84th Nov 2025
International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) expanded women’s peace education ‘PLTE (Peace Leadership Training & Education) in the Middle East, South America, Africa, and Asia. People from various backgrounds, such as government officials, artists, lawmakers, are contributing to peace culture in various ways including peace ambassador activities.
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“Peace begins with me”… peace education to women in conflict zones worldwide
– Provide education in the local language to encourage more participation
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- Nigeria Produces 22 New Peace Instructors through PLTE Instructor Course
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Global Region 1 (Regional Director Yeon-Kyung Kang) held an online completion ceremony on October 18 for the Nigeria PLTE Instructor Course Class 25-2-2, producing 22 new peace instructors.
The course included 14 members of Team Bamigboye Folashade and 8 members of Team Margaret Omgbu, all graduates of the PLTE General Course Class 2. Five peace instructors from Class 1 also joined the program for capacity building.
During the representative instructor speech, Bamigboye Folashade said, “Women must stand at the center of peace, realizing peace within themselves, their families, and the world,” emphasizing “the importance of harmony among religions and ethnic groups and the spread of a culture of peace in accordance with Articles 9 and 10 of the DPCW.”
Chikodili Deborah Ekweozoh, manager of the IWPG Washington, D.C. branch and lead educator for the program, encouraged the graduates by saying, “You have become actors of peace who bring harmony to individuals, families, communities, and the nation. I hope you continue to grow as members of the global peace family with the belief that ‘Peace Begins with Me.’”
The graduates will go on to serve as peace activists in Nigerian communities, implementing women’s peace education and promoting a culture of peace.
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- PLTE Provided to 187 Participants in Aceh, Indonesia
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The IWPG Jakarta Branch (Branch Manager Ana Milana Puspita Sari) conducted PLTE sessions in Central Aceh, Indonesia, from October 15 to 17.
PLTE instructor trainees Amrina Habibi and Athaya Rumaisha introduced the PLTE program to 187 youth and women volunteers.
On October 15, a total of 135 students and representatives of child and youth organizations participated in a session on “Strengthening the Role of Child Forums.” From October 16 to 17, 52 Puspaga (Family Learning Center) volunteers from eight villages received training on preventing violence against women and children.
Drawing from their experiences in the PLTE program, both instructors integrated the values of peace—compassion, empathy, and responsibility toward the world and one’s neighbors—into their lessons, emphasizing that these values form the starting point of peace at home and within communities.
They also explained to women in the post-conflict region of Aceh that violence is not a tradition to be preserved and that women play a central role in shaping community transformation and fostering a culture of nonviolence.
Participants reflected on their inner selves by identifying their strengths and writing “Ten Rules for Personal Peace,” revisiting negative emotions they had unconsciously accumulated. They also learned practical methods for practicing peace in daily life, such as communication, empathy, and respect.
At the conclusion of the training, participants pledged to spread PLTE to women throughout Indonesia.
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- Global Region 8 Trains New Peace Instructors in Zambia
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Global Region 8 successfully held an online PLTE completion ceremony on October 22. During the ceremony, Zambian peace instructor Mutati Chanda Muyembe received her certificate upon successfully completing the PLTE program.
Mutati Chanda is an educator under the Ministry of Education in Zambia and is actively engaged as an alumna and mentor of Global Schools Advocates. She collaborates closely with local NGOs to promote inclusive education and the values of peace, with a particular focus on empowering women and teachers. Through her educational and community activities, she also contributes to the advancement of Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).
In her remarks, she shared, “Through this course, I learned that peace is not merely the absence of war, but a state of wholeness that begins within each individual. Women must plant the culture of peace and raise the next generation in peace. I am committed to advancing peace through education, law, ethics, art, and religion.”
Eunhee Kim, Director of Global Region 8, remarked, “Mutati Chanda’s dedication and commitment will serve as an inspiration to women in Zambia and around the world.”
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- Over 100 Women from the Middle East and Latin America Receive Women’s Peace Education in Their Native Languages
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Global Region 2 (Regional Director Seo Yeon Lee) conducted PLTE sessions throughout the month of October for participants in the Middle East and Latin America. The program was delivered in Arabic and Spanish respectively, creating an environment where participants could understand and discuss peace concepts in their native languages.
Approximately 100 women leaders and IWPG members from both regions took part, sharing their experiences with local conflicts and their perspectives on peace, thereby expanding opportunities for networking. Participants noted that the education methodology was clear, communication-centered, and easy to follow.
Participants from the Middle East expressed that receiving explanations in Arabic helped them grasp complex topics more easily, and that the group activities provided mutual support and encouragement. Latin American participants said, “learning in Spanish allowed us to reflect on the history and present realities of regional conflicts from our own perspectives,” describing it as “a moment that awakened personal sensitivity to peace.”
In particular, Colombian participants emphasized, “We were reminded once again of how important it is not to give up on peace amid a long history of conflict.” Reflecting on memories of community collapse during the colonial era, they stated, “The fact that war was a chosen path left a deep impression.” Another participant added that “Even in the repeated conflicts that followed independence, we must never stop questioning the possibility of peace,” reaffirming the significance of the training.
Global Region 2 plans to continue strengthening locally-tailored PLTE by documenting the voices of women from the Middle East and Latin America and designing programs rooted in local languages and cultures.
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- 40 Female Teachers at Biltes College in Türkiye Participate in PLTE
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Global Region 10 is currently providing PLTE to more than 40 female teachers at Biltes College in Türkiye, where an MOU was signed during the delegation’s visit last April. The program, which began on September 22, is being held every Monday throughout October, with teachers consistently attending the sessions after school hours.
Participating teachers shared that they can directly observe in their classrooms how violent cultures and environments affect children. During the post-lecture reflection sessions, they actively spoke about their experiences and expressed a strong shared understanding of the importance of spreading a culture of peace.
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- PLTE in Kannada to be Fully Launched in Bengaluru, India
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PLTE using the local language is set to expand in Bengaluru, India. Aruna Walter, Representative of the IWPG Bengaluru Peace Committee, recently presented regional peace activity plans during a meeting with IWPG Global Region 3.
Under the belief that “peace begins at home,” Representative Aruna plans to promote peace-building efforts centered on women and children. She expressed her commitment to creating a culture of peace in daily life, emphasizing that small changes within communities can come together to create greater peace.
Three major initiatives are currently in preparation. First, a Peace Walk campaign, where participants dressed in white will promote peace in local streets. Second, the hosting of the International Loving-Peace Art Competition, which gives children the opportunity to freely express peace through art. The most notable initiative is the translation of the PLTE curriculum into Kannada, the local language. This will enable non-English-speaking women to easily participate in the education program.
In particular, audio-based learning materials will be developed to improve access for women with low literacy levels. Regular community gatherings will also be organized to ensure continuous learning and application of the PLTE content.
Chairperson Aruna shared, “I am grateful to become a member of IWPG Global Region 3 and will dedicate my life to walking the path of peace.” As head of the Arunoday Foundation, she has long been engaged in community-based work, including education for HIV-positive girls, operating a school for children in poverty, and providing counseling support for survivors of domestic violence.
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- IWPG Manila Branch Launches 2nd PLTE Class
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The IWPG Manila Branch (Branch Director April Otadoy) held a follow-up gathering on October 10 in Kapalong, Davao del Norte, continuing the flow of peace that began in Korea through the International Women’s Peace Conference.
Led by Vice Mayor Maria Theresa R. Timbol, the Philippine delegation shared insights and reflections gained from the September conference, working with participants to establish concrete action plans for spreading a culture of peace within their communities.
A key outcome of the meeting was the capacity enhancement of the first class of PLTE instructors and the official launch of the second PLTE class.
Councilor Eva Arguila expressed, “Through PLTE, I have cultivated inner peace and learned to apply it not only within my home but also in my service as a public official.”
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Strengthening Global Partnerships in Middle and South America, South Africa, Yemen, Colombia, and more
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- Global Region 9 Collaborates in Musical Performance Commemorating 80th Anniversary of Korean Independence
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Global Region 9 (Regional Director Lim Mi Suk) collaborated on a special musical performance commemorating the 80th anniversary of Korea’s independence, titled “Declaration of Independence – Remember That Day,” held on October 3 at the Bucheon Boksagol Cultural Center Art Hall in partnership with Art Tech Korea (ATK, CEO Taekyung Kang). As part of the event, outstanding works from the 7th IWPG International Loving-Peace Art Competition were showcased in a gallery exhibition. The performance and exhibition together served as a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the pains of the past, transcend them through art and culture, and envision a hopeful and peaceful future while sharing the values of peace.
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- Bangladeshi Actress Expresses Interest in Serving as an IWPG Pubilicity Ambassador
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Global Region 3 announced that Bangladeshi actress Reekita Nondine Shimu, a graduate of the PLTE program, has expressed her desire to participate in peace activities as an IWPG Pubilicity Ambassador. Shimu pledged to use her influence as an actress to promote IWPG and share messages of peace during media interviews following her film appearances. She also expressed her intention to actively engage in collaborative initiatives with the IWPG Dhaka Peace Committee.
Shimu was selected as the lead actress in the UNICEF and Bangladesh Ministry of Education–produced television drama “Alo Amar Alo,” where she played the protagonist “Alo” in a project highlighting the importance of girls’ education.
Reflecting on her experience, Shimu shared, “Seeing people around the world working for positive change has given me great strength, and as a woman, I gained courage and energy. Realizing the importance of ‘practicing inner peace’ was especially meaningful for my life.” She added, “For a culture of peace to take root in Bangladesh, strong law enforcement to prevent gender discrimination and domestic violence, as well as equality education from childhood, are essential. I am committed to working with IWPG to promote women’s leadership and advance peace.”
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- IWPG Johannesburg Branch Signs MOU with South African Women in Dialogue (SAWID)
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The IWPG Johannesburg Branch in South Africa signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with South African Women in Dialogue (SAWID) on October 24. SAWID is a national women’s organization that brings together diverse and wide-ranging voices of women and reflects them in decision-making across various regions.
Through this partnership, both parties will cooperate to successfully spread PLTE and strengthen women’s peacebuilding leadership. The agreement also aims to promote a culture of peace within local communities.
Expressing strong support, SAWID Chairperson Thoko Mpumlwana stated, “We deeply resonate with IWPG’s vision to unite women around the world to realize peace. This agreement will be an important opportunity to amplify the voices of South African women on the international stage.”
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- Global Region 2 Expands Cooperation with Yemen’s Ministry of Education on Women, Peace, and Education
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IWPG Global Region 2 (Regional Director Seoyeon Lee) held an online meeting with the Ministry of Education of Yemen on October 20 to discuss expanding cooperation in the areas of women, peace, and education, as well as the procedures for signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The meeting was attended by Dr. Zaid Mohammed, Deputy Minister for Training and Qualifications of the Ministry of Education, along with interpreter Ahmed Moqaas.
During the discussion, both sides reviewed various areas of collaboration in detail, including: sharing the Ministry of Education’s upcoming plans; drafting the MOU documents based on existing educational and cultural programs; expanding PLTE participation for female teachers; increasing membership among women’s and educational organizations; encouraging participation in the International Loving-Peace Art Competition; and establishing an inter-departmental coordination system.
Deputy Minister Mohammed stated, “Education is the most stable infrastructure for building sustainable peace beyond conflict. The Ministry of Education of Yemen warmly welcomes international cooperation to strengthen the capacities of women and youth.” He further emphasized, “IWPG’s accumulated experience in women’s peace education aligns precisely with Yemen’s needs, and we will share our annual plans to develop effective cooperation strategies.”
Global Region 2 expressed strong agreement that expanding educational access for women and girls in Yemen is essential for regional stability and sustainable peacebuilding. Global Region 2 plans to implement step-by-step education and peace programs tailored to Yemen’s context and needs. IWPG will also continue strengthening international cooperation with institutions around the world to help women and youth in conflict-affected areas develop peacebuilding capacities through education.
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- Global Region 2 Discusses Peace Event Collaboration with Bogotá Chamber of Commerce in Colombia
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In preparation for the 2026 International Women’s Peace Conference scheduled for October next year, Global Region 2 held an online pre-coordination meeting with the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce on October 21. The meeting was attended by Ms. Fanny Melina Gutiérrez Garzón, Director of Operations, and Fanny Carlos Duque, Executive Leader for 2026 Events, who worked with IWPG to coordinate key procedures including event operations, management of invited guests, on-site protocol, and program composition.
During the meeting, representatives from the Chamber emphasized that the conference is not simply an event, but an important turning point that will connect Colombia’s peace and inclusion policies with the international community. They also highlighted that, amid the conflicts and changes occurring across Latin America, women’s participation is essential, and that IWPG’s PLTE and DPCW-based cooperation will contribute meaningfully to Colombian society.
The conference will also include the establishment and unveiling ceremony of the IWPG Peace Monument, creating a symbolic space of peace jointly shared by both the local and international community. Building on this foundation, Global Region 2 aims to develop a practical peace platform that enables women leaders worldwide to move beyond dialogue and advance real policies, educational programs, and community-based initiatives. It will also continue expanding international cooperation for conflict prevention and fostering a culture of peace.
Additionally, using this conference as a momentum, IWPG plans to prioritize the expansion of PLTE, DPCW-based policy cooperation, and regional peace networks across Latin America.
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Global Peace Culture Network Expands from Berlin to Yangon
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- Peace Seminar Held at Mongolian University of Arts with 80 Participants
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The IWPG Ulaanbaatar Branch (Branch Director Tumurkhuyag Enkhtaivan) held a peace seminar on Oct 22 at the College of Fine Arts, Design and Technology. Approximately 80 participants, including Dean Lkhagvajav Bat-Ayush, faculty members, and students, attended the event. During the seminar, the branch introduced the value and importance of peace and presented the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW). The participants joined IWPG as members and signed a peace pledge expressing their commitment to contributing to peace.
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- Berlin Branch Shares Inspiration through Children’s Peace Art Exhibition
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The IWPG Berlin Branch (Branch Director Yingyan Cao) held the awards ceremony and exhibition for the 7th International Loving-Peace Art Competition on October 11 at Alexanderplatz in Berlin, with approximately 60 people in attendance.
The event was especially moving as children who had personally experienced war and relocated as refugees shared their artwork, conveying powerful messages of peace. The presence of participating children, their families, and various community members made the event even more meaningful. Awards were presented to a total of 10 winners, including first, second, and third place recipients.
The Berlin Branch also expressed gratitude to East Side Gallery and the Rodina Association for their generous support in ensuring the successful hosting of the event. Certificates and tokens of appreciation were presented to representatives from the Red Cross Müggelspree and Frankfurt Oder.
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- IWPG Prague Branch Holds Women’s Peace Dialogue Under the Theme “Women’s Voices in a Time of Change”
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The IWPG Prague Branch held a women’s peace conference on October 11 in Prague as part of the commemoration of the 11th Anniversary of HWPL’s World Peace Summit. The event, titled “Women’s Voices in a Time of Change,” brought together women from the fields of arts, education, and social welfare to highlight the importance of women’s voices in promoting peace and social transformation.
Saadatkan Daminova, Honorary Consul of Kyrgyzstan, and artist Irena Procházková shared their reflections on the need for peace education and the critical role of women in peacebuilding.
The program featured a women’s roundtable session, “The Power of Women’s Voices,” and an “Ubuntu” discussion, where participants explored pathways for social change and mutual support. The attendees also expressed their intention to continue collaboration through the “Peace Café” platform.
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- IWPG Rotterdam Branch Holds 11th Anniversary Commemoration of the World Peace Summit
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The IWPG Rotterdam Branch (Branch Director Rebecca van Dijk-Conteh) held the 11th Anniversary Commemoration of the HWPL World Peace Summit on October 18 in The Hague, the Netherlands.
The event featured a variety of programs, including a peace booth, ice-breaking activities, and networking sessions. Participants shared the meaning of peace and discussed future directions for collaboration. In particular, attendees exchanged views on IWPG’s activities and their impact, exploring ways to promote peace within local communities.
At the event, the Rotterdam Branch distributed informational materials to the public, providing detailed introductions to the organization’s vision and key initiatives—including expanding women-led peace networks, advancing PLTE, and strengthening community-based activities. The branch stated that it will continue broadening community engagement and spreading the values of peace through ongoing outreach and diverse local initiatives.
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- IWPG Tokyo Branch October International Women’s Peace Network Regular Meeting
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The IWPG Tokyo Branch held its October International Women’s Peace Network Regular Meeting online on October 25.
The meeting, held under the theme “Efforts Toward a Ceasefire and Peacebuilding in Myanmar,” was attended by nine participants, including Komine Sigetsugu, President of the NPO Interband and lecturer at Momoyama Gakuin University International Center.
Komine shared updates on the situation in Myanmar, which has remained in a state of civil conflict since the 2021 coup. Interband has been supporting refugees near the border by providing food, medicine, school supplies, and farming tools, while also engaging in grassroots peace cooperation activities for Myanmar. The organization is additionally urging the Embassy of Myanmar in Japan and members of the Japanese parliament to take an active role in diplomatic efforts for peace in Myanmar.
Professor Komine emphasized, “As people living in the same era, we must first recognize what is happening around the world and spread this awareness through our regular meetings so that we can expand a culture of peace.”
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- IWPG Yangon Branch Holds International Women’s Peace Network Regular Meeting
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The IWPG Yangon Branch (Branch Manager Crystal Po Gyaw) held its International Women’s Peace Network Regular Meeting on October 13 at the National Young Women’s Christian Association. A total of 23 participants attended, and three new members joined the organization. The meeting included an opening address by the branch manager, updates on Yangon branch activities, reflections from participants who attended the World Peace Summit, and a general discussion session.
Yin Yin Mya, Operations Manager of the IWPG Yangon Branch and Executive Committee Member of Myanmar Psychology Association, shared her remarks on the meeting. She stated, “I was very pleased and deeply moved to see active participation and experience-sharing among IWPG Yangon members and members of the IWPG Shan Women Development Network.” She added, “Such sharing is essential because it brings greater value to all of us, and I hope to see effective implementation in the future.”
Kalayar Sukyi, founder of We Change, also expressed her appreciation: “I was very happy to meet my colleagues at today’s meeting, and I was touched by the warm welcome and kindness shown to me.” She noted that she was able to hear the experiences and lessons learned from those who attended the gathering in Korea, while the Shan Women’s Network discussed their ongoing projects. “Through this opportunity, I was able to better understand the backgrounds of all members and the activities each organization is carrying out amid crisis situations,” she said.
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Interview of the Month
Canadian Legal Professional Yinka: “I Want to Establish an IWPG Branch in Canada”
“The DPCW is an Innovative and Groundbreaking Answer for Peace”
“I Hope to Become a Peace Expert through PLTE”
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잉카 오옐로오
캐나다
바우(VOW: Canadian Voice Of Women for Peace) 이사회, 인권 변호사
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Yinka Oyelowo, a Canadian legal professional, visited Korea driven by her strong commitment to peace. She attended HWPL’s 11th Anniversary of the 9·18 World Peace Summit held on September 18 in Cheongju, as well as the International Women’s Peace Conference hosted by IWPG on September 19.
Yinka Oyelowo, who previously worked as a human rights lawyer in Canada and recently became a prosecutor, now operates her own law firm while actively contributing to the advancement of women’s rights. After the ceremony, IWPG Global Region 11 met with her at Café Glory for an in-depth conversation on peace.
When asked about her impressions of HWPL’s 11th Anniversary of the 9·18 World Peace Summit, Ms. Oyelowo could not hide her admiration. “I was amazed by the scale and organization of the event, and the content was so substantial that I learned a great deal,” she said. “It was truly an honor to be invited to a gathering of remarkable people from around the world who are united by a desire for peace.”
Her connection with IWPG dates back to the 2022 UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). At that time, Ms. Oyelowo became convinced that IWPG’s peace initiatives represented a genuine effort to achieve the cessation of war and true global peace. Since then, she has actively supported IWPG, including through the signing of an MOU.
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She expressed her gratitude, saying, “It is an honor to be able to participate in such a meaningful event,” and repeatedly thanked IWPG for the invitation.
When asked what kind of peace Canada needs, Ms. Oyelowo responded with seriousness. “Canada urgently needs to focus on peace movements. Rather than funding weapons, it is far more important to invest in social programs, and we must ensure that younger generations are aware of global peace efforts,” she emphasized.
Strengthening her tone, she continued, “More citizens need to learn about IWPG’s peace initiatives and understand how they can influence government policy. The peace activities taking place in Europe and Africa are timely and critically important, and Canada must learn from them as well.”
She noted that although peace movements do exist in Canada, they largely remain at an academic and educational level. What is even more concerning, she explained, is that those who take concrete action against war or violence often face social disadvantages. Some lose their jobs or become targets of public criticism.
As a legal professional, Ms. Oyelowo presented a clear vision. “Through IWPG’s PLTE, I want to promote ways to resolve conflict not through war or violence, but through psychological and legal approaches,” she said. She further pledged, “I will actively use my law firm to ensure that everyone can learn about and understand the DPCW.”
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She also expressed her conviction as a legal expert. “From a lawyer’s perspective, the DPCW is a highly innovative and groundbreaking solution for achieving peace,” she said. “I will fully support it until the day it is submitted to the UN and established as international law.”
Ms. Oyelowo is already developing a five- to ten-year plan to establish an IWPG branch in Canada and secure the financial foundation needed for it to operate independently as an NGO. She also expressed her ambitious vision, saying, “I want those who complete peace education to be recognized as and expert in international law and peace. My goal is to ensure that the certification received after completing IWPG’s PLTE is officially acknowledged in society.”
Jang Sunhee, Global Region 11 Director of IWPG, expressed strong support for Ms. Oyelowo’s vision and pledged full assistance. “We will actively support Ms. Oyelowo in establishing an IWPG branch in Canada so that the flower of IWPG peace may bloom there as well,” she said. “Let us continue our discussions and walk together for a long time as we shape the direction forward.”
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