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     51st  

2023.Feb    

IWPG Chairwoman Hyun Sook Yoon urges for ‘Philippine National Peace Day’ and legislation of DPCW

Chairwoman Hyun Sook Yoon gave a speech at the ‘1st Philippine National Convention’ and urged for the designation of Jan 24th as ‘National Peace Day’ and strongly supported the legislation of the DPCW

IWPG Chairwoman Hyun Sook Yoon is giving a speech in front of 80 female leaders at the ‘1st Philippine National Peace Convention’ held at the Philippine International Convention Center(PICC) on Jan 25th.

International Women’s Peace Group(IWPG) Chairwoman Hyun Sook Yoon participated in the ‘1st Philippines National Peace Convention’ at the Philippines International Convention Center(PICC) and gave a speech saying, “Designating January 24th as National Peace Day will play a very important role in spreading and establishing peace in the Philippines.” 

This year’s ‘1st Philippine National Peace Convention’ was hosted by Volunteer Individuals for Peace(VIP, representative Dr. Ronald Adamat). The first part was a plenary session filled with 1,500 people including lawmakers, university presidents, teachers, youth and women leaders, religious leaders, press officials, and more.

The second part consisted of 5 smaller breakout sessions. The Women’s Session was a panel discussion on the theme of ‘The Important Role of Women as Partners for Sustainable Peace’, moderated by Maria Timbol, the President of Kapalong Council of Women. Hyun Sook Yoon, Chairwoman of IWPG, Myrna Yao, President of the Philippine Federation of Local Council of Women, and Cecilia Gascon, President of Bulacan State University, participated as panelists.

Chairwoman Yoon said, “Peace is not made by someone else, it must be made by the efforts of influential women leaders.” She urged women leaders to raise their voices in support of the National Peace Day and the Declaration of Peace and the Cessation of War(DPCW).

The host of the event explained that the purpose of designating ‘National Peace Day’ is to commemorate the end of the 40-year-war between the Philippine government and the people of Moro in Mindanao?which caused 120,000 deaths?through a ‘Civil Peace Treaty’ led by Man Hee Lee, the Chairman of Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light(HWPL) on Jan 24th, 2014, and continue on with the spirit of peace.

IWPG Presents Main Plans for 2023 at the 6th International Branch Annual General Meeting

Emphasized 5 ways to practice “Strengthening Women’s Global Partnership for Sustainable Peace”

The International Women`s Peace Group (IWPG, Chairwoman Hyun Sook Yoon) held the 6th International Branch Annual General Meeting online at 8:00 PM (KST) on Jan 19th to share the 2022 peace activities carried out by 100 branches in 118 countries and to announce the main plans for 2023.

■ Main Plans for 2023

The IWPG slogan for 2023 is “Strengthening Women’s Global Partnership for Sustainable Peace”. There are five ways to practice this. First is urging support for the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW). It is a course of action to support the adoption of the DPCW as a UN resolution and to focus on gathering the strength of citizens around the world.

Second is to recruit members through the establishment of a branch system. There are plans to stabilize the branches in Korean and expand to establish more overseas branches. Each branch will actively sign MOA and MOUs.

Third is to strengthen cooperation and exchange by continent, country, class, and topic by regularly holding the “International Women Leaders Peace Conference”. There will also be studies, discussions, and academic conferences related to peace policy.

Fourth is to produce textbooks for general female public, revamp existing training materials for female peace lecturers, and establish a systematic education system.

Fifth is to establish IWPG`s own brand identity, erect IWPG peace monuments, and gain general consultative status with UN ECOSOC.

Chairwoman Hyun Sook Yoon said in her review, “It has already been 10 years since IWPG has walked the path of peace. True peace can be achieved where there are people with the spirit of peace. This year, we ask that more women become members of the IWPG and work together as messengers of peace and spread peace education.”

In her congratulatory speech, Erlinda Olivia Tiu (Vice President of the Philippines National Federation of Women`s Clubs), who attended the event, said, “I know that IWPG has more than 100 international Branch offices working together for the cessation of global war and for the realization of World Peace. I am a witness to the fact that with the minimal staff each branch has, the staff has a gargantuan task of recruiting members and volunteers, to participate in the peace-building activities and to manage members. In this mission, we are one!”

Professor Khin Ni Ni Thein (Founder of the Myanmar Water Academy/Initiator of the Future Water Think Tank) of Myanmar said, “IWPG as a whole finds that the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) announced by HWPL, a peace cooperation group, contains the answer to peace, and urges to quickly apply what is contained in the clauses to the project and practice it directly. As women`s solidarity and encouragement are important keys to realizing peace and establishing international laws, the role of the IWPG, which brings women around the world together, is naturally very important in realizing peace. Therefore, the 2023 IWPG International Branch Annual General Meeting is so crucial to realize sustainable peace.”

Meanwhile, there were six newly established branches from five countries: Melbourne, Australia (Branch Manager Marjorie Rose Raimundo); Das es Salaam, Tanzania (Branch Manager Pendo Addie); Nairobi, Kenya (Branch Manager Sophie); Kampala, Uganda (Branch Manager Norris Linda Nakimbugwe); Mandalay, Myanmar (Branch Manager Khin Mu Mu Han); and Yangon, Myanmar (Branch Manager Crystal Po Gyaw).

The Branches with outstanding results from each category were rewarded, and each received a prize of 200,000 KRW and a certificate. The Indonesian Branch was selected for the most media coverage. Global Region 2 was selected for the Overall Excellence Award and received a prize of 500,000 KRW and a certificate.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, IWPG is making efforts to support the peace activities of women around the world every year by raising the wind of practical peace around the world.

Passion toward PLTE Burning all around the World

The continuous spark toward Peace Education in India and Afghanistan

IWPG Global Region 3 has been continuously conducting Peace Lecturer Training Education(PLTE) in India and Afghanistan. In particular, Afghanistan women cannot enjoy equal rights for education due to the Taliban’s current oppressive policies against women. However, Afghanistan women’s passion toward learning and peace is leading to continuous participation in online peace education. The students have submitted all their assignments and are awaiting their graduation. The way the students overcome their national circumstances and personal difficulties to complete their education is motivating others. Also, through the education, the students were able to think about why wars occur and how they can grow into peace messengers to practice peace in their daily lives.

The Mongolia Branch holds the first PLTE of the year

IWPG Mongolia Branch started the first PLTE program of 2023 on Jan 23rd. This is the 10th PLTE class of the Mongolia Branch.

40 students signed up for this class, and 5 new PLTE lecturers started the first lesson.

The students said that they are excited and honored to play such an important role for peace not only in Mongolia but all around the world.

Through this PLTE, the students will learn the meaning of peace and their role as peace citizens and female leaders in achieving substantial peace. They will go on to conduct active peace activities all around Mongolia.

Cambodia Branch starts PLTE

IWPG Cambodia Branch (Branch Manager Hoy Sochivanny) started PLTE on Jan 7th with 11 students, including the Branch Manager, 9 university students, and 1 teacher. This PLTE class takes place 11:00 AM every Saturday and Sunday (Cambodian time), and it is broadcasted through Zoom from Phnom Penh Tonle Basak Restaurant.

Indonesian Female Leaders Unite through the International Women’s Peace Network Regular Meeting

Indonesia Branch holds the International Women’s Peace Network Regular Meeting at Yogyakarta, Salatiga, and Solo

On Jan 25th, IWPG Global Region 1 Indonesia Branch (Branch Manager Ana Milana Puspita Sari) held the International Women’s Peace Network Regular Meeting on the topic of ‘NGO work program’ at Solo(Surakarta).

On participant said, “I’m so happy when I think of the 10 Articles 38 Clauses of the ‘Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War(DPCW)’ and I want to go out and spread it to others. I will participate more actively in all IWPG peace activities in 2023.” It was an opportunity for students to understand their duties as peace activists through active discussion.

Vera Giantari, Interfaith and Group Peace Foundation (YPLAG) activist, Dunung Sukocowati, manager of Yustisia Etnika, Isti Anggoro, daily manager of PPRBM Surakarta, and Rita Hastuti, secretary and program coordinator of Caring Foundation for Surakarta Children (KAKAK Foundation) also participated, along with Branch Manager Ana Milana Puspita Sari.

In addition, the Peace Network Regular Meeting was held in Yogyakarta City on Jan 26th under the theme of ‘The Role of Women for Peace’.

Branch Manager Ana Milana Puspita Sari said, “In order to accelerate world peace, peace education must take place in the household and community at the same time, and it is important that all the female activists gathered here participate in Peace Lecturer Training Education(PLTE). Let’s spread the importance of peace education and the 10 Articles 38 Clauses of the DPCW to many people and establish Peace Committees in each region in 2023.”

Niluh Kasiani, Vice President of the Darma Indonesia Hindu Women`s Association, Gloria Sawabi, Chairwoman of the Indonesian Catholic Women`s Association, Emy Suryawati, member of the Indonesian Christian Women`s Association, Gloria Sawabi, Chairwoman of the Indonesian Catholic Women`s Association, Wuryanti, member of Teravada Buddhist Women Indonesia, Poniyem Bonnie Kertaredja from Kinasih Women`s Solidarity Community and the Surpervisory Board of Solidaritas Perempuan Kinasih Yogyakarta, Istiatun from Kinasih Women`s Solidarity and the National Supervisory Board of Solidaritas Perempuan Kinasih Yogyakarta, and Setyaningsih Darmastuti from Kinasih Women`s Solidarity and Solidaritas Perempuan Kinasih Yogyakarta participated.

On Jan 28th, the Peace Network Regular Meeting ‘Activities of the Peace Committee’ took place in Salatiga.

The Peace Committee members discussed ways to promote PLTE to plant the seed of the peace mindset in the hearts of many women and decided to conduct sex education for the purpose of teaching children the true value of their bodies and proper sex ethics. On the upcoming March 8, they also plan to hold a peace event celebrating ‘International Women’s Day’.

Sri Suwartiningsih, lecturer at Satya Wacana Christian University and Head of the Center for Peace Studies, Satuf Rohul Hidayah, manager of Education Foundation Al-Hijrah as Manager and leader of Indonesian Women`s Coalition Salatiga, Hartiningsih, program coordinator of Sion Foundation, Wihani Dandra, Orphanage Division manager staff of Sion Foundation, Hani Sirine, lecturer of Satya Wacana Christian University, and Indri Retno Setyaningrahayu, member of Youth Interfaith Community Salatiga and freelance lecturer of Satya Wacana Christian Universityas also participated in this Peace Network Regular Meeting.

Localized Unique Peace Cultures,
The World Becomes One Under IWPG and Peace

Global Region 2 Tanzania Branch experiences a rush of IWPG new member registrations

In January, the Arusha region of Tanzania buzzed with active IWPG promotion. Lilian Msaki, public health specialist of Health Africa, along with other local women, spread the importance of peace by showing people IWPG videos and strongly encouraged them to participate. Through these active promotion activities, many women were able to relate to IWPG and approximately 100 people joined as members, facilitating the spread of peace culture within Tanzania. The members said, “I am honored to become an IWPG member. I want to join in on peace activities.”

Global Region 5 demonstrates their united hearts through peace kites

On Jan 19th, Larzy Varghees, Peace Committee representative of Mumbai, India, held the Peace Kite Contest at St. Matthew’s High School to commemorate Makar Sankranti (Jan 24th).

60 students from St. Matthew’s High School participated. The event took place all day from dawn to dusk and started with a kite-making demonstration from a master craftsman. The participants flew kites that held peace messages for the world and expressed their will to become one.

Global Region 5 holds the ‘Art Festival’, a collaboration of art and peace

On Jan 25th~26th, the ‘Art Festival’ was held at Pragnya Bodhini High School with 25 schools and 1,500 artists, students, parents, and other citizens. It was an event to freely express one’s thoughts through art. Pragnya Bodhini High School has been hosting an art festival every year and also participated in IWPG’s 4th International Loving-Peace Art Competition last year.

A promotion booth on the IWPG International Loving-Peace Art Competition was set up at this year’s art festival, and some of the artists participating in the art festival were impressed and amazed by the award-winning pieces that were exhibited at the booth and the students’ sincere efforts.

Teacher Anjum Mateen Panna said, “I would like to thank IWPG for helping us with this event. I am happy to do peace work with IWPG. I will continue to actively participate to achieve peace in our local community.”

Global Region 10 holds the ‘2023 IWPG Global Region 10 Partnership Meeting’

On Jan 28th, IWPG Global Region 10 held the first event of the year, the ‘2023 IWPG Global Region 10 Partnership Meeting’ online. The participants reflected upon last year’s Branch activities and promoted the 5th International Loving-Peace Art Competition, one of the main projects of 2023. Also, the speeches and panel discussions reminded participants of the importance of PLTE and DPCW.

After that, new members from the U.S., India, Pakistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Arab Emirates, and Japan were introduced. As members who newly joined in January, they shared their thoughts and feelings of IWPG. One Pakistan member, who realized the value of this meeting that transcends nationality, race, and time zones, said, “Thank you for inviting me. I want to work together toward peace.” All the participants promised to actively cooperate for IWPG’s peace activities.”

IWPG Peace Committee Establishment Ceremony

East Timor Welcoming Gathering and Peace Committee Establishment

On Jan 20th, IWPG Global Region 4 held a welcoming gathering for East Timor with 7 participants. The members who newly joined in the second half of 2022 learned of IWPG and PLTE. The IWPG Peace Committee Establishment Ceremony also took place during the welcoming event. Felicidade Victoria Timora Dos Santos Takeleb, member of Lautos Si Animators, was appointed as the representative, and Francisca Maia Alves Da Costa, member of Ekipa Hafehe Matenek, and Levina Faria Simoes, co-founder of ECO Defenders, were appointed as Peace Committee members. Representative Felicidade Victoria Timora Dos Santos Takeleb, who also completed PLTE on January with excellent grades, shared her thoughts, and the participants strengthened their resolve towards peace work.

Representative Felicidade Victoria Timora Dos Santos Takeleb said, “I think PLTE was a good opportunity learn ways to prevent violence and achieve peace. I strongly recommend to my friends and neighbors. I will also work closely with Francisca Maia Alves Da Costa and Levina Faria Simoes to achieve peace in East Timor.

Peace Committee member Francisa said, “Thank you for recommending me as a Peace Committee member. I will work with Victoria for peace in East Timor.”

Tanzania Branch holds Peace Committee Establish Ceremony for Shinyanga

On Jan 21st, Tanzania Branch held the Shinyanga Peace Committee Establishment ceremony at Agape Lutheran Church with 13 people including Peace Committee Representative Regina Kimaro Frederick, a middle school teacher. The participants introduced IWPG and shared each other’s peace activities. The event ended with membership registration.

Shinyanga Peace Committee Representative Regina Kimaro Frederick said, “If we introduce IWPG to the Tanzania government and many women from various fields, they will surely participate in our peace activities.”

The members who participated also said, “We will promote IWPG to women in the community and make them become one with IWPG.”

Tanzania Branch holds Peace Committee Establish Ceremony for Iringa

On Jan 28th, the Iringa Peace Committee Establishment Ceremony was held at RLABS Cafe with 11 people including Peace Committee Representative Mkanibwa Magoti Ngoboka.

IWPG was introduced, and all the women who came to the event joined IWPG as members.

The members said, “Peace starts from the individual.” They were open to PLTE and agreed to cooperate for peace.

Changwon Branch holds Peace Committee Establishment Ceremony

On Jan 28th, Changwon Branch (Branch Manager Hye Jung Huh) held the Peace Committee Establishment Ceremony. Kyung Im Lee and Jung Hee Jung were appointed as Peace Committee Representatives. IWPG looks forward to the peace activities of these two passionate female leaders.

Gyeyang Branch holds Peace Committee Establishment Ceremony

On Jan 12th, Gyeyang Branch held the ‘Peace Committee Establishment Ceremony’ to renew their resolve toward more active peace activities in the new year 2023. The Peace Committee Representatives and members came together to watch a video on the activities conducted in 2022 and wrote peace messages through calligraphy. It was an opportunity to practice peace.

Yeonsu Branch holds Peace Committee Establishment Ceremony

On Jan 17th, Yeonsu Branch held the Peace Committee Establishment Ceremony. Many multicultural members and existing IWPG members gathered to remind each other of the value of peace. Everyone longed for peace with a united heart and pledged to be respectful and caring toward each other, the manifestation of peace.

MOA/MOU Signing

MOA with Ethiopia Development for Peace Organization

On Jan 9th, IWPG Global Region 2 held the MOA Signing Ceremony with Development for Peace Organization(DPO, Representative Eshetu Mengistu Tilahun) online.

DPO is an organization based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in order to meet the humanitarian and developmental needs of society regardless of race, religion, and culture.

Through this MOA, the two organizations agreed to cooperate for various peace activities including building cooperative relationships with NGOs and the Ethiopian government and spreading peace culture such as supporting the DPCW and spreading PLTE in the communities.

Representative Eshetu Mengistu Tilahun said, “I was moved by IWPG’s efforts for world peace, and I am very honored to become a partner with IWPG through this MOA. Ethiopia is suffering from civil war, and I hope that we can conduct a lot of activities to build peace in such difficult circumstances. I hope this MOA between Korea and Ethiopia brings peace and prosperity to Ethiopian people.”.

Global Region 2 Regional Director Seo Yeon Lee said, “I want to express my deepest gratitude to DPO and everyone working toward peace around the world. I hope we achieve peace through various peace activities that enable sustainable development based on mutual understanding and cooperation.”

Michuol Branch signed MOA with Event Planning for Sorihyangki

On Jan 17th, Michuol Branch (Branch Manager Gui Hee O) signed an MOA with Event Planning with Sorihyangki(Representative Kwang Hyun Lee) at the organization’s office.

Michuhol Branch,

signed MOA with Incheon Teachers’ Association

signed MOA with Event Planning for Sorihyangki

On Jan 19th, Michuol Branch (Branch Manager Gui Hee O) signed an MOA with Incheon Teachers’ Association(Representative Dae Hyung Lee) at the Association’s office.

On Jan 17th, Michuol Branch (Branch Manager Gui Hee O) signed an MOA with Event Planning with Sorihyangki(Representative Kwang Hyun Lee) at the organization’s office.

Incheon Branch signed MOA with Korea Celebrity Artists Association Incheon

Incheon Branch (Branch Manager Mi Sook Lim) signed an MOA with Korea Celebrity Artists Association Incheon(President Bae Won Lee) on Jan 17th. The two organizations promised to contribute to spreading an abundant and sophisticated culture of peace to the public through peace cooperative activities.

Gongju Branch signed MOA with Korea Folk Drama Museum

On Jan 14th, Gongju Branch(Branch Manager Jung Ho Lee) signed an MOU with Korea Folk Drama Museum(Director Ha Young Shim) at the Branch office. Staff from the Korea Folk Drama Museum including Director Shim participated in the meeting, along with President of National Unification Gongju City Council Man Haeng Yu and Gongju Branch Peace Representative Hak Sun Kim.

Uijeongbu Branch signed MOU with eKoreaNews

Uijeongbu Branch(Branch Manager Gi Soo Jung) signed an MOU with press organization eKoreaNews (Representative Chang Ho Kim) on Jan 16th. Representative Kim also signed in support of the DPCW online and said, “Peace is the most valuable thing for mankind. I hope that this moment becomes the start of peaceful unification of the Korean people and world peace, a true contribution to mankind.”

Jeonbuk Branch,

signed MOU with Kimje Branch of the Korea Singers Association

signed MOU with Jeonbuk Multicultural Family Council  

Jeonbuk Branch(Branch Manager Mi Hyun Yeo) signed an MOU with Kimje Branch of the Korea Singers Association(CEO Jong Gu Kim) in Jan 11th, and the two organizations promised to put interest in peace work and work together to urge for the establishment of peace.

Jeonbuk Branch(Branch Manager Mi Hyun Yeo) signed an MOU with Jeonbuk Multicultural Family Council(Representative Sung Yeop Shim) on Jan 12th, and the two organizations promised to be more interested in multicultural families and urge for peace together.

This Month’s Interview

Saeeda Salim

Pakistan

Principal, School of International Studies in Sciences and Arts

IWPG member

1. What is your motivation to spread the message of peace?

Peace brings prosperity and stability, love and joy everywhere. We need to reinforce development and prevent conflict as much as possible.

2. Could you share the experience of holding the loving peace art competition in your school?

The International Loving Peace Art Competition was a wonderful experience for our children. It encouraged them to think independently and creatively to present their idea of peace. It was enriching and a lot of fun working together.

Participants of `IWPG International Loving-Peace Art Competition` which was held in School of International Studis in Sciences and Arts, Pakistan.

3. Please share your ideas about how more women can get involved in peace activities in Pakistan.

More women in Pakistan can get involved in peace activities by educating women to participate in festivals that can promote peace. Pakistan’s goal is to support innovative project ideas and new approaches to inform and catalyze women’s efforts to counter violence and provide them with the opportunity of education. Pakistani women can highlight understanding of Pakistan’s peace and ensure better access to local communities to promote women’s rights and their protection. Also, by approaching the policymakers and practitioners to define policy objectives for achieving the desired goals of peacemaking.

4. Could you tell us how you would like to cooperate for world of peace with IWPG in 2023?

At school we plan to hold an international school Olympiad which will consist of various activities like a debate competition on peace, mimes or plays on peace building, sports contests, poetry activities based on ‘No war, No Violence’. Hopefully our school will be able to spread the message of peace to other school students.

Answer to eradicate war and achieve peace!

Signatures in Support of the ‘Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW)’

DPCW 10 Articles 38 Clauses is a declaration to bring sustainable peace to the world by preventing conflict and enabling international supervisory institutions to play their role of mediating conflict.

What happens if I sign in support of the DPCW???‍♂?
The DPCW can be legislated as a binding international law through the UN. Consequently, war will disappear from the surface of the earth, and everyone will be able to enjoy a peaceful world, bringing peace to regions suffering from conflict and bloodshed.

How to support the DPCW?

Please click the button below!??

[EN] 2022 International Women`s Peace Group Assembly - YouTube

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