Jeonju, Jeonbuk, became a meeting place for Korea and Kenya to share perspectives on peace and social integration. On September 19, the International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) Global 12 Countries hosted the “2026 World Cultures, Echoes of Peace” Peace Conference in Jeonju, bringing together participants to discuss ways to promote and protect the rights of women and children, strengthen national cohesion and social integration, and advance policies and institutional measures for peace governance.

The conference brought together Kenyan representatives, including Bishop Dr. Kepha N. Omae, Chairman of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), and Daniel Mutegi Giti, CEO. It also continued the dialogue that began at the “Kenya Women’s Peace Conference,” held in East Africa last June.

The presentations focused on three key areas: promoting and protecting the rights of women and children; strengthening national cohesion and social integration; and developing policies and institutional measures to advance peace governance.

Bishop Dr. Kepha N. Omae emphasized the importance of international solidarity in protecting the rights of future generations and building a more peaceful digital age.

The conference looked beyond national and regional borders to explore the conditions needed to advance peace for women, children, and future generations. It also featured cultural and artistic exchanges designed to foster greater understanding between Korea and Kenya.

The event opened with a showcase of traditional Korean performing arts. The opening program introduced Korea’s traditional heritage through daegeum sanjo, followed by the pansori Sugungga and the traditional dance Gyobang Salpuri.

The distinctive sound of the traditional daegeum, the storytelling of pansori, and the movements of traditional dance offered participants a glimpse into the diversity of Korean traditional arts. Presentations by speakers from Korea and abroad followed, continuing the discussion on peace and social integration.

The cultural exchange continued through the closing program. Participants from Korea and abroad held national flags and balloons as they joined together to sing “Arirang,” one of Korea’s best-known traditional folk songs. People from different countries gathered together and shared the same song, bringing the conference to a close.

Kim Jong-gil, President of the Korea Cultural and Arts Exchange Federation, said, “The event stood out for its organization and program befitting an international gathering. It was a meaningful occasion for participants to share the values of culture and peace through their active engagement.”

Baek Soon-sun, Director-General of IWPG Global Affairs, said, “This conference was a meaningful opportunity for Korea and Kenya to share the universal challenges of peace and social integration across borders and build meaningful common ground. We will continue to spread the echoes of peace across local communities and around the world through sustained exchanges that connect cultures and people.”

The conference combined discussions on peace and social integration with cultural and artistic exchanges, including traditional Korean performances and a group singing of “Arirang,” creating an opportunity for participants from Korea and Kenya to experience each other’s cultures and engage in dialogue.