More than 140 local leaders and civil society stakeholders gathered in Incheon to discuss ways to foster a culture of peace and build a sustainable network of cooperation within the community.

The Korea branches of the Global 9th Region of the International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG), led by Regional Director Misook Lim, hosted the 2026 Incheon Peace Citizens’ Solidarity Forum on the 31st at the conference hall of the Incheon Culture and Arts Center under the theme, “Creating Peace Together, Growing Together in Incheon.”

Bringing Local Leaders and Civil Society Stakeholders Together

The forum was organized to establish a culture of peace in Incheon and strengthen cooperation among civil society organizations, laying the foundation for sustainable community development. It also aimed to build a peace cooperation governance system in which members of the local community can actively participate.

Around 140 local leaders and civil society stakeholders attended the forum to explore ways to build a sustainable peace network.

Participants shared their organizations’ activities and experiences and freely discussed ways to collaborate within the community around the shared value of “peace.” The forum provided a participatory public forum where diverse members of the community could exchange ideas and explore practical ways to work together.

Making Peace Part of Everyday Life

Through open communication, participants shared the need to expand a culture of peace in everyday life and exchanged a wide range of ideas on projects that could be pursued together, as well as ways to connect and support one another’s efforts.

In particular, participants agreed that peace should not be regarded as the responsibility of any single organization. Rather, it is a shared responsibility that everyone in the community must help put into practice and spread.

They also agreed that when diverse members of the community share their experiences and strengths and work together, a culture of peace can become more deeply rooted in everyday life.

Turning Dialogue into Continued Cooperation

Misook Lim, Regional Director of IWPG Global 9th Region, said, “It was a meaningful opportunity for citizens to share the meaning of peace and explore practical ways to put it into action.” She added, “Through this forum, we hope to deepen understanding of peace activities by communicating with members and leaders of the local community, while developing it into a platform for continued exchange and cooperation.”

Going forward, the Global 9th Region will continue to expand its partnerships with local citizens and organizations and strengthen regional peace governance by encouraging diverse members of the community to participate.

Through these efforts, IWPG plans to continue developing various peace culture initiatives that enable citizens to practice peace in their daily lives and experience its meaning firsthand, while building a sustainable peace network throughout the Incheon community.