There’s a saying that “the most local is the most global.”

In this newsletter, we’ll explore the stories of peace activists in our communities who are reflecting on peace and taking action to bring about local change—stories that show how experiences in one region can provide insights for solving problems in another.

“Where does peace begin?”

IWPG’s peace education begins with this simple yet fundamental question. It teaches us that women are the agents of change at the smallest level—capable of creating peace on their own—and that the peaceful everyday life we desire can only be realized when we extend that peace beyond ourselves and our families to our local communities.

Safe alleyways where women can walk with confidence, warm nods exchanged with neighbors, the process of resolving intergenerational misunderstandings through dialogue and understanding, and an environment where nature and humans coexist—achieving our ordinary, small-scale “peace in everyday life” requires change and effort from many people.

“Peace in Everyday Life” Gaining Attention from the International Community

Interestingly, the international community is now paying close attention to these ordinary, small changes. In the past, it was taken for granted that rules for peace established by massive international organizations would be imposed on individual countries and regions. However, the paradigm shift following the COVID-19 pandemic now emphasizes a “Local to Global” approach, in which citizens on the ground—who best understand the unique issues of their local communities—find solutions on their own, and these collective efforts come together to reshape international norms. We have come to realize that the power of sustainable peace stems precisely from change that originates on the ground.

IWPG, too, stands at the forefront of this change. This is because we believe that the everyday experiences of women—who have mediated conflicts and cared for their communities in homes, workplaces, and local neighborhoods—are the most powerful asset for achieving inclusive global governance.

The beginning of peace that transforms communities starts with “listening” 👂

IWPG, which has supported the establishment of sustainable peace in local communities through its branches and Peace Committees, now envisions more tangible change. Building on existing key initiatives such as the Women’s Peace Education (PLTE) program and the International Loving-Peace Art Competition, the organization is preparing to fully implement “region-specific peace projects” tailored to the unique context of each area starting next year.

In the second half of this year, when this change first began, IWPG activists across Korea are working harder than ever on the ground. They are meeting with local government officials and community opinion leaders to brainstorm solutions, and handing out surveys to citizens on the streets to ask:

“What kind of peace does our community need right now?”

In some areas, the isolation of youth and the elderly may be the most pressing issue; in others, prejudice in multicultural societies and conflicts with indigenous residents; and in still others, waste disposal facilities and water issues. Through this process of listening directly to the voices of local residents and uncovering the unique problems specific to their neighborhoods, these women are growing into “peace leaders” who plan and solve problems on their own.

Until the peace in our region becomes world peace 🗺️

A small model of action that began in one community will spread across the globe through the IWPG platform. A day is coming when the solutions for peace discovered in a small Korean neighborhood will inspire women on the other side of the world—in Kenya or Ecuador—and ultimately become a standard for global governance that shapes international policy.

The greatest peace that changes the world begins right where we stand!

🎙️Interview | People Building Peace in Their Communities

From October 19 to 23, IWPG officially participated in the “13th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC COP13),” held at the UN Office in Vienna, Austria, and emphasized to the international community the importance of women-led peacebuilding and crime prevention.

Speaking as a civil society representative during the plenary session on international cooperation on Oct 22, IWPG emphasized the need for a “victim-centered approach” and “prevention and capacity building” that go beyond mere judicial punishment. In particular, the organization presented the achievements of the Peace Lecturer Training and Education (PLTE) program, conducted in 67 countries worldwide, as a concrete model for practice, demonstrating that communities can fundamentally overcome vulnerability to crime when local women take the initiative in building peace. Subsequently, on Oct 23, IWPG successfully co-hosted an official side event with the Permanent Mission of the Kyrgyz Republic to the United Nations (Vienna) on the theme “Peace as Prevention: Women, Vulnerable Areas, and Transnational Organized Crime.” Participants strongly agreed that women are not merely passive victims, but rather agents of proactive prevention who, through peace education and leadership, prevent human trafficking and recruitment into criminal organizations.

Building on the success of its participation in this General Assembly, IWPG plans to continue collaborating with various international organizations, such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and civil society around the world to propose effective policies and actively advocate for the voices of women on the ground.  >> Read More

In October, IWPG also signed MOUs with five major institutions and organizations in five countries, both in Korea and abroad.

IWPG Headquarters and Global Region 6 signed an MOU with the Lesotho National Commission for UNESCO to promote a culture of peace, while Global Region 9 (Peace Bell Association Berlin, Mongolian Walking Association) and Global Region 6 (Gauteng Legislature Multi-Party Women's Caucus, South Africa) laid the groundwork for local solidarity. The Yeonsu Branch of Global Region 9 also signed an MOU with Seohae News to expand coverage of local peace news.

Please stay tuned for the meaningful changes and steps toward mutual growth that we will create together with our partners!