NEW YORK: The International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) Global Region 2, led by Director Seoyeon Lee, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Lebanese humanitarian organisation Himaya Daeem Aataa Association (HDA) to strengthen cooperation in peace education.
The agreement was signed at the United Nations Headquarters during the 70th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women.
HDA, established in 2000 and based in northern Lebanon, focuses on protecting women’s rights, addressing gender-based violence and supporting vulnerable communities. The organisation has collaborated with global partners such as UNICEF and the European Union on refugee assistance and development initiatives, while building a nationwide network through cooperation with hundreds of organisations.
The MoU aims to promote a culture of peace and strengthen protections for women in Lebanon amid ongoing conflict and social challenges.
Under the agreement, both organisations will combine HDA’s local network with IWPG’s peace education programmes to implement initiatives including tailored peace education in Lebanon, capacity-building programmes for women and children, and policy proposals for the international community.
Speaking at the event, Seoyeon Lee said the agreement was designed to advance practical peace education in communities facing conflict, adding that IWPG would work with HDA to support Lebanese women in becoming leaders of peace within their families and societies.
HDA founder Jeanne Kaadou said the partnership would enhance the organisation’s humanitarian work by integrating the value of sustainable peace, expressing hope that the collaboration would bring positive change beyond Lebanon.
IWPG Global Region 2 plans to use the agreement to expand peace education programmes and joint workshops in Lebanon, strengthening its international cooperation efforts.
IWPG is an international NGO registered with the United Nations Economic and Social Council and the United Nations Department of Global Communications, and operates through a global network of branches and partner organisations across multiple countries.
