In a powerful demonstration of global unity and commitment to peace, the International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) held a series of commemorative events marking the 6th anniversary of International Women’s Peace Day, celebrated annually on April 26. Under the theme “Women Bring Peace that the World Needs,” more than 3,500 participants in 70 cities across 40 countries came together from April 26 to early May 2025 to reaffirm the crucial role of women in building a peaceful world.
IWPG, an international NGO registered with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the UN Department of Global Communications (DGC), first proclaimed April 26 as International Women’s Peace Day in 2019. The group aims to foster a world without war, safeguard lives from violence, and pass on a legacy of peace to future generations. Headquartered in South Korea, IWPG operates 115 branches in 122 countries and collaborates with over 800 partner organizations in 68 countries.
Global Celebrations of Peace
This year’s commemorations featured a diverse array of events, ranging from peace marches and flashmob dances to cultural exhibitions and advocacy campaigns. In South Korea, celebrations were held in major cities including Busan, Daejeon, Seoul, Incheon, and Iksan.
- In Busan, 300 participants gathered for the commemorative event.
- In Daejeon, 110 attendees joined a peace walk and a flashmob dance at Gapcheon Waterfront Park.
- In Incheon, 200 participants took part in celebratory activities.
- In Iksan, 30 members opened an IWPG booth at Seodong Park to engage with the public.
Events were also held in Goyang, Paju, Seodaemun, and Eunpyeong, with a joint celebration at Imjingak Pyeonghwa Nuri Park. Seoul’s Dobong-gu hosted a commemorative gathering at the Peace Culture Bunker, while Gangnam-gu featured a peace campaign along the Yangjaecheon River.
Outside Korea, significant events were held in countries such as the Philippines, Ethiopia, Australia, Lebanon, the United States, the Czech Republic, and Japan. In the Philippines, a Korean peace delegation joined local IWPG members in front of the 3rd IWPG Peace Monument and met with various leaders to discuss future peace initiatives.
Advocating for the DPCW and Women’s Role in Peace
A central focus of this year’s commemoration was the promotion of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) — a comprehensive legal framework developed with global input that proposes concrete steps to end armed conflict and promote peace through international cooperation.
Speakers and participants stressed the need for legal recognition of the DPCW, emphasizing that women’s collective power and empathy are key to achieving sustainable peace. The events called on women everywhere to unite as peace leaders and protect communities from the devastation of war.
Interactive booths and public outreach efforts further enriched the commemorations. Activities included:
- Making mini windmills featuring the Korean flag design
- Distributing hand fans and street promotional materials
- Exhibiting children’s artwork from the International Loving-Peace Art Competition
- Offering aroma hand massages, peace-themed quizzes, and bracelet-making
- Planting peace-themed greenery
A Call to Unite: IWPG Chairwoman’s Message
In her commemorative speech, IWPG Chairwoman Hyun Sook Yoon called on women across the globe to take a leading role in global peace efforts.
“We need real peace, not just rhetoric,” she said. “As emphasized in the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, women must be central to peacebuilding processes and protected from the harms of war.”
She added, “Alone, one may be weak, but together, we are powerful. Women around the world, please unite with IWPG. Let us become leaders of peace through peace education, stand with victims of violence, and work to ensure the DPCW becomes the law of peace for the entire world.”
