Ms. Yoon Hyun-sookRepublic of Korea · Former Chairwoman of IWPG

• 2019–presentLead Coordinator of the Commemoration of the April 26th ‘International Women’s Peace Day’
• 2018–2023HWPL World Peace Tours (26th to 32nd)
• 2015–presentCo-organizer of the September 18th HWPL World Peace Summit
• 2015–presentCo-organizer of the Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace and the Peace Walk

Greetings, everyone. I am IWPG Chairwoman, Hyun Sook Yoon.

First, I extend my warmest gratitude to all participants from all around the world, from Korea, the closest, to New Zealand, the farthest, to join today’s event. We all welcome you.

Korea has four seasons, and this is currently the season of autumn. After winter, seeds are sown into the once frozen soil and cultivated throughout summer to reap the fruits in fall. We are now celebrating the 10th anniversary of HWPL’s Sep 18 World Peace Summit, and news of peace is spreading all around the world. Many of the participants gathered here are also female leaders working with IWPG, driving peace in their local communities.

“Peace” may seem like an abstract concept, but the realization of peace is a critical part of our life and an essential part of institutions and culture. If there were no seeds sown, there would have been no harvest. But we sowed the seed together and are now harvesting the fruits.

I want to tell you about myself. I majored architecture in college. Architecture often stems from human need. For example, the need for “a safe house to protect against rain.” These wishes face practical constraints, such as money or labor. That is why people work together and cooperate to complete a very practical safe building with a roof that is waterproof.

To me, the process of constructing a building is very similar to how we build peace in the world. War and violence damage ourselves and the people around us and make us crave for safety and protection. That is why we all dream of a world of peace. But it is not easy to actually realize this peace, as there are so many complex interests, stakeholders, and issues intertwined. However, if everyone jumps in and joins together to fulfill their role, I believe that peace will most certainly be realized into practical laws and institutions. The DPCW, proclaimed by HWPL, and the World Peace Summit taking place since yesterday are all endeavors to institutionalize and realize peace.

Distinguished guests, we are all leaders in our own way. Our actions are the beginning of peace. We are in the process of planning and building peace. What we need is for women all around the world to become leaders of peace in their positions and in their communities and unite and cooperate with each other. “What can I do for peace at this stage?” Let’s always keep this question in our hearts. And let’s all gather our voices with IWPG to urge for the institutionalization of the DPCW until the day world peace finally becomes a reality. When women all around the world gather their strengths as one, they can have great power, and we can enjoy peace in this current generation. We are one.

Thank you.

Dr. Huria K. M. EltarmalLibya · Minister of State for Women’s Affairs

• 2021–presentMinister of State for Women’s Affairs in Government of National Unity
• 2021President of the Supreme Council of the Arab Women Organization, Member of the Executive Council of the Arab Women Organization and member of the Election Committee of the Government of National Unity

In the name of God, the most gracious, the most merciful, your excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, pioneering women and peace leaders, distinguished attendees,

May the peace, blessings, and mercy of God be upon you, It is a great honor to be among you today in this international forum that brings together an elite group of women leaders who seek to achieve peace in their societies and the entire world. We meet today under global circumstances characterized by challenges and rapid transformations, where peace has become an urgent necessity more than ever before. Women have always been a symbol of life and renewal, and despite the great challenges they have faced throughout history, they have proven their ability to be an essential pillar in building sustainable societies and promoting peace. Women are not only victims of conflicts, but they are also peacemakers, capable of bringing positive change through their leadership and societal roles.

Today we are here to reinforce this vital role, and to emphasize that peace cannot be achieved except with the effective participation of women. Women have the ability to understand the dimensions of conflicts differently, thanks to their own experiences, and they have the potential to build bridges of communication between different groups and work to achieve reconciliation and justice. Ladies and gentlemen,

It is no secret today that the world faces enormous challenges, from armed conflicts and political tensions to humanitarian crises and social unrest. However, these challenges open a window to a unique opportunity to enhance the role of women in peacebuilding. By empowering and qualifying women, we can address these challenges in innovative and sustainable ways. Within this context, I would like to pay tribute to the great efforts made by women leaders in conflict zones around the world.

These leaders have proven that women have a unique ability to transform difficult situations into opportunities for peace and progress. But, to achieve this transformation, we must ensure women are represented at all levels of decision-making related to peace and security.

Hence, I call on governments, international organizations and the civil society to take serious steps to enhance women’s participation in peace processes. We must work to remove barriers to this participation, whether cultural, social or legal, and ensure that women working for peace are provided with the necessary resources and support.

Our collective responsibility requires us to work to integrate women and men into all peace strategies and policies, from conflict prevention to post-conflict reconstruction. Our participation must not be limited to a theoretical framework only, but must turn into concrete field work.

In this context, allow me to pay special tribute to Libyan women, who, despite the difficult circumstances our country is going through, have demonstrated unparalleled steadfastness and worked to preserve the social fabric and build a better future for future generations. Libyan women today stand on the front lines demanding security with the support of the National Unity Government, defend peace, and contribute effectively to rebuilding our society.

In the end, I affirm that this conference represents an important step in our journey towards promoting world peace, through the inclusion of women in decision-making and achieving equal opportunities. Working for peace is not an option, but rather a duty for all of us, and I hope that our discussions today will be a prelude to achieving concrete practical steps towards this lofty goal.

Thank you all for coming, and I hope we will continue our joint efforts for a world of peace, justice and equality. May God’s peace, mercy, and blessings be upon you.

H.E. Marthe Augustine KirimatCentral African Republic · Minister of Gender Promotion, Protection of Women, Family and Children of Central African Republic

• 2022–presentElectoral Adviser to the Framework for Dialogue for the Elections
• 2019–2022Head of Health Promotion Department, Ministry of Health

Distinguished participants,

It is a great honor and a privilege to join you in this significant international peace event in 2024, held at Gapyeong Kensington Resort in South Korea.

I would like to congratulate IWPG for its tireless commitment to strengthening the foundations of sustainable peace through its various interventions in the world since 2014.

As a woman leader of a post-conflict country, I can assure you that maintaining the flame called peace is a perfect path for our flourishing.

I wish this conference a complete success.

Ms. Nino TsilosaniRepublic of Georgia · Vice Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia

• 2021–202410th Term of the Parliament of Georgia, Deputy Chairperson of the Parliament
• 2011–202010th Term of the Parliament of Georgia, Member of the Parliament

Distinguished organizers of this conference and participants,

I want to begin by congratulating you on the successful hosting of this important conference.

It is a true testament to the power of women coming together to make a difference. As a woman politician, I have seen how essential female solidarity and activism are in shaping our society. When women unite, we create a force for change that can transform our communities and the world into better.

Today, I speak to you not only as a representative of the Parliament of Georgia but as someone deeply aware of the unique challenges world face. My country remains partially occupied, and this reality adds an exceptional layer to our struggle for peace and justice. Furthermore, numerous conflict zones exist worldwide, including in our region, with the ongoing war in Ukraine. The pursuit of peace in such circumstances requires unwavering commitment, and it is through our unity and leadership that we can overcome these challenges.

Women’s involvement in the peacebuilding process is more important now than ever, and I encourage each of you to take on this role with confidence and determination. The involvement of each of us inspires others, paves the way for progress, and fosters the peace we all strive for.

I am sure your work is inspiring and essential, and I stand with you in the pursuit of a world where peace, equality, and justice are realities for all.

Thank you.

Mr. Kim Won-iRepublic of Korea · Member of the 22nd National Assembly, Republic of Korea

• 2024–presentMember of the 22nd National Assembly, Secretary of Trade, Industry, Energy, and Venture Business Committee
• 2020–2024Member of the 21st National Assembly (Democratic Party of Korea)

Distinguished guests, I am Won-i Kim

I would like to congratulate IWPG for hosting the 2024 International Women’s Peace Conference. I would like to express my deep gratitude to women for their beautiful hearts dedicated to peace and for their commitment to promoting the value of peace by taking the lead in realizing peace. At a time when women’s roles are crucial in achieving sustainable peace, I hope the 2024 International Women’s Peace Conference will serve as a significant stepping stone toward greater freedom and peace for all global citizens.

Thank you.

Mr. Lee Hun-seungRepublic of Korea · Member of the 19th to 22nd National Assembly, Republic of Korea

• 2022Chairman of the National Defense Committee for the second half of the 21st National Assembly
• 2021–2022Chairman of the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee, first half of the 21st National Assembly

Distinguished guests, it is very nice to meet you. I am Hun Seung Lee, a member of the National Assembly for Busan Eul.

I would like to extend by heartfelt congratulations for hosting the 2024 International Women’s Peace Conference and express my deep gratitude to everyone who has worked so diligently to prepare for this meaningful event. I sincerely hope this conference becomes an opportunity to forge practical solutions for achieving sustainable peace by strengthening women’s solidarity and leadership. Additionally, I wish joy and happiness to the families of everyone participating in this important event.

Thank you.

Hon. Maria Theresa Royo-TimbolRepublic of the Philippines · Municipal Mayor of Kapalong, Davao Del Norte

• 2022–2024Mayor of Kapalong, Davao Del Norte
• 2023President of League of Municipalities of the Philippines, Davao Del Norte and One Davnor Council of Women, Inc.

To Chairman Lee Man Hee of Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) and Chairwoman Hyun Sook Yoon of International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) and fellow peace delegates, good day to us all.

As the Mayor of the Municipality of Kapalong, I would like to speak about “The Path Woman Must Take to End War” using the case of the Philippines as an example. Kapalongians are fully immersed in the idea of peace, engage in peace activities, and shun away from any form of conflict; women denounce war and its crippling effects. Women and youth have actively joined Peace Day since 2016- 17, initiated by the local government with Municipal Ordinance No. 1023, which declares every last Friday of March of every year as Kapalong Peace Day. It was celebrated last March 22, 2024, with different peace activities, such as peace wall painting, peace pacts with indigenous people, peace-themed group dancing, and Youth for Peace education orientation.

Women’s participation in peace activities plays a crucial role in spreading peace among people. Women are natural mediators and often act as a bridge between various organizations, facilitating dialogue and reconciliation. To contribute to peace, it is essential to empower women and include them in decision-making processes.

I attended last year’s World Peace Conference as one of the speakers, where I mentioned attaining peace in our place since it is insurgency-free already. It is a good feeling when you are experiencing peace. For inclusivity, women from indigenous people are part of the whole community. They are now free to engage in business, selling their produce and thriving in their livelihood products. Peace bridges are constructed for farm-to-market roads with street solar lights and solar dryers (where they sell products and are now accessible to the marketplace). Peace villages are formed with their housing units with electrification, peace (fish) pond, supported last mile schools and integrated schools, and young people can benefit from the availability of college education through the Kapalong College of Agriculture, Sciences and Technology with free tuition fees, and an extension school for Agriculture students at a far-flung place, Barangay Gupitan, Kapalong. Women of Kapalong in Davao del Norte, Philippines, actively contribute to household finances while playing a significant role in decision-making processes. These empowered women attended livelihood training, such as snacks and beverage making, dishwashing liquid detergent making, food processing, and liniment oil making, to name a few.

The IWPG Peace Monument was constructed at Green Paradise, Kapalong. I wanted to build it here so that it can manifest as a concrete peace monument for this generation and the next generation to come. Especially, I wanted to let the next generation see how important it is to be a peace advocate. So, we need this physical manifestation of advocating for peace. There are challenges that we faced, but by pooling financial resources amidst weather conditions, the Peace Monument was constructed with the support of the municipal officials and Kapalong women.

The establishment of the IWPG Monument symbolizes the essence of peace. It will definitely have a ripple effect on women and young people as well. I look forward to more celebrations of peace and hope that this plight will continue to flourish and encourage women to participate in any IWPG peace initiatives so that women will appreciate more the importance of their involvement in peace activities. We will launch a Peace Committee and conduct Peace Education in October 2024 to sustain the environment of PEACE.

As local Chief Executive, I adhere to the sustainability and legitimacy of peace and continue the legacy to future generations—to live a peaceful and meaningful life. Currently, I am also the chairperson of the One DavNor Council of Women in Davao del Norte. I hope that my life, what I’ve been advocating for peace in the Municipality of Kapalong, can radiate to some other women in Davao del Norte. I hope I can continue working with IWPG, all our Council of Women organizations and the different sectors of women’s organizations in Kapalong and in Davao del Norte.

Women in the world, we have different problems from our own families and all other communities. We have to fight for that, but most importantly, please be an advocate for peace. There can be no development and it’s so difficult to live in a place with war, the place with conflict. So, God has given us the passion to do better for our community. Peace starts with me.

We are one for Peace!

Ms. Sarah ChongAustralia · Director of Femme Solidarity

• 2024–presentDirector of Femme Solidarity
• 2024–presentCommunity Advisory Member of Harmony Alliance: Migrant and Refugee Women’s Safety

Good morning/afternoon everyone, Today, I stand before you to discuss a topic that is close to my heart and crucial for the well-being of our society: the vital role of women in peace activities. Our theme, “Tasks for Women to Safeguard the Right to Peace,” reflects the urgency and importance of this subject.

Despite its reputation for economic stability, Australia faces significant challenges regarding women, peace, and security, especially for migrants, refugees, and international students. These women, about 4 million in the population, endure systemic discrimination, economic inequality, and social marginalization. Domestic violence, exploitation, and cultural barriers worsen their situation, often leaving them in fear of seeking help. This creates an “invisible war,” where their struggles go unnoticed, highlighting a hidden conflict within a seemingly prosperous society.

Women, making up 50% of the population, experience conflict differently and offer unique perspectives in peacebuilding. They focus on community-based solutions that address root causes of conflict and promote gender-sensitive policies. By uniting, women strengthen peace efforts, leading to lasting peace and prosperity.

Women’s participation in decision-making processes is not just a matter of gender equality; it is essential for achieving sustainable peace. Women are agents of change and peace with studies showing that peace agreements are more likely to last when women are involved in the negotiation and implementation processes. Women’s perspectives bring a comprehensive understanding of the needs of all members of society, ensuring that peace efforts are inclusive and effective.

Recognizing the states and communities deprived of peace is critical. In this year alone, we have witnessed war in Afghanistan, Ukraine, Palestine and many other countries with no end in sight. As these areas continue to be exposed to conflict, discrimination, hatred, and violence are on the rise with women, as primary caregivers and community leaders, often bear the brunt of these challenges. However, they are also uniquely positioned to advocate for change and to take independent action to secure the right to peace.

Empowering women through education is essential for building sustainable peace. Women’s empowerment not only benefits women individually but also have positive ripple effects on families, communities, and societies, driving a movement towards a more peaceful world.

As a woman, I have witnessed the barriers many women face in their journeys toward peace and security, especially those from migrant and refugee backgrounds. Yet, I have also seen the power of female solidarity in overcoming adversity.

Every day in my work, I am grateful to support migrant and refugee women on their path to settling in Australia, often involving women at risk of or experiencing family violence. The complexities of their situations, often compounded by the trauma of migration, can be overwhelming.

While providing immediate assistance is essential, I emphasize primary prevention to address the root causes of family violence, aiming to end the cycle. For me, this work is more than a job— it’s a lifelong commitment to social justice. I have dedicated my career to supporting multicultural communities by building awareness, fostering safe spaces for dialogue, challenging harmful norms, and promoting respectful relationships. I’ve also developed leadership and empowerment programs to help marginalized groups, especially women, become advocates for change. The relationships I’ve built with these communities are ones I will cherish forever. Words cannot fully express how deeply they appreciate the support, even in simple acts like listening and holding space.

The cycle of violence can be stopped, and global peace achieved, but only if we act on the DPCW and promote peace education to break the cycle of war, conflict, and violence. Women are a formidable force for change. Our strength transcends occupation and class, uniting us in the common goal of safeguarding peace for ourselves, our families, and future generations.

The challenges we face are significant, but they are not insurmountable. By strengthening female leadership in peace processes, implementing effective peace activities, and enhancing our global network, we can make a profound impact through empowering women and improving awareness through Peace Education. The road to peace is long, but together, as women united in our purpose, we have the power to persevere and turn peace from a dream into a reality and leave a lasting legacy.

Thank you.

Prof. Jeong Jee-younRepublic of Korea · Director of Korean Research Institute of Immigration and Multicultural Policies

• 2007–presentMajor head professor of Myongji University Graduate School of Industry ‘Immigration and Multicultural Studies’ International Exchange Management
• 2000Opened the first immigration studies major in Korea and won the grand prize in the multicultural education sector

The 21st century is a knowledge-driven society. Embracing various cultures and creating a new type of culture is as important as preserving the genuine essence of our unique culture. Multiculturalism is a crucial and inevitable phenomenon worldwide. “Multi-culturalism” refers to the intertwined behavior and ways of life of various cultures, communities, and countries. This is not an “upcoming future” but an “ongoing reality.”

Korea, a country once proud of its racial homogeneity, is transforming into a multicultural society following the immigration of foreigners. Many parts of the world have already become multicultural, yet interest and efforts to appreciate and welcome diversity remain insufficient in Korea. Therefore, we must raise multicultural understanding, promote inclusivity, and adopt an educational mindset.

This multicultural transformation happening beyond Korea and worldwide is due to demographic change. After the demographic shift, the multicultural characteristics of the education population emphasized the importance of implementing multicultural education. However, Korea’s education system focuses solely on the rise in immigrants and lacks a comprehensive, systematic approach. Although there was recognition that migration issues go beyond matters regarding labor and human rights to issues of cultural discrimination and conflict, our approach is limited to one-time events or programs without systematic methodology or long-term processes. Now, it is time for us to go beyond one-time events and adopt a continuous multicultural education to build a lasting, peaceful society.

As the first master of immigration studies in Korea and an engineering Ph.D., I understood the importance of multicultural education early on and prepared for it. Since 2013, I’ve helped establish immigration studies departments in 60 colleges nationwide. I was the first to conduct research on job development for immigrants at Myeongji University Industrial College when immigration studies were first introduced and nobody was interested. This was breaking away from the existing approach that focused on spontaneous, inconsistent events to lay the foundation for sustainable and systematic educational support.

Currently, institutions outside the school are developing mandatory education on multicultural awareness, collaborating with industries, academia, and institutions to build partnership projects with 16 countries. The Overseas Koreans Agency has been established in Korea, and Immigration Services is also on its way. Korea is also expanding its domestic community development cluster overseas as part of its immigration and multicultural initiative and is providing advice and consultation to relevant stakeholders.

In addition, I have initiated activities to help multicultural children adapt to Korean society and advocated for the significance of establishing an academic program as a mandatory education to improve the perception of immigration and multiculturalism to relevant authorities.

Until the necessary infrastructure for immigration studies, multiculturalism, and activities was established in my country, overcoming negative perceptions and prejudices was not easy. Nevertheless, there was a reason for dedicating myself to immigration, multicultural studies, and activities.

There is no community in the world without discrimination. However, the most prominent form of discrimination is based on race and ethnicity. Feelings of alienation arising from differences can further trigger and spread discrimination. It is ironic that in such a globalized era, such discrimination is taking place everywhere in the world. This tiny seed of discrimination is a regression of democracy and globalization.

The world is becoming ever more complex, and we live in an era of uncertainty. The 21st century is an era of integration, where individuals with a holistic sensibility and knowledge are valued. The challenges arising from globalization cannot be resolved solely by our own singular approach.

I dream of a world of true “oneness,” where various people respect and understand each other to build a better society. In this regard, I hope IWPG’s Women’s Peace Education, which addresses tolerance(inclusivity) and respect as essential virtues of peaceful citizens, becomes a cornerstone for social integration and peace in a multicultural era.

In the current era of intercultural understanding, with the immigration of diverse cultures and ethnicities prevailing worldwide, peace requires the warm heart of a mother. Through my work and research in immigration and multiculturalism in my country, I have come to see that the role of women is to foster communication from a humble position—looking ‘below’ where others may not, rather than ‘above.’ I advocate for the significance of women’s peace education, where women learn to embrace all, recognizing this as their essential role.

Ms. Sanem ArikanRepublic of Türkiye · Director General of Services of Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Copyright Office

• 2019–presentIntangible Cultural Heritage Ebru Artist
• 2005–presentVice President of AHiD Ankara Association

First of all, I would like to thank the IWPG personnel for this opportunity to present at the 2024 International Women’s Peace Conference. Also, with respect and love, I greet all the female leaders working tirelessly for world peace.

I work as the Director General of Copyright at the Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism. As the president or vice president of 11 NGOs, I am engaged in several projects to examine and resolve societal issues, which include various topics such as the human rights of women and children, the prevention of violence, the eradication of drugs, etc.

Though I have worked in such diverse fields, it was only after I met IWPG that I realized everything I had done wasn’t indeed for the world’s peace. To the instructors and personnel of IWPG who helped me realize this fact, I would like to express my deepest gratitude for the IWPG Women’s Peace Education I received. Through the training, I began thinking about peace and how to contribute to the cause. The first thing I decided to do was spread a culture of peace and advocate for improving its awareness.

I shared this issue with the Association of Culture and Arts Journalists, of which I am a founding member. To make the issue known, the press and social media played an essential role, and I tried to increase the number of articles and publications about peace culture. Regarding politics, I discussed the theme with Serkan Bayrma, an Istanbul MP, Turkish Peace Ambassador, and Nobel Peace Prize nominee of the Vatican. We gave lectures on peace culture to college students in various countries during his visits to promote ‘Wheat Grain,’ the film he produced.

Additionally, this year’s performance of the Hadi Poyrazoğlu Puppet and Karagöz Festival, organized annually by the AHİD Ankara Association, included a peace message for children within the play. Through this approach, 25,000 children who participated in the performance and 9 million people who reached through the media helped spread the culture of peace. Moreover, we introduced one of Türkiye’s most important traditional arts, ‘Ebru,’ to the children while carrying out a project that also introduced IWPG and the culture of peace. We beautifully applied the splattered colors on the water to paper engraved with the IWPG logo, sharing stories of peace with the children. Additionally, we planned a peace-related project during the painting class organized by the Telekomcular Association. Artists and teachers are currently creating oil paintings on the theme of peace, and once completed, we will hold an exhibition with journalists and stakeholders. Lawyers from the AHİD Education Academy, under the Women’s Department of the AHİD Association, are also ready to support the peace declaration. Children are the most vital foundation for spreading the culture of peace. Therefore, we must first plant the seeds of peace in our children.

I believe that the press, social media, political leaders, artists, and community leaders play a crucial role in spreading a culture of peace. And I believe a sustainable peace process can only be achieved through the power of women.

As it always has been, terrorism, war, and genocide continue today, and it is women and children who suffer the most due to the unequal use of force. Thousands of women and children are losing their lives at this very moment due to the Russia-Ukraine war and the disproportionate use of force and attacks on civilians in the Israel-Palestine conflict. It is up to us, as women, to stop this.

As a woman of Türkiye, a successor of the Ottoman Empire, which brought religious freedom and peace to their lands through centuries of conquest and the country of Atatürk, who advocated ‘Peace at Home, Peace in the World’ after the War of Independence, and as a woman of the homeland of countless thinkers, poets, and artists who spread love and peace to the world, such as Yunus Emre and Mevlana, we will be committed to working for peace with all our strength. In this spirit, I hope for the successful realization of the 2024 International Women’s Peace Conference.

Once again, I extend my gratitude to everyone who has prepared this event.

Hon. Dr. Joyelle Trizia ClarkeSaint Kitts and Nevis · Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Climate Action and Constituency Empowerment of St. Kitts & Nevis

• 2022–presentMinister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Climate Action and Constituency Empowerment
• 2020–2022Senator of the St Kitts & Nevis Labor Party

Greetings all! Let me begin by extending my sincere gratitude to the HWPL and the International Women’s Peace Group for the invitation to share in the commemoration of this milestone anniversary. A decade of moving the mantle of world peace forward and cultivating sustainable development through peaceful initiatives is certainly a momentous achievement, and to that I say congratulations!

Needless to say, such an accomplishment would be virtually impossible without the work and input of a global community of women. Throughout the annals of history, women have been the (often unsung) architects of development, societal progress and peace. And now, in the face of the climate crisis – a mounting, multifaceted conflict of its own – it is necessary to empower women with the agency – as leaders at the vanguard of climate action, environmental stewardship and peace (with nature, people and planet) – to act, improve and effect change.

Female-led climate action recognizes the innate interconnection between environmental sustainability and conflict resolution. It understands that conflict is not a prerequisite for success, and that dialogue, empathy and inclusivity are indispensable elements of the process of promoting peace across the board.

As Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment, Climate Action and Constituency Empowerment in the small island developing state of Saint Kitts and Nevis, I recognize that much of our nation’s peace depends on our ability to adapt to the climate crisis and adequately mitigate the challenges it poses, especially where poverty elimination and the protection of our most vulnerable are concerned.

This fact positions my office and mandate at the crossroads of climate and peace. My work:

i) to promote climate resilience through the passage of bills and the enactment of legislation,

or

ii) to make our Sustainable Island State Agenda a household venture for the people of my

country,

iii) mobilizing resources and executing projects that uplift communities and enhance

livelihoods,

iv) even engaging in green diplomacy and seeking viable development partnerships and

v) ensuring that my country remains committed to our international climate and environmental

obligations directly tackles climate change and fosters the proliferation of peace on a full scale.

In a national governance context, I have the privilege of serving in a parliament that takes women’s representation and empowerment quite seriously. For me, this inclusivity has helped underscore the fact that female leadership in peacebuilding and climate action is actually quite a ubiquitous concept. It is not to be delimited to the political arena but spans across fields, sectors and titles, from direct activism, to governance, to research – passing through our mothers and matriarchs, educators, community leaders, scientists, influencers, creatives and wellness experts. Women are more than capable of using their respective remits as conductors of peace and resilience.

For too long we have been classed as the embodiment of vulnerability. In our talks of the 2030 Agenda, women have often been categorized solely as the beneficiaries of its achievement rather than the agents of its success.

The unfortunate reality is that women worldwide are often discredited, and our capabilities doubted. This is problematic, given that multiple studies have proven that women holding positions of leadership and their involvement in conflict resolution and peacekeeping efforts increases the prospects of securing lasting resolution while reducing the likelihood of violent conflict.

It is high time that we embrace the fact that the dynamism of women not only serves as a catalyst for positive change but is also an asset in the pursuit of sustainable development. Women have worked in our respective spheres to deconstruct the traditional definitions of leadership, making room for the unconventional but absolutely necessary spaces that we occupy. We are the nexus of climate resilience; the connective tissue bridging the gaps between climate advocacy, peace and development. Women work across sectors to create holistic solutions that address the root causes of conflict and promote sustainable peace. When we include more women as leaders and decisionmakers, we allow for an all- encompassing approach; we make room for intersectionality that considers climate change through the lenses of social issues such as gender inequality, poverty, health, peace and justice. Just as I use my own experiences as a woman to inform the way I interface with leadership and the work of my office, grounding myself in an understanding of their nuance. So too do many other female professionals.

Women bring a dimensional approach to problem-solving that can get into the nooks and crannies of the issues, leaving no stones unturned in our quest for targeted solutions and peace. For this reason, women must be afforded positions that have direct and substantive impact on decision making in societies and communities.

Our contributions to this world are evidence of the progress that is possible through peace. That said, we must reject inequality and work to dismantle the systems that seek to oppress women – as inequality, by its very nature, will always stand in direct opposition to peace and justice. Sustainable peace as a legacy item for future generations, requires us to do the needful to center women as vessels. To do that, we have to first:

i) Collectively uncover and address the blocks that hinder women’s full participation in

peacebuilding and peacekeeping

ii) Champion initiatives that promote gender equity and spotlight women’s empowerment

iii) Advocate for policies that close the gender gap and encourage coordinated action across

governments and partner organizations

iv) Encourage peacekeeping activities on individual and professional levels.

v) Ensure that women are given a seat at the table to be represented in not just policy, but

policymaking processes.

vi) And channel the necessary resources to vulnerable and at-risk communities. These are the efforts that holistically address global challenges and honor the promise of leaving no one behind.

Colleagues, women’s leadership in the quest for peace is more than a moral imperative; it is a necessity. Women are the cornerstones of peace and prosperity and the truest facilitators of sustainable development. Let us work together to co-create a future driven by peace and gender equality.