■ The Multidimensional Role of Women for Sustainable Peace

  • Date 19 September 2023, 13:30–16:00 (KST)
  • Venue Grand Hyatt Incheon, Republic of Korea
  • Host International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG)
  • Participants About 1,010 attendees from 51 countries, including first ladies, current and former ministers, and leaders of women’s organizations

Held annually since 2014, the International Women’s Peace Conference took place in Incheon this year, marking IWPG’s 10th anniversary. The conference was held as part of the 9th Anniversary of the September 18th HWPL World Peace Summit. Women representatives, government bodies, non-governmental organizations, and experts discussed the role of women in achieving sustainable peace through three lenses: education, culture, and institutions.

■ Program Highlights

  • Opening: Congratulatory remarks were delivered by the First Lady of São Tomé and Príncipe. Video messages were sent by the Vice President of the Philippines and ministers from Morocco and Madagascar.
  • Special Speech: The Minister of Gender, Child and Social Welfare of South Sudan spoke on “The Need for Sustainable Peace and Its Urgency.”
  • Session 1. Peace Education: Speakers from Mali, Tunisia, and Tanzania presented on the importance of women’s peace education and the changes Women’s Peace Education (PLTE) has brought to their communities.
  • Session 2. A Culture of Peace: Women leaders from Mindanao, Philippines, shared in a panel talk how a conflict-affected region was transformed into a place of peace.
  • Session 3. Institutionalization of Peace: Speakers from Lebanon, Korea, and Mongolia examined the limitations of international law, the significance of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), and women’s role in institutionalizing peace.
  • Also featured: Appointment of IWPG Advisors and Publicity Ambassadors, Plaque of Appreciation ceremony, and a special performance

■ Key Messages

The 2023 World Women’s Peace Conference gathered approximately 1,000 women from 51 countries, including first ladies, current and former ministers, and leaders of women’s organizations, to discuss the vital roles women play and the necessary strategies for achieving sustainable peace. Participants shared insights on the current status and challenges of peace education and the promotion of a culture of peace, covering efforts from government initiatives to civil society solidarity. They also explored effective ways to contribute to intergovernmental negotiations for the establishment of legally binding international laws. We look forward to women from all sectors of society uniting globally to take collective action toward building a better and more peaceful world.

📎 Download the Program Booklet: 2023_IWPC_Program Booklet_EN