Cheongju, SOUTH KOREA
Women leaders from across the world, many from nations affected by war and instability, gathered to strengthen their role in global peacebuilding during the 2025 International Women’s Peace Conference organized by the International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) under Chairwoman Na Yeong Jeon.
Held on September 19, 2025, at the Enford Hotel in Cheongju, the event carried the theme “Beyond Conflict: Women’s Peace Leadership Toward Hope and Recovery.” It brought together more than 800 participants from Korea and abroad to explore strategies for sustainable peace.
The first session focused on women’s leadership in conflict zones. Hon. Aisha Al-Mahdi Shalabi, Member of Parliament of Libya, delivered a keynote address on “The Meaning of Peace in an Era of War,” urging women to become symbols of resilience amid chaos. H.E. Bouaré Bintou Founé Samaké, former Minister of Mali, said women must be seen not as victims but as leaders in post-conflict recovery.
Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow, former First Lady of Belize, and Dr. Amrita Kapur, Secretary General of WILPF, highlighted the importance of inclusive governance and the global framework of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda.
From the Philippines, Hon. Maria Theresa Timbol shared how local women’s leadership helped transform Mindanao from a conflict zone into a “cradle of peace.” In Mongolia, Mrs. Boojoo Lakshm emphasized how feminist foreign policies advance peace and diplomacy.
The second session centered on peace education. H.E. Nasseneba Touré Diané, Minister of Women, Family and Children of Côte d’Ivoire, and Dr. Faiza Abdulraqeb Sallam of Yemen showcased national efforts to promote peace education. From Mongolia’s military, Mrs. Lkhagvasuren Nyamtsetse described teaching peace principles to 160 soldiers.
Later, the Peace Family Workshop brought together IWPG representatives to discuss practical action plans under the theme “Women’s Leadership for Sustainable Peace.”
Chairwoman Na Yeong Jeon concluded, “This event unites women who have never stopped working for peace despite conflict and division. Together, we are shaping a roadmap for lasting peace.”
The conference was interpreted in six languages and livestreamed globally.
