IWPG Newsletter No. 90
2026.06.10
Across East and West, May is a season that invites us to reflect on the importance of family, care, and community. Although cultures and traditions may differ, people around the world share a common appreciation for the relationships that nurture, support, and connect us. The values of understanding, respect, and compassion transcend borders and generations. IWPG believes that sustainable peace begins in these everyday relationships, and that small acts of care can help build a more peaceful future for all. Throughout this vibrant month of May, IWPG and our partner organizations came together to share peace, care, and hope in communities around the world. Here are some of the activities and stories that made this month meaningful.
When people think about peace, they often think of governments, international agreements, or peace negotiations. But peace begins much closer to us—in our daily lives and in the way we treat one another.
Women contribute to peace in many ways through their leadership, resilience, and commitment to their communities. Among these strengths, we would like to focus on one in particular: a mother’s heart. We do so because the desire to protect life, prevent suffering, and create a safer future for the next generation lies at the heart of peace itself.
A mother’s heart is more than simply being a parent. It is the instinct to protect life, care for others, and help relationships grow. Throughout history, women have often been among those most affected by war and conflict. Yet even in difficult circumstances, they have continued to protect their families, support their communities, and keep hope alive. Their determination to prevent suffering and safeguard future generations has made them powerful advocates for peace.
The ability to listen, understand others, and choose dialogue instead of conflict helps build peaceful relationships every day. These qualities strengthen families, connect communities, and create the trust that lasting peace depends on.
At IWPG, we believe that a mother’s heart is one of the foundations of sustainable peace. Through everyday acts of care, understanding, and respect, women can strengthen relationships, inspire positive change, and help build a more peaceful world for future generations.
🕊 The 8th ILPAC Preliminary in Korea
– 6,800 people gathered in 30 cities nationwide to draw peace
– A depiction of children’s dreams of peace
The South Korean preliminary round of the 8th International Loving-Peace Art Competition, hosted by the International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG, President Jeon Na-yeong), was held simultaneously in 30 regions across the country on May 16. This year’s theme was “My Peace Story.” More than 6,800 participants, including children and youth aged 7 to 18 and their parents, gathered at event venues across the country.
This preliminary round stood out from the very selection of venues. Alongside symbolic spaces where the meaning of history and peace could be deeply remembered, such as Seoul National Cemetery, Daejeon National Cemetery, and Yeosu-Suncheon 10·19 Peace Park, everyday parks and plazas in local communities also became event venues. From the Seoul metropolitan area, to Busan, Gwangju, and the Chungcheong and Gangwon regions, the entire country was truly colored with peace.
The event did not stop at drawing. All programs, including family photo shoots by the Photographic Artists Society of Korea, plant-planting activities, and free experience booths by local craft studios, were closely connected under the single theme of “peace.” While children held their paintbrushes, parents also took part in the activities, naturally leading to family participation. Local governments, provincial and city councils, and offices of education, as well as arts organizations, such as the Korean Fine Arts Association and the Federation of Artistic and Cultural Organizations of Korea, also participated in presenting special awards, adding further meaning to the event.
⚖️ Peace Created by Future Generations
Participating students expressed the image of peace they dream of—family, friends, nature, consideration and coexistence, and a world without war—on canvas in a variety of colors.
Although the domestic preliminary round has concluded, the competition continues. Overseas preliminary rounds will be held around the world until June, followed by the international final judging in September, the final awards ceremony and publication of the art brochure in November, and an exhibition of the winning works in December. An IWPG official said, “The very fact that children across the country and around the world drew peace under the same theme is the meaning of this competition. IWPG will continue to provide a platform for international networking that spreads the value of peace through culture and art.”
A total of more than 6,800 drawings were created simultaneously in 30 regions across the country. Each and every one of them comes together to become the world’s largest declaration of peace. Now it is the adults’ turn to create the world of peace children dream of. You are peace.
More details on the preliminary rounds of the 8th International Loving-Peace Art Competition will be available in the next newsletter, Issue No. 91, and on the IWPG website. >> Click for more
Seoul Metropolitan Area (Seoul, Gyeonggi, Incheon)
Global Region 11, 7, and 9 held the ILPAC preliminary round at Seoul Peace Culture Bunker, Gupabal Waterfall Plaza, and Bupyeong Park respectively. Approximately 1,000 people attended in total, with various performances and activities, such as mine-clearing, face painting, and craft activities.
Daejeon Region
Global Region 10 held its preliminary round at Daejeon National Cemetery. More than 800 students, family members, and citizens participated, expressing “My Peace Story” through drawings and sharing the value of peace through various experiential programs. >> Click for more
Busan Region
Branches under Global Region 3 held preliminary rounds in their respective areas. With approximately 640 participants in attendance, a variety of programs were offered, including face painting, pressed-flower bookshelf making, and mini hand-fan making.
Daegu Region
The domestic branches of Global Region 5 jointly held a regional preliminary round at the Gukchae Compensation Movement Memorial Park in Daegu. Approximately 290 participants experienced peace through activity booths such as Human Rights Four-Cut Photos and a drawing activity inspired by the works of Lee In-sung, Daegu’s renowned painter. >> Click for More
Gangwon Region
Branches under Global Region 6 held events in each of their respective regions, with more than 1,200 participants in attendance. The competition was made even more meaningful through special award sponsorships from approximately 36 local governments and partner organizations. >> Click for more
Gwangju Region
The Gwangju region branches held the competition at local venues, featuring booths such as Peace Fishing, Peace Reflection, and the PLACE campaign. In Mokpo, the event was supported by Jeollanam-do provincial and city authorities and various cultural organizations, adding further significance to the competition.
🌏 Global News
🌷 News of April 26 International Women’s Peace Day
Apr 26 Celebration held in three regions in Mongolia
International Women’s Peace Day events were held in Ulaanbaatar, Zavkhan, and Orkhon, Mongolia, from April 22 to 30. The program included peace talks, poetry recitations by 400 students, a 7-kilometer hike with a traditional milk-sprinkling ceremony, and friendly sports exchanges, promoting peace and solidarity.
Walking, speaking, and building solidarity in Australia
The Sydney and Melbourne branches commemorated International Women’s Peace Day on April 18 and 26. In Sydney, a peace walk brought together citizens of various nationalities to discuss everyday peace practices. In Melbourne, around 50 participants joined a forum on women’s leadership, challenges faced by multicultural women, and international cooperation.
The “Voice of Peace” resonates across Chennai, India
The Chennai Peace Committee carried out public awareness activities on April 24–25 at Porur Lake Eco Park and Marina Beach under the theme of the connection between the environment and peace. Online, a joint webinar was held with four organizations, including the Sanju Women Welfare Association, featuring presentations and discussions on women’s leadership and the role of women in peacebuilding. >> Click for more
Peace Dance Challenge held in three cities in Colombia
A commemorative dance challenge and the “I Am Peace” campaign were held in Chocó, Cali, and Medellín, Colombia, in celebration of April 26. Through dance and social media, participants shared the message that peace begins in everyday life and expressed solidarity in the belief that individuals can serve as a force connecting local communities and the world.
Marking peace through art, poetry, and bells in Berlin
On April 26, the Berlin Branch commemorated International Women’s Peace Day together with partner organizations through artistic activities and community engagement programs. Events included exhibitions of citizens’ peace-themed writings and artwork, a peace bell-ringing ceremony, and creative poetry readings.
🇰🇷 Peace News from Korea
IWPG Chairwoman speaks at Daegu Women’s University
IWPG Chairwoman Jeon Na-young delivered a special lecture at Daegu Women’s University on June 1, where she reexamined the meaning of women’s lives and peace. She emphasized the role of women in sustaining families and society, noting that resolving conflict begins with the individual’s mindset.
Expanding local peace networks through temple volunteer activities
The Gunsan, Cheongju, Ulsan, Changwon, Wonju, Chungju, and Daegu branches took part in temple events nationwide around Buddha’s Birthday, expanding engagement with local communities. Some branches also recruited new members and secured sponsorship support, strengthening local peace networks.
📮 Send us your peace story
Your story of peace can provide comfort and encouragement to everyone around the world. Share with us your story and experience!
💌 Send story
🧸 Support our peace activities
We are looking for people to support peace work so that IWPG activists can safely work all around the world and plant the seeds of peace deeply in the community. Please show your support by donating to IWPG!
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