On November 16, Global Region 2 hosted the 6th International Women Leaders’ Peace Meeting.
There were 300 women leaders and members from 15 countries, including Korea, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Yemen, Australia (Melbourne), Jordan, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Israel, Palestine, Kuwait, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.
Multiple female leaders presented on the topic “The Role of International Female Leaders for the Cessation of War.” Notable speakers included Huria Al-Tamal, Minister of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs of Libya; Fayza Abdel Raqeeb, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Culture of Yemen; Ghada Chreim, Political Officer of the National Commission for Lebanese Women; Pascal Isho Warda, former Minister of Migration and Displacement; and Son-yeong Gu, Manager of IWPG Global Region 2 Peace Education Department.
Regional Director Seo Yeon Lee remarked, “In the 21st century, an era of cutting-edge technology, the world is threatened by wars, terrorist attacks, climate issues, poverty, abnormal weather, and more-challenges all caused by humanity. It is critical for us to recognize our humanity and shared values by addressing suffering collectively and finding resolutions to global issues. When the 4 billion compassionate women around the world become one for peace, the influence of that power will be immense.”
Huria Al-Tamal, Minister of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs of Libya, said, “Peace cannot be accomplished through mere treaties or table discussions. Empathy and mutual harmony must serve as the bridge to realize the values of humanity and religion within humankind.”
Fayza Abdel Raqeeb, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Culture of Yemen, said, “Force and violence are the greatest problem of humanity. Women are among the groups most severely affected in terms of human and material loss due to military expansion. Gender-based violence and discrimination in times of conflict further compound the issue. In order to urge for more engagement of women in all processes of peace, we must encourage women’s participation in decision-making and create an atmosphere conducive to such leadership. Only then can we build a peaceful and stable world.”
Ghada Chreim, Political Officer of the National Commission for Lebanese Women, highlighted “The world is in a depressing state, with wars raging around the globe and violence, bloodshed, destruction rampant in Ukraine, Sudan, Gaza, Libya, and Syria. We must teach our children to love peace and accept others to build a balanced community emphasizing peace and equality.”
Pascal Isho Warda, former Minister of Migration and Displacement, added, “Women can play various roles in the complex and multi-faceted peace process, so women must be included in all areas without being limited by quotas. Their participation is essential for sustainable peacebuilding.”
Son-yeong Gu, Manager of IWPG Global Region 2 Peace Education Department, emphasized, “We are gathered here under the same desire: the cessation of war. For decades, countless organizations and individuals have worked for world peace, but war persists due to flaws in existing international laws. The draft of the new international law, the 10 Articles and 38 Clauses of the DPCW, aims to end war eternally and create a sustainable environment for peace.” She also urged everyone to spread a culture of peace with IWPG so that everyone can hear the news of world peace achieved through the DPCW, not devasting news of war.