentina and Chile.
The event focused on transforming women’s lived experiences of peace into international cooperation and practical action, with an emphasis on building sustainable, community-based peace models through collaboration among institutions, civil society and youth.
In her opening remarks, Seo Yeon Lee said peace is not created solely through institutions but is already practiced in communities, adding that women are not just participants but leaders and creators of peace.
A keynote message was delivered by Leonor Zalabata Torres, Ambassador of Colombia to the United Nations, who highlighted that peace begins within individuals and can be sustained through harmony with nature.
During the Peace Story Session, speakers shared experiences of conflict resolution and peacebuilding. Adriana María Torres Zapata from the University of Antioquia stressed linking women’s peace efforts to education and policy, while María José Lubertino Beltrán from the University of Buenos Aires underscored the importance of solidarity and human rights.
Other speakers, including Ediht Castaño Narváez and Valentina María Prigioni, highlighted personal journeys and the role of empathy in fostering peace.
Participants also shared real-life examples of peace practices in education and communities during an open session, demonstrating how peace can be implemented in everyday life.
The conference concluded with a collective pledge through the “We Choose Peace” performance and encouraged participation in initiatives ahead of International Women’s Peace Day on April 26.
Organisers said the event boosted interest in forming a regional women’s peace network in Latin America and strengthened collaboration between educational institutions and civil society, with further follow-up activities planned to expand peace education and community engagement.
