[Editor’s Note] Peace is not simply a declaration, but a change that begins between people. Peace Journey records the stories of people who learn about and practice peace in communities around the world. Beginning with voluntary gatherings of women in 2021, growing into regional solidarity, and reaching a new turning point through an encounter with IWPG in 2022, this series traces the seeds of peace first sown across Mongolia’s vast steppe. 

“I Resonated with the Goal of a World Where Peace Lasts”

Q. Please introduce yourself.

“I am Bude Munkhtuya, serving as the Representative of the Mothers’ Honor Order Association, an NGO supporting women with many children and their families. Previously, I served as a Member of Parliament and Chair of the Standing Committee on Security and Foreign Policy. I also studied at Technische Universität Dresden (TU Dresden) and at an academy in Germany.”

Q. What was the catalyst for your connection with IWPG?

“My connection with IWPG dates back to October 23, 2022. At the time, I was invited to deliver a lecture titled The Current Status and History of Mongolian Women at a conference attended by around 300 Mongolian women.

As I prepared for and attended the event, I learned more about what kind of organization IWPG is and what activities it carries out. In particular, I deeply resonated with the fact that IWPG’s ultimate goal is ‘a world where peace is sustainable.’

Seeing how IWPG works to put the peace that humanity has long desired into practice, I decided to collaborate with them.”

“May 3,000 Mothers Join the Peace Initiatives”

Q. What activities have you carried out as an IWPG Peace Advisor, and what would you like to accomplish together in the future?

“I feel deeply honored to support and participate in the activities of IWPG and its Mongolia Branch, which work for peace in countries around the world.

I also completed IWPG’s Peace Lecturer Training Education (PLTE). Beyond learning about peace, I prepared myself to share what I learned with others.

My greatest goal moving forward is to have approximately 3,000 mothers nationwide affiliated with the Mothers’ Honor Order Association, which I represent, join IWPG’s peace initiatives.

Mothers play a vital role in families and local communities. I believe that if mothers learn about and practice the values of peace, that impact can extend beyond their families to the broader community.

To this end, in June 2023, we signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for a peace partnership with the IWPG Mongolia Branch. Moving forward, I want to continue our collaboration so that even more Mongolian women can participate in peace activities.”

“I Am Proud That Mongolia’s First Peace Monument Was Erected”

Q. You also attended the 1st Mongolia Peace Assembly and the unveiling ceremony of the Peace Monument in June 2023. How do you remember those events?

“The Peace Assembly was a deeply meaningful event. Female leaders active in various fields in Mongolia gathered in one place, and even after the event ended, participants stayed behind to talk about peace activities.

The time we spent listening to one another’s thoughts and discussing future collaborative initiatives remains memorable. It was also meaningful because we were able to introduce peace and IWPG’s activities to many women.

In particular, it was a moment of immense joy when the IWPG Peace Monument—the second worldwide and the first in Mongolia—was erected in our country.

The monument is also special because it was completed not through government leadership, but through voluntary sponsorship and donations from citizens of South Korea and Mongolia. As a Mongolian, I feel proud that a space symbolizing peace was established in a park visited by local residents every day.

I would like to express my gratitude to the citizens of South Korea and Mongolia, IWPG members, and officials who contributed to the establishment of the monument.”

“May Women Worldwide Unite with the Heart of a Mother”

Q. Finally, do you have a message for IWPG members and women around the world?

“Conflicts and disputes continue in various parts of the world today. However, I believe there is hope because there are women striving to stop war and achieve peace.

I hope that women around the world will unite with the heart and spirit of a mother. May we all work together so that every family in the global village can live a peaceful and stable life.

Our solidarity and actions will shape the future that the next generation will live in.

We are united in peace. We are one!”