International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) completed the preliminary rounds of the International Loving-Peace Art Competition (ILPAC) in July, two months after the first start in May. In addition, IWPG focused on MOU/A partnerships for peace; advocacy for the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW); provision of Women’s Peace Education; and dissemination of peace culture.

IWPG’s annual art competition, the International Loving-Peace Art Competition (ILPAC), is creating a wave of peace all around the world. Marking its 7th year, the ILPAC preliminaries in 2025 started taking place all around the world since May on different days. As the preliminaries entered their final stretch in July, many regions focused on the preliminary award ceremony and drawing exhibition.

The Daegu ILPAC preliminary award ceremony was held at Daegu Policy Brief on June 12. There were 9 awards bestowed, including the Daegu city mayor award, the Environmental Art Association award, and many other new awards from various organizations in society. Su Bin Bae (freshman, Daegu JoongAng High School), who won the first place, said, “I tried to show that peace starts with our small attention and interest.”
There were also a photo booth and DPCW booth during the event, providing participants with an opportunity to experience peace regardless of their generation and social position. Regional Director Su Jin Park said, “The children’s drawings are not just mere artwork, but a message for us to realize. Today’s award ceremony is the answer from the older generation.”

1,700 participants participated in the series of ILPAC preliminary rounds held in Mumbai, India. On Jul 9, Sanjeevani World School gathered 1,600 students in multiple time slots so that they can express peace in their daily lives. The students drew about peace they could practice in their daily lives, such as reconciliation with their family and friends and resolving daily conflicts.
On Jul 11, 100 students at Pragnya Bodhini High School drew under the theme, “What can I do for peace?” This year’s preliminary in Mumbai went beyond merely reiterating peace images but guided children to think creatively and motivated them to practice peace, making the event more meaningful.

Global Region 3 signed an MOU with Pak Christian Foundation from Pakistan and agreed to jointly engage in women-led peace activities. The two organizations first met during this year’s UN CSW (Commission on the Status of Women) held in March, and had a meeting in-person, where they agreed to conduct peace education, hold the International Loving-Peace Art Competition in Pakistan, and cooperate for various peace activities.
Through this partnership, women-led peace activities aiming to resolve the religious, social conflicts in Pakistan are expected to strengthen. Pak Christian Foundation held the ILPAC preliminary with 200 students. The two organizations plan to provide peace education to women and children in Pakistan and expand the value of peace, strengthening the foundation for international cooperation.

On Jul 26, Global Region 1 (Regional Director Yeonkyoung Kang) held the award ceremony of the ILAPC preliminary and special lecture at the Art Hall Bom of Seoul Women’s Plaza.
About 700 drawings were submitted to the preliminary held in Seoul, Pyeongtaek, and Suwon on Jun 1, and after intense deliberation, 211 people were selected to received awards across Division 1-4.
Approximately 250 people, including awardees, parents, and judges, joined the award ceremony, which featured congratulatory remarks, acceptance speeches, and special performances. In the second part of the event, there was a lecture under the theme “Special Dialogue with Artists Dreaming of Peace,” giving an opportunity for the judges and awardees to discuss peace and art.
Seonha Noh, the first place of the high school division, said, “I put a lot of effort into my drawing because I wanted to help spread peace through my talent, which is drawing.” The judge, Bumi Lee, judge and master of Artisan of Hanji Painting, said, “I was so moved by the children’s pure questions. I hope more children participate in this competition and realize the peaceful world that these drawings portray.”

IWPG shared the achievements of Women’s Peace Education conducted to 300 students in 7 countries—Myanmar, Kenya, Cambodia, France, India, Afghanistan, and Yemen.

On Jul 17, Kachin Peace Committee of Global Region 4 held the Women’s Peace Education completion ceremony at the office of Shan Women Development Network. Four peace instructors and six graduates were produced through this class, which is the first IWPG peace education class held in Kachin State. The next class will open in the Q4.
Aye Thanksar Kyaw, one of the graduates, said, “I tried to participate in the education despite my busy circumstances, and I was able to complete the course thanks to the patience of the instructors. I learned that peace begins within me and that I need to share this with the people around me.”
Nang Mwe Kham said, “I am honored to participate. I am waiting for the opportunity to share my knowledge to my community,” Nang Ai Horm Kham said, “This education is essential in Kachin. I am so glad to be able to provide such valuable education.”
Kham Yin said “SWDN has been providing peace education since 2024, and I was so glad that the Kachin Peace Committee could provide the first peace leadership training in 2025. I will continue to work to raise peace awareness all around the world.”
Nang an Hkaung said, “This was the first IWPG event held in Kachin state, so there may still be much room for improvement. But I’m sure we will improve going forward.”

On Jul 26, Phnom Penh Branch of Cambodia (Branch Manager Hoy Socheavaney) held peace education under the theme “The Significance of Peace Education” at Tnal Bambek school in Sre Ambee, Koh Kong Provionce.
138 students and 15 teacher and school committee members participated in the education, and Mrs. Por Sokun, FADCS representative for Koh Kong Province, volunteered as the emcee.
Lim Kim Ly, director of FADC, gave her opening remarks, followed by Branch Manger Hoy Socheavaney, who explained the history of IWPG and its activities in Cambodia, along with the significance of peace in the household, school, and community.
She explained the ramifications of domestic violence and school violence on the lives of children, adolescents, and the community and explained that we need to educate children on the value of respect, tolerance, inclusiveness, justice, solidarity, and dedication to break this vicious cycle.
The principal and teachers said, “This education was a new experience. I was deeply move and wish for peace education wo be sustained for a long time. If this education had been provided several years ago, conflict within the community would have reduced drastically.

On Jul 5, the Paris Branch of Franch held the peace education completion ceremony online. Peace education graduates from Franch, Mali, Ivory Coast, and Tunisia joined the peace education and enjoyed quality time with other the other graduates.
The completion ceremony featured a video on peace education and the award ceremony, followed by the commemorative remarks of Femy Orianne Fadji, Branch Manager of the Paris Branch. Glayds Konan, one of the most outstanding graduates, was awarded and presented with the certificate of completion.
The participants said, “It was a valuable opportunity for me to leap forward as a peace messenger. I will continue to unite with IWPG.”

On Jul 26, the IWPG Antananarivo Team held an offline PLTE graduation ceremony in Ravis Betongolo, Antananarivo, Madagascar. A total of 36 people attended the graduation ceremony, including PLTE graduates, key local government and NGO officials, media representatives, staff, and volunteers. Participants expressed their agreement on the necessity of expanding peace education, and two graduates shared their thoughts that they were immediately ready to spread the education.

On Jul 26, 61 women from 4 South Asian countries—India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan—completed online peace education provided by Global Region 3. The aim of the education was to empower women in peacebuilding and train them to become leaders that can contribute to international peace processes.
Regional Director Eun-ju Heo said, “Please spread this peace that you have learned to your communities and gather more students that can work with us. Let’s build complete peace through the small steps we take individually.”
Amber Shahzadi, Director of Academics at EQUIP School system, one student from Pakistan, said, “The most memorable part was to create our own family peace law. I created a Family Peace Tree with my family, and set rules with my five-year-old daughter, such as ‘Respect others’. This made me recall the ultimate truth that peace begins with the family, built upon love, understanding, and listening to others.”

In July, Global Region 2 provided the orientation and the first four lessons of the 3rd Women’s Peace Education class for Middle East countries.
The education gathered instructor Naglaa Saad Al-Akouri and Dr. Ekram Saad Al-Akouri, founder of Women Journalists for Peace Platform, and 70 female women and leaders in the Middle East, including IWPG staff, and emphasized the value of peace and the role of women.
After the education, the students shared their heartfelt thoughts and feelings of the education, expressing their excitement for the upcoming classes.
Samia Jaber, an English teacher at Hadhramaut, Al-Mukalla, Yemen, said, “Today was a new and beautiful start to peace education. I am happy to be here and look forward to the education.”
Lamis Al-Asbahi, lawyer at the Legal Affairs Office in Al Mahrah Governorate and Editor-in-chief of Jehaina Yemen News, said, “I was moved by everyone’s enthusiasm starting from the first day. Women’s Peace Education will be the truthful and blessed steppingstone toward peace in Yemen. We can all bring change together.”
Manar Muhammad from Yemen said, “This was a joyful and moving session. The lectures of the three instructors were very impressive, and all the other participants were excellent.”
Athar Shamsheer, lawyer and human rights activist, said, “I express my deepest gratitude and respect to everyone who supported this Women’s Peace Education.”

There were also outstanding achievements in Mongolia. On Jul 3, the Ulaanbaatar Branch of Mongolia (Branch Manager Tumurkhuyag Enkhtaivan) held the joint completion ceremony for Women’s Peace Education in the first half of 2025. 360 students from 9 classes participated in this ceremony, and the Branch awarded people with excellent achievements in 4 different areas, along with the Most Excellent Student and Best Attendance award.
Branch Manager Tumurkhuyag Enkhtaivan said, “This education focuses on raises peace awareness in the Mongolian society and producing women peace instructors. The aim to strengthen community networks through sustainable peace activities.”
Regional Director Lim Mi Suk said, “I hope the students engage more actively in various peace activities after this education. One person is weak, but together, we are stronger.”

IWPG strengthened international networks through women-led peace activities.

From Jul 21 to 24, Global Region 1 dispatched female peace activities to the Philippines to strengthen the female peace network in the country. The team, led by director of international affairs Lee Hwi-young, visited local governments and public institutions and signed MOUAs, laid the foundation for peace education, went live on local television, demonstrated cases of peace culture, and trained local peace activities.
There was a total of 3 MOAs signed. On Jul 22, IWPG signed MOAs each with the Local Council of Women of Pasig City and Zonta Club Metropolitan and agreed to provide Women’s Education starting from August.
On Jul 24, IWPG signed another MOA with vice mayor Elizabeth Mangudadatu Tayuan at Davao City Library. Mayor Elizabeth said, “I welcome this partnership with IWPG, and I will introduce IWPG’s programs to the local legislature to receive support and approval.”
They also starred in a Philippines television show and spread the message of peace. On Jul 21, the team featured in PTV, a state-run broadcaster in the Philippines, and introduced IWPG’s peace activities and Women’s Peace Education. Director Lee said, “I hope the Philippines goes beyond advocating peace to blooming peace.”
On Jul 23, the team was cast on a radio broadcast, DWIZ 882 AM, and introduced the Women’s Peace Education conducted in Kapalong and Hinigaran. Officials from Zonta Club explained the meaning of the partnership and emphasized the need for women-centered peacebuilding.

On Jul 23, “Peace Talk: Dialogue for Change” was held at Green Paradise in Kapalong, Davao del Norte. 70 people, including Charry Jubahib, Representative of Vice Governor of Davao Del Norte, and Janet G. Beloso, Schools Division Superintendent, came to the event.
Vice mayor Maria Theresa Royo Timbo shared her experience of IWPG Women’s Peace Education, and 10 people newly registered as IWPG members.
Green Paradise once had the highest crime rate in the Philippines, but after IWPG’s 3rd Peace Monument was established in 2024, it has now become the platform for festivals and events, under the monitoring and surveillance of the local government. The Manila branch of the Philippines is preparing for the 2nd PLTE class.

On Jul 28, the Yangon branch of Myanmar (Branch Manager Crystal Po Gyaw) held the International Women’s Peace Network Regular Meeting at National Young Women’s Christian Association with 16 people. 5 of them registered as IWPG members, and the participants shared news of Yangon branch’s activities, future plans, and knowledge on disaster protection.
Yin Yin Mya, Operations Manager of Yangon branch, said, “I am proud to share Yangon branch’s activities in the first half of 2025. This regular meeting was an opportunity for warm words and encouragement.” She is also working as an executive committee member of Myanmar Psychology Association.

Global Region 10 (Director Hwa-jeong Kim) successfully held the 7th International Women Leaders’ Peace Meeting online on July 19. Under the theme “Fields of Peace: Women Leaders across Sectors,” the forum brought together over 300 women leaders and members from 11 countries—including, Kazakhstan, Türkiye, Japan, Mexico, alongside participants from six branches in Korea.

On Jul 20, the Tokyo branch of Japan gathered both on/offline at the house of Ootawara Masako, one of the Peace Committee representatives. Oikawa Yoko, Kitani Kimiko, Takahasi Junko, and 6 people joined.
After the International Women Leaders’ Peace Meeting, Takahasi Junko, said, “I was impressed to see so many people—more than 300—from Global Region 10 alone. I could feel everyone’s passion for peace. Kitani Kimiko said, “I could see how peace culture is being spread through their passion. I am very impressed.”

Global Region 7 (Regional Director Eunkyung Kim) held the International Women Leaders’ Peace Meeting online. The event was held under the theme “The Power to Rebuild Peace: Female Resilience and Solidarity” and highlighted the role of women in conflict resolution and community restoration, gathering 150 female leaders and peace instructors from 13 countries.
Regional Director Eunkyung Kim said, “Peace grounded in international law (DPCW) is peace that bring real transformation to society” and emphasized the women’s leadership for peace. The event also included various programs, such as cases studies of “connecting peace with art,” an interview on “women planting peace,” and a discussion on “making a peace language.”
The participants all said, “This is a meaningful opportunity to raise awareness on global peace activities and support female leaders. We will commit ourselves to building international solidarity and the foundation for female leadership to realize the vision of IWPG.”

In July, Global Region 8 open the door to a new global partnership for peace and women’s empowerment with International Network of Liberal Women (INLW). The two organizations shared common values and expressed anticipation toward their future partnership.
On Jul 11, during the first meeting with Khadija Oum Bachair El Morabit, the president of INLW, the two organizations shared each other’s history and main initiatives and discovered common interests and focuses in peace education and women’s empowerment. Global Region 8 proposed several potential avenues of cooperation, such as peace education, joint campaigns, and the ILPAC. President Khadija expressed her interest in conducting joint projects in with their overseas branches in Taiwan and Cambodia.
On Jul 25, there was the second meeting with INLW Secretary General and Advisor Ruth Richardson, where IWPG and INLW discussed practical methods of cooperation. INLW agreed to participate in IWPG’s international conference on women and peace and give a presentation.
President Khadija said, “This meeting is a mere one-time event, but the starting point of a long-lasting practical partnership between two international women’s organizations. I hope our common effort for peace and women’s empowerment spreads to all corners of the world.”

On Jul 30, Global Region 2 signed an MOU with Women’s Media for Peace (Representative Dr. Ekram Saad Al-Akori), a Yemen women’s media group.
Through this partnership, the two organizations agreed to implement practical peace activities and build a culture of peace, by, for example, spreading Women’s Peace Education, co-hosting peace events, promoting on social media, advocating for the legislation of the DPCW, creating media content for International Women’s Peace Day and peace education, sharing knowledge, and building a network.
Representative Dr. Ekram Saad Al-Akori stressed, “Women in the Middle East were forced to stay silent during war and violence, but now they are raising their voices through journalism. This MOU will become an important milestone to support the solidarity of female journalists and the freedom of press.”
Regional Director Seo Yeon Lee said, “Partnership with the press is not just spreading information, but a prerequisite to spreading a message of peace all around the world. The power of sincere press is the key to bring peace for women, children, and the whole humanity one step closer to us.”

Partnership with press and media is also strong in Korea. On Jul 8, Wonju branch (Branch Manager Park So Yeong) signed an MOU with Seoul Economy TV Gangwon branch at the office of Seoul Economy TV and agreed to spread peace culture and strengthen the social role of women.
The aim of this partnership was for the two organizations to share information and create content on their common value—world peace and sustainable development—and plan events in connection with the local community.
Kang Won Soon, head of Seoul Economy TV Gangwon branch, said “As a journalist, I am honored to be able to contribute to the spread of such a noble social value. I’m sure both organizations can enjoy real achievements based on each of their capacities.”
IWPG plans to strengthen international cooperation for sustainable peace and expand the female-led peace network all around the world.

My name is Gladys Konan; I am married and a mother of two children. I am a fashion design teacher. I work on the integration of young people from Cocody and Abobo. I am the president of the women’s associations of Cocody, known as FAFCO. Within this federation, we are made up of many associations.
We focus on women’s empowerment, literacy, internal management of the various associations, and support in accessing credit for women to help them become self-sufficient. That is what we do within FAFCO.

I came to know about IWPG through the Ministry of Women, Family, and Children in November 2024, through the peace education that the organization graciously offered us.

The peace education sessions were so rich. We learned so much about virtues we didn’t even know.
Peace, which we often see as just a simple word, became something so powerful during the peace education classes. There were so many reflections. It changed many behaviors because the course was so intense, so real, and so relevant to the situation in Côte d’Ivoire.
I learned many things through the international organization IWPG, and I was truly delighted to participate in this peace education program.

I had several experiences, but the one that impacted me the most was the meetings we had with many of our sisters, our fellow women from other countries. It was so rich.
There was interaction, the exchange of ideas and cultures. And that’s where you see that peace transforms our daily lives. I realized that without peace, we can do nothing.
Without peace, we can do nothing. A woman educated in peace is a nation transformed. It truly gave me strength and had a real effect on me, on who I am, and on my family unit.
There was more closeness, more attention, more love shared with my husband and children. It was so beautiful that I told myself, “Wow, what a privilege it was to be among those 72 women selected by the ministry.”
And I thank the international organization because everything was just amazing—the team, the training—they did an outstanding job.
Truly, I want to tell you: that’s what it was.

I am overjoyed.
I wondered, was it me? Because I wanted so badly to get to the bottom of this education thing. When the competition was launched, I said to myself, Côte d’Ivoire had to take this first part. And I put my heart and soul into it.
It’s true, it wasn’t easy. There are times when you leave work and you’re tired. On Saturdays, you need to rest.
We had to do the course, but we had to give ourselves time. And I gave myself time to develop and learn the lessons too.
Because in the training courses, there were lessons to be taught. We had to learn them, condense them, and then be able to pass them on. So it was a perilous exercise, but in the end, we came out on top.
We can only thank God. I like that phrase you said, I put my heart and soul into it. Heart and soul.

I found myself like a child doing this exercise. I call it an exercise. Peace is a daily exercise.
I told myself, it’s a child’s exercise. Let’s put ourselves in a child’s shoes to see the wonders that children can bring. So I told myself I had to learn the lessons like my children.
Late at night, while everyone else was asleep, I studied my lessons. That’s what I did. At one o’clock in the morning, two o’clock in the morning, I did my exercises.
And I handed in my homework. The greatest moment of the game was when, very late at night, maybe two o’clock in the morning, three o’clock in the morning, I handed in my homework.
I studied my lessons like my children. I had a joy in my heart that gave me the strength to complete my exercises. I was so happy to be there at that moment, to share the exercises I had received the day before, to be able to hand them in.

Of course, of course. I couldn’t possibly be a laureate of such a wonderful 2025 session and not have projects to share with the trainers that you are.
It’s impossible. So, I have even renewed that request for support, and there are activities that I am considering or already working on in my country, Côte d’Ivoire, but I cannot do it alone. And I know that with you, we can coordinate and carry out activities together.

Yes, of course. The first involves raising awareness among women, starting in Cocody and then expanding throughout Abidjan.
We have awareness campaigns to carry out across all of Abidjan, but we will start in the municipality of Cocody, with groups of women, including various women leaders.
Secondly, after Cocody and Abidjan, we plan to move into the regions.
That’s the action plan we are currently developing and finalizing.
And we would like, in this regard, for the IWPG organization to support us in this working approach.

The message I want to share is truly a message of gratitude. I am so thankful to the IWPG organization, which supported us throughout all these training sessions. The good that this peace education has brought us has transformed our families, our daily lives, and even our communities.
The only word I have is thank you. Thank you to the trainers who spared no effort, who took their time to provide us with the proper training. Thank you to the president of the organization.
Thank you to everyone working in all the countries where IWPG is established, spreading the message of peace. Because a country that has peace is a country that can develop. A country without peace cannot develop.
So for us, here in Côte d’Ivoire, we truly need peace. Peace is truly synonymous with love, joy, and unity. And we want to share that around us.
Thank you. Thank you. I would even like to name all the trainers, but to avoid mispronouncing some of their names, I will simply say thank you to all these brave women—all these mothers, sisters, and daughters—who dedicate their time.
We always keep them busy because we call them when we don’t understand something. But they are there every day, by our side. Thank you.
May God’s hand continue to reach your homes and be with you. Thank you. Be blessed.