The International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) nurtured more than 600 peace leaders from all around the world—Africa, the Middle East, South America, Asia—through women’s peace education. IWPG signed MOUs with civil society organizations in Mali, Colombia, the Middle East, and North America, and hosted the PLTE Completion Ceremony in 15 countries, solidifying female-centered peace networks. IWPG is particularly focusing on locally catered multifaceted peace projects through collaboration with organizations led by women in conflict zones or key figures. In Korea, IWPG signed agreements with civil society organizations and local media in Iksan, Daejeon, and Seosan, and made efforts to build a peace ecosystem in the local communities through peace events.

On Jan 10, Global Region 7 (Director Kim Eun-kyung) formalized joint activities for women’s education, cooperation, and peace promotion by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with WiLDAF-AO (Women in Law and Development in Africa), a network in Mali’s women, law, and development sector.
This agreement holds significant meaning as it translates the promise made during a meeting last September to “jointly promote the spread of peace education” into a concrete document. IWPG and WiLDAF-AO explored avenues of cooperation during discussions held last September, sharing insights on Mali’s local situation and needs.
The meeting addressed the reality that women and children become increasingly vulnerable amid ongoing social instability, including terrorism, in Mali. Discussions centered on the idea that “combining WiLDAF-AO’s network knowledge of local systems with IWPG’s peace content could accelerate dissemination.” Subsequently, both sides continued follow-up consultations, including Zoom meetings, to prepare for the MOU signing, and this agreement formalizes the framework for cooperation.
WiLDAF-AO, which includes former Malian Minister of Women, Children, and Family Promotion Bouare Bintou Founé Samake, participated in this MOU. Former Minister Samake is a prominent figure in Mali’s women’s rights and human rights sector and is currently known as a member of Mali’s National Human Rights Commission (CNDH). IWPG plans to strengthen its implementation foundation through connections with local networks, including recruiting education participants, institutional cooperation, and program stabilization.
This MOU centers on promoting peace through education and awareness-raising. Both sides agreed to jointly promote a peace instructor training program to expand peace education targeting women and youth, and to prepare a pilot program tailored to local conditions in Mali. The agreement also includes establishing a Joint Steering Committee (COPIL) during the educational process to jointly manage, coordinate, and monitor the project, thereby enhancing program continuity and transparency.
Reviewing the agreement’s contents reveals that the initiative extends beyond education, presenting the expansion of peace culture through art and cultural activities as a key task. The vision is to expand the message of peace through diverse methods, including peace-related art activities and exhibitions for youth, and intergenerational exchange programs. Furthermore, both sides agreed that projects conducted jointly will be promoted under the joint names of both institutions. They agreed on the principle of securing equal mutual visibility in external communications, including events, publications, press releases, and SNS.
One staff member from Global Region 7 stated, “The promise made during our meeting last September to spread peace education in Mali has now been put into practice through this concrete agreement,” adding, “We will step by step advance peace projects needed by the local community, based on women’s education and cooperation.” WiLDAF-AO also conveyed its intention to contribute to the expansion of peace education and cooperative projects, leveraging its local network.

On Dec 19, the Global Region 2 held the 2025 Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Women’s Peace Education Program – 4th class Completion Ceremony. Approximately 30 participants from eight countries, including Yemen, Egypt, and Lebanon, took part in this program. With this class, the total number of graduates who completed the program throughout 2025 reached 407.
The program was conducted from October to December and was structured around the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda. It focused on spreading peace values, understanding and resolving conflict, and developing practical approaches for action within local communities. Seo-yeon Lee, Regional Director, stated, “We hope that this completion will serve as a new starting point for women peace leaders across the Middle East and North Africa to connect with one another and collaborate.”
During the ceremony, special awards were presented to seven outstanding participants. Graduates reaffirmed their commitment to continuing peace activities centered on women and local communities in their respective regions. Sara Manofali, the representative of the graduates, emphasized the importance of action, stating, “Peace is created through the process of listening to and empathizing with one another.”
Looking ahead to 2026, IWPG plans to continue offering women’s peace education and instructor training programs across the Middle East and North Africa, while further strengthening the network of women peace leaders and expanding international solidarity.

The Global Legion 1 (Director Kang Yeon-kyung) successfully held the completion ceremony for the 3rd class of the PLTE Basic Course (PLTE 25-4-1) in Nigeria on the Dec 10. The ceremony was conducted online.
The graduation ceremony was attended by peace committee activist and 1st class graduate Ameh Betty, as well as 2nd class graduate Margaret, who both delivered words of encouragement to the graduates. Ameh Betty emphasized, “This graduation marks a new starting point for practicing peace,” and encouraged the graduates to spread peace throughout their local communities.
Graduate Ukaegbu Jacinta shared her reflections, stating, “I realized that tolerance, dialogue, and mutual respect are the core elements of sustainable peace,” and added, “I will practice my role as a responsible peacebuilder in my family and community.”

Global Region 2 signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) on peace cooperation with leading organizations in the fields of women, human rights, and development to strengthen the foundation for international civil society collaboration in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
This agreement marks a meaningful starting point for international solidarity aimed at jointly advancing peace education, community recovery, and policy cooperation, with a strong focus on women’s participation in a region where conflict and social inequality coexist. Through this partnership, a cooperative framework has been established to expand IWPG’s PLTE and the values of the DPCW (Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War) throughout the MENA region.
Key organizations participating in the agreement include the Barka Foundation (President Hanan Ali Bahamid), Yamaniyat Development Association (President Abeer Mohammed Alhamidi), and the Human Development Foundation (President Anda Hassan). Moving forward, these organizations will collaborate with IWPG on joint programs centered on women’s peace education, community-based peace initiatives, youth and media engagement projects, and the dissemination of DPCW values.
Building on this agreement, Global Region 2 plans to establish a regional network of women peace leaders across the Middle East and North Africa and to gradually expand a practice-oriented international peace cooperation platform that organically connects education, policy, and grassroots action.

On Dec 19, Global Region 10 held the 7th Joint Online Completion for the Women’s Peace Leadership Training & Education (PLTE).
The event brought together more than 300 graduates and over 100 distinguished guests from 15 countries, including the Republic of Korea, Japan, Türkiye, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Venezuela, Paraguay, Argentina, Bolivia, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, and Guatemala.
IWPG supports women—key members of society and primary caregivers within families—in growing into global peace leaders through its systematic and structured peace education programs.
In her opening remarks, Hwa Jeong Kim, Director of Global Region 10, stated, “In a world facing severe wars and conflicts, today’s peace education graduation ceremony marks the courageous first step of women who have chosen peace. I believe the seeds of peace planted in your hearts will grow into a powerful force that spreads peace throughout families, societies, and nations.”
Congratulatory remarks were delivered by Ivonne Adriana Gaytán Bertruy, professor at Juárez Autonomous University of Tabasco (UJAT) in Mexico and IWPG Peace Committee Representative at UJAT. She emphasized, “As graduates of peace education, you are agents of change who will write a new chapter of history filled with harmony and justice. Through cooperation with IWPG, I encourage you to illuminate the world with your light and peace.”
Graduate Ayşe Verzioğlu, a teacher at Biltes Primary School in Türkiye, shared her reflections, saying, “Through peace education, we can teach new generations how to build dialogue instead of conflict. The realization of peace is only possible through the collective efforts of individuals, societies, and nations. I sincerely thank IWPG for adding such precious value to my life through this education.”
Karen Elizabeth León Romero, the IWPG Peace Committee representative at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), remarked, “Today is not the end of education, but the beginning of projects, networks, and a quiet peace revolution that will start within each community. Let us continue to connect this energy, teach one another, and support each other.”
Previously, Global Region 10 signed an MOU on peace education with UJAT last November. Moving forward, IWPG Global Region 10 plans to expand cooperation with UNAM and other universities across Mexico to further promote women’s participation in peacebuilding and the establishment of a culture of peace through continuous and diverse initiatives.

On Dec 19, IWPG, in collaboration with the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) of Kapalong, successfully carried out a beautification and tree-planting activity at the New Public Cemetery in Kapalong, Davao del Norte.
The initiative, titled “Nature and Peace: Planting for the Future,” was led by IWPG Publicity Ambassador Mrs. Maria Theresa Timbol, together with the IWPG Kapalong Peace Committee. The activity reflected a shared commitment to environmental stewardship as a vital component of peacebuilding.
Through meaningful partnerships with local government units, IWPG continues to promote actions that protect life, nurture nature, and build peaceful and resilient communities.

On Dec 26, Ulaanbaatar Branch held the ‘2025 Mongolia Appreciation Day’ event at the Summit Hall of Premium Palace in Ulaanbaatar, with approximately 110 attendees.
The event shared the achievements of the IWPG Ulaanbaatar Branch and its plans for 2026, and appointment certificates were presented to 25 members who were newly inaugurated into the Peace Committee.
In addition, Memorandums of Understanding and Agreements (MOU/A) were signed with six institutions and organizations. Certificates and prizes were also presented to students who won the Bronze Prize and Special Awards in the finals of the 7th International Loving-peace Art Competition (ILPAC), along with commemorative gifts. Award recipients reflected on the meaning of ‘Peace Begins with Me,’ and demonstrated their commitment to participate more actively in 2026 by signing a peace pledge.

On Nov 11, Ulaanbaatar Branch held the awards ceremony for the ILPAC at School No. 13 in Bayangol District, Ulaanbaatar. The school has continuously cooperated with IWPG by encouraging active student participation, and more than 300 students took part in this drawing contest.
Among the participants, 19 students received special awards, along with certificates and prize money. Students who submitted their artwork gained strong encouragement and confidence, while teachers and parents also expressed high satisfaction.
IWPG Mongolia Ulaanbaatar Branch presented the school with a plaque of appreciation as the ‘2025 Outstanding Partner of the Year’.

Global Region 11 agreed to launch a peace reporter group with Sisa 1 and cooperate between the media and civil society.
Global Region 11 and Sisa 1 signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Dec 4, which calls for mutual cooperation to spread peace. Through this agreement, the two parties will jointly run a peace reporter group.
According to the agreement, the Peace Reporters Group will run practical programs such as reporter education and field trips. Through this, it focuses on enhancing understanding of peace issues and discovering and reporting site-based peace content.
Jang Seon-hee, director of Global Region 11, said, “Peace must be learned, acquired, and practiced in daily life. We look forward to linking peace education and reporting through cooperation with the media.“
Yoon Yeo-jin, CEO of Sisa 1, said, “The experience of seeing and feeling the scene makes us perceive peace as a real problem,” adding, “We hope that this experience will be delivered as content through the activities of the press corps.”
The two sides plan to expand peace reporters’ activities in connection with international networks in the future, not limited to Korea. Through this, the government plans to establish a peaceful cooperation model in which the media and civil society participate together.

On Dec 1, Daejeon Branch of Global Region 10 (Regional Director Hwa Jeong Kim) held the “Let’s Peace” event on Dec 1 at Café Bonta & Jeongnim Warehouse, Daejeon. The event was sponsored by The Chungcheong Newspaper and Café Bonta, and was organized to raise funds for the annual ILPAC, one of IWPG’s initiatives for spreading a culture of peace.
The venue featured a variety of programs, including an exhibition of past award-winning artworks from the ILPAC, a charity concert, youth performances, and donations of food and daily necessities. Approximately 300 local community leaders, performers, IWPG members, and citizens attended the event, making it a great success. The event was widely praised as a meaningful opportunity for people of all generations within the local community to come together and share a culture of peace.
Hwa Jeong Kim, Regional Director, stated, “Providing children and youth—the leaders of the future—with opportunities to imagine and experience harmony and peace, rather than conflict and war, through art is truly meaningful. We would greatly appreciate your continued encouragement and support so that children can freely imagine and dream of peace through their artwork again next year.”
A North Korean defector performance group that participated as a sponsor shared, “Living with the reality of a divided Korean Peninsula, we wanted to take part in this event in hopes of contributing, even in a small way, to IWPG’s meaningful peace activities.”

My name is Ivonne Adriana Gaytán Bertruy. I am a professor and researcher at Juárez Autonomous University of Tabasco (UJAT) and currently serve as the IWPG Peace Committee Representative at UJAT. I am also a social activist dedicated to promoting human rights, particularly for vulnerable groups such as older adults and youths. In recognition of my work, I was honored with the Tabasco State Human Rights Award 2025.
My identity is very clear. I have a strong sense of social sensitivity that allows me to stand in solidarity with vulnerable members of society and work alongside them, and I find deep meaning in working with IWPG, particularly in the area of violence prevention. The UJAT Peace Committee is located in the state of Tabasco in southern Mexico, a region rich in year-round greenery, abundant water, and a culture filled with warmth and care.

As a lawyer, I have worked closely with diverse vulnerable populations, including individuals in prisons and children in orphanages. Through this work, I have witnessed firsthand how socially and emotionally vulnerable people can be. With the introduction of mediation in the field of justice, I came to realize that not all issues can—or should—be resolved solely through conflict or punishment. In many cases, understanding the underlying reasons behind people’s actions is far more important. The peace practices pursued by IWPG aim to shift perspectives and establish new cultural frameworks that enable communities to build resilience. I deeply resonate with this vision, and my desire to contribute to conflict resolution ultimately led me to work with IWPG.

I support children living in vulnerable situations away from home, women affected by domestic violence, and children with serious health conditions who require family care. Through education grounded in my professional and academic experience, I seek to cultivate understanding and empathy. I consider it a key part of my role to empower individuals to recognize and resolve conflicts independently.

I believe the greatest impact of education for peace is the formation of a value-based identity. Values such as solidarity, empathy, active listening, and assertiveness can be a powerful source of strength for women. To me, resistance, resilience, and empowerment carry the same meaning. For women to support other women, they should first understand themselves and learn to look at problems not only externally but also internally. This self-awareness makes broader community solidarity possible.

What impressed me most was the strong and vibrant energy that emerged throughout the course. Through this education, we realized that cultural barriers do not truly exist. What mattered most was recognizing that we are all human beings who share the same needs, the same values, and the unifying value of respect. When these values are upheld, we can form a community without cultural barriers.

Rather than simply participating in the course, I place greater importance on sharing and practicing the values I learned through IWPG. I sincerely believe that through positive solidarity rooted in a shared purpose, we can achieve dignified coexistence.

I believe women are capable of achieving anything. Women are the pillars of the family and play a vital role in society. In particular, educating and nurturing the values of family is an essential responsibility for women. Above all, women should identify the values they consistently uphold in their daily lives. For example, if we seek respect, we should first demonstrate respect for ourselves. Creating an environment free from discrimination or exclusion based on class, culture, gender, or other identities is a powerful way women can contribute to peace.

There are many things I would like to do, but I believe change should begin where I live. Mexico faces deep structural conflicts, with tensions existing at multiple levels, including within families and government systems. I hope to work with IWPG to better understand the constitutions and systems of different countries and to strengthen cooperation. Even when there are linguistic, social, intellectual, or generational barriers, we should overcome them—because human dignity is what matters most. No barrier should stand in the way of human unity.

To the IWPG family around the world, you can always trust and rely on me—this is what I wish to emphasize most. I am a passionate messenger for peace. Through my work in many places, I have repeatedly witnessed the breakdown of families. Amid various labels and divisions, we should never forget that we are all one. My message is this: let us build collective solidarity without distinction or division. Differences in distance or language should never prevent us from working together.