International Women’s Peace Group · IWPG
Conference Schedule
September 17–18, 2026 · Cheongju, Republic of Korea
Everyday Peace, Women’s Power: Shaping Global Governance
2026 International Women’s Peace Conference
Conference Details
- Title2026 International Women’s Peace Conference
- ThemeEveryday Peace, Women’s Power: Shaping Global Governance
- Date17–18 September 2026
- VenueEnford Hotel, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
- HostInternational Women’s Peace Group (IWPG)
Program Schedule at a Glance
| Time | September 17 (Thu) | September 18 (Fri) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Venue → | Grand Ballroom | Jikji Hall | Jikji Hall A | Jikji Hall B | Executive Lounge |
| 10:00–11:00 | Opening Session | Peace Academic Network Session | Peace Chapter Workshop | Media Roundtable | |
| 11:00–12:00 | |||||
| 12:00–12:30 | |||||
| 12:30–14:00 | Side Event 1 · Peace in the AI Era (Jikji Hall A) Side Event 2 · Peace Education & Women’s Leadership (Jikji Hall B) | ||||
| 14:00–14:30 | |||||
| 14:30–16:00 | Side Event 3 · Future Generations & Peace (Jikji Hall A) Side Event 4 · Civil Society and Peace (Jikji Hall B) | Main Session ‘Everyday Peace, Women’s Power: Shaping Global Governance’ | |||
| 16:00–16:30 | |||||
| 16:30–18:30 | Global Peace Networking Reception | ||||
| 19:00–21:00 | Networking Dinner | ||||
Note: The 2026 High-Level Women’s Peace Cooperation Meeting will take place at the Executive Lounge on 17–18 September 2026 for pre-registered guests only.
Opening Session & Side Events
Opening Session
The official opening program of the 2026 International Women’s Peace Conference, introducing the vision, purpose, key messages, and the program of the conference to the participants.
*MC: Fortunate Malwase Shingange
| Time | Program | Speaker | Lang |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10:00–10:03 | Opening | MC | EN |
| 10:03–10:13 | Welcome Remark | President of IWPG | KO |
| 10:13–10:28 | Congratulatory Speech | Ahad Mohammed Salem Gaasos / Diana Caiza | AR / SP |
| 10:28–10:55 | Conference Introduction and Participation Guidelines | Secretary General of IWPG | KO |
| 10:55–11:00 | Photo & Closing | MC | EN |
Dr. Ahad Mohammed Salem Gaasos
Minister of State for Women’s Affairs, Yemen
Minister of Local Administration
Engaged in Women’s Empowerment and Peacebuilding
Diana Caiza
Mayor of Ambato, Ecuador
Led policy initiatives for women, Indigenous communities, rural areas, and local economic development
Side Event
The side event is a participatory program that brings together partners and participants from diverse fields to discuss key peace-related issues from practical perspectives and explore new opportunities for collaboration.
The side event will address four key themes: ① Peace in the Age of AI, ② Peace Education and Women’s Leadership, ③ Future Generations and Peace, and ④ Civil Society and Peace. Each session will provide an opportunity to share experiences and ideas from various fields, expand international exchange and networks, and explore practical approaches that can lead to future joint initiatives and sustainable cooperation.
1. Peace in the Age of AI
| Time | Program | Speaker | Lang |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12:30–12:35 | Opening and introduction of attendees | MC | EN |
| 12:35–12:38 | Video “AI That Will Change the Future of Humanity” | — | — |
| 12:38–12:48 | Keynote Speech: Peace in the Age of AI | TBD | — |
| 12:48–13:30 | Panel Discussion (Sessions 1·2·3) | Panel 1–4 | EN/KO/FR/MN |
| 13:30–13:40 | Q&A | Participants | — |
| 13:40–13:50 | Compose a message of peace | MC | EN |
| 13:50–14:00 | Photo & Closing | MC | — |
Madrine Bbalo Mbuta
Director of Policy, Planning & Information, Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, Zambia
AI and international peace, AI governance, International cooperation, The digital divide between countries
Choi Yeong
Head of Dadok AI Research Institute, Korea
AI development and social change, Cyber Threats, AI Ethics, and Human-Centered AI
Shirete Sulimani
International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims, Canada
Women’s participation in decision-making, inclusive leadership, Field Experience in Building Peace with Women
Dashzeveg Oyunbileg
Advisor to the Secretariat of the Governor of Buerget, Mongolia
The AI that future generations want
2. Peace Education and Women’s Leadership
| Time | Program | Speaker | Lang |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12:30–12:36 | Opening | MC | EN |
| 12:36–12:39 | Video “Different Journeys, One Shared Purpose” | — | — |
| 12:39–12:45 | Keynote Speech | Simone Yankey | EN |
| 12:45–13:21 | Presentation of Peace Practice Case Studies | Panel | EN/SP |
| 13:21–13:29 | IWPG Case Presentation | Branch Manager, IWPG San Francisco Branch | EN |
| 13:29–13:37 | Comprehensive Summary | Walter Nyaga Maina | EN |
| 13:37–13:47 | Photo & Closing | MC | EN |
Ms. Simone Yankey (Keynote)
Coordinator, AU International Centre for Girls and Women’s Education in Africa (AU/CIEFFA)
Peace Education and Women’s Leadership: Building the Foundation for Sustainable Peace
Ms. Erika Janet Valdivieso López
Vice Minister of Women, Peru
Public Policies and Women’s Empowerment: Institutional Foundations for Strengthening Women’s Participation and Leadership
Francisca Moto Young
Director in Charge of Women’s Social Empowerment, Cameroon
From Women’s Empowerment to Social Participation and Leadership: Experiences and Lessons from Cameroon
Vinutthaput Phophet
Professor at Shinawatra University, Thailand
From Education to Women’s Leadership: The Role of Education in Empowering Women to Lead
Daniel Mutegi Giti
NCIC CEO, Kenya
Institutionalizing Peace Education and Conflict Prevention: An Approach to Sustainable Peace
Ms. María Paula Prada Ramírez
Independent Strategic Advisor and Facilitator, Colombia
From Women’s Leadership to Peacebuilding: Experiences and Lessons from Colombia
Ms. Shegofa Naseri
Vice President, Sunrise Community Inc, Australia
Peace Education and Women’s Leadership in Community: A Journey Toward Peace Action
Ms. Mujgan Tahery
Founder & CEO, Uniting Circle Multicultural Community Centre, Australia
From Women’s Empowerment to Community Leadership and Social Cohesion
Mr. Walter Nyaga Maina
WPS Research and Knowledge Management Officer, Office of the Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security, African Union Commission
Strengthening Women’s Leadership for Peace: A WPS Perspective
3. Future Generations and Peace
| Time | Program | Speaker | Lang |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14:30–14:33 | Opening | MC | EN |
| 14:33–14:38 | Video “The Empty Seat of Future Generations” | — | — |
| 14:38–15:24 | Speech | Panel | EN |
| 15:24–15:49 | Panel Discussion and Q&A | Moderator | EN |
| 15:49–15:55 | Final Performance | — | — |
| 15:55–16:00 | Photo & Closing | MC | EN |
Fawzia Koofi
Former Second Deputy Speaker of the Parliament, Afghanistan
Peace designed from the first 1,000 days of life
Mishal Adina
Director of Women’s Development, Park Christian Foundation, Pakistan
Peace Designed by Future Generations — The day the children stand in the assembly
Bindu Mohandas
Principal of Visalhigiri Public School, India
School is the infrastructure of peace — A Site of Peace Established Directly by Youth
Erinma Bell
Deputy Representative of the Manchester Royal Household, UK
From the street to the school — The Power of Community Peace Education Proven by Manchester
Newman Anesly
General Director of BBCE International University, Sri Lanka
Designed alliance — A Women-Led Support Force for Peace, Positive Masculinity
Nomathemba Mokgethi
Member of the Hauten Provincial Assembly, MPWC Chairperson, National South Africa
Peace for future generations promised by the legislature — From Participation to Legislation
4. Civil Society and Peace
| Time | Program | Speaker | Lang |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14:30–14:35 | Opening | MC | EN |
| 14:35–14:40 | Welcome Remark | Regional Director of G10, IWPG | — |
| 14:40–14:45 | Congratulatory Speech | Diana Guadalupe Caiza Telenchana (Mayor of Ambato, Ecuador) | EN |
| 14:45–14:52 | Keynote Speech | Keynote speaker | EN |
| 14:52–15:45 | Panel Discussion and Q&A | Panel | EN/SP |
| 15:45–16:00 | Photo & Closing | MC | EN |
Maria Therasa Timbol (Keynote)
President of the Kapalong Women’s Council, Philippines
TBD
Rosario Viridiana Román Carrillo
Head of Semúje, Mexico
Panel Discussion 1: Civil society connects people — Nurture Peace
Regina Palmer-Coleman
Law firm representative and civil society activist, USA
Panel Discussion 1: Civil society connects people — Nurture Peace
Lilly Kolts Besoer
Representative of Voice of Change, Papua New Guinea
Panel Discussion 1: Civil society connects people — Nurture Peace
Millicent Bruce
Director of the Energy Quest Foundation, Ghana
Panel Discussion 2: Civil society leads change — Expand Peace
Ros Ermawati
Quantum Polytechnic Training Practitioner, Indonesia
Panel Discussion 2: Civil society leads change — Expand Peace
Riswati
Secretary-General of Flower Ace, Indonesia
Panel Discussion 2: Civil society leads change — Expand Peace
Global Peace Networking Reception
The Global Peace Networking Reception shares IWPG’s key initiatives and collaboration cases while expanding global partnerships. Through roundtable discussions, it serves as a platform for dialogue and solidarity to discuss peace activities and cooperation strategies by region, and to strengthen communication and solidarity for feasible joint projects and the establishment of an international network for building sustainable peace governance.
*MC: Fortunate Malwase Shingange
| Time | Program | Speaker | Lang |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16:30–16:32 | Opening | MC | EN |
| 16:32–16:47 | Introduction to IWPG Initiatives | Director of Global Initiatives, IWPG | EN |
| 16:47–17:07 | Case Presentation | Shafaq Jaffery (Founder, CEO, AusPak Women Association) / International Affairs Coordinator, IWPG G10 | EN |
| 17:07–17:10 | Photo & Closing | MC | — |
| 17:10–18:30 | Roundtable Discussion | — | — |
Case Presentations
| No. | Partner Organization | Key Activities |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | AusPak Women Association Australia |
|
| 2 | Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco (UJAT) Mexico |
|
Special Sessions & Main Session
Peace Academic Network Session
The Peace Academic Network Session brings together representatives from universities, primary and secondary schools, and educational institutions to discuss strategies for expanding Women’s Peace Education (PLTE) and practical approaches to its implementation in educational settings. The session will share the current status of PLTE and key challenges in its implementation, followed by roundtable discussions by type of educational institution.
*MC: Primrose Atuhura
| Time | Program | Speaker | Lang |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10:00–10:03 | Opening | MC | EN |
| 10:03–10:15 | PLTE Briefing | Director of Global Initiatives, IWPG | EN |
| 10:15–11:20 | Round Table | All | — |
| 11:20–11:35 | Roundtable Presentations | Group Leaders | — |
| 11:35–11:40 | Photo & Closing | MC | EN |
Peace Chapter Workshop
This workshop is an opportunity for IWPG Peace Committees from around the world to share their experiences and achievements in peace work carried out in their respective regions. We will share examples of realizing community-based peace through women’s peace education, community service, and cultural and artistic activities, and together seek common directions and action plans for expanding peace activities and sustaining their practice.
*MC: Rujeko Faith Van Wyk
| Time | Program | Speaker | Lang |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10:00–10:02 | Opening | MC | EN |
| 10:02–10:05 | Peace Committee Activity Video | — | — |
| 10:05–10:22 | Case Presentation | Karen Elizabeth León Romero / Narankhuu Ganchimeg / Selamawit Reda | EN / MN / EN |
| 10:22–11:42 | Group Discussion | Group leader | — |
| 11:42–11:47 | Announcement of the “Peace Chapter” | Secretary General of IWPG | KO |
| 11:47–11:50 | Photo & Closing | MC | — |
Activity Cases
| No. | Peace Committee | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jontas por la Paz Mexico |
|
| 2 | Bayanzhurkh Gatsirtu Mongolia |
|
| 3 | Manchester Peace Committee UK |
|
Media Roundtable
A press conference themed “Women’s Solidarity for Peace and the Role of the Media,” sharing the significance of women’s peace activism and international solidarity. We will introduce international women’s peace issues and IWPG’s vision, and through a Q&A session, explore together the roles of women and the media in promoting peace.
*MC: Moon Mi-soon
| Time | Program | Speaker | Lang |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10:30–10:33 | Opening | MC | KO |
| 10:33–10:43 | Women’s Peace and the Role of the Media | President of IWPG | KO |
| 10:43–11:18 | Speech of Women’s Peace Issues | Fawzia Koofi / Ahad Mohammed Salem Gaasos / Diana Caiza / Kepha N. Omae | EN/EN/SP/EN |
| 11:18–11:40 | Q&A | Participating Press/Media | — |
| 11:40–11:45 | Photo & Closing | MC | KO |
| 11:45–12:00 | Networking | Pre-selected Press/Media | — |
Fawzia Koofi
Former Second Deputy Speaker of the Parliament, Afghanistan
Afghan Women’s Rights and Peace Negotiations: The Road Ahead
Dr. Ahad Mohammed Salem Gaasos
Minister of State for Women’s Affairs, Yemen
Restoring Everyday Life in a War Zone: Local Governance and Women’s Leadership in Yemen
Diana Caiza
Mayor of Ambato, Ecuador
Breaking the Glass Ceiling: An Indigenous Woman Mayor on Diversity, Inclusion, and Peace
Kepha N. Omae
NCIC CEO, Kenya
Beyond Division and Hatred: Building Social Cohesion
Main Session
The Main Session is a global platform that envisions a sustainable future of peace together, based on women’s leadership, peace education, and international solidarity. It highlights the peace work of peace activists and women leaders both in Korea and abroad, and shares women’s experiences of choosing and practicing peace in their daily lives and in various settings. Through this, it presents the future direction of women-led peace governance.
*MC: Seraina Schneuwly
| Time | Program | Speaker | Lang |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14:30–14:35 | Opening | MC | EN |
| 14:35–14:41 | Commemorative Remarks | President of IWPG | EN |
| 14:41–14:47 | Session 1 — Women’s Leadership & Capacity Building | Mampurane Caron Kgomo (EN) / Diana Caiza (SP) / B. Gerel Saraana (MN) | EN/SP/MN |
| 15:20–15:24 | Video | — | — |
| 15:24–15:57 | Session 2 — Everyday Peace: Women’s Actions that Transform Conflict | Achiri Constance Amboh (EN) / Fawzia Koofi (EN) | EN |
| 15:57–16:19 | Session 3 — Future Generations & Global Solidarity | Carren Ageng’o (EN) / Dawn Michele Whitehead (EN) | EN |
| 16:19–16:29 | Summary and Conclusion | Secretary General of IWPG | KO |
| 16:29–16:44 | Plaque of Appreciation Award Ceremony / Appointment Ceremony / MOU Signing Ceremony | MC | EN |
| 16:44–16:54 | Special Performance | Performance Team | — |
| 16:54–17:00 | Photo & Closing | MC | EN |
Women’s Networking Dinner
The Women’s Networking Dinner offers participants an opportunity to enjoy an informal dinner following the official program, build meaningful relationships, exchange ideas, and strengthen networks in a welcoming atmosphere.
*MC: Evelina Henriksson
| Program |
|---|
| Dinner |
| Networking Program |
2026 High-Level Women’s Peace Cooperation Meeting
These meetings allow women leaders and key figures to come together to discuss the direction of peace and cooperation. Through meetings with female leaders worldwide, IWPG will share the potential for mutual cooperation and explore concrete measures for sustainable peace cooperation and joint projects in the future.
Keynote & Session Speakers
Session 1 — Women’s Leadership & Capacity Building
Mampurane Caron Kgomo
Deputy Director of Gender, Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Republic of South Africa
From Everyday Peace to Global Governance: Women’s Leadership and the Practice of Diplomacy
Key points: Government, diplomacy, WPS, SDGs, international cooperation
Diana Caiza
Mayor of Ambato, Ecuador
Empowering Women to Lead Inclusive and Resilient Communities
Key points: Gender violence prevention, women’s empowerment, Indigenous communities, rural area economic policy, international cooperation, women’s leadership
B. Gerel Saraana
Founder & CEO, BÖRTE Family & Women’s Academy, Mongolia
Growing Women Leaders for a Changing World
Key points: Family, Women’s Rights, Human Resource Development, Women’s Leadership, Organizational Development, International Cooperation, Private Diplomacy
Session 2 — Everyday Peace: Women’s Actions that Transform Conflict
Achiri Constance Amboh
Founder of HAND IN HAND Cameroon
Women Leading Everyday Peace in Communities
Key points: Three Community Development, Women’s Leadership, Climate, Women’s Empowerment, Gender Equality, Girls
Fawzia Koofi
Former Second Deputy Speaker of the Parliament, Afghanistan
Board President of Women for Afghanistan (WFA), UK
Keeping Hope Alive: Women’s Resilience and Everyday Peace Amid Conflict
Key points: Restoration, Care, Women’s Agency, Peacebuilding, Solidarity
Session 3 — Future Generations & Global Solidarity
Carren Ageng’o
Principal Secretary, State Department for Children Services, Kenya
Women Empowering Future Generations: Building Resilient Families and Communities
Key points: Child protection, gender equality, social protection, community resilience, and empowerment of women and families
Dawn Michele Whitehead
Vice President of the Office of Global Citizenship for Campus, Community, and Careers, AAC&U, USA
Youth as Architects of Peace
Key points: Global citizenship education, development of global curricula, civic participation, and experiential education
PLACE Campaign
PLACE Campaign
PLACE (Peace as Lived And Connected Experience) is IWPG’s global participatory peace archive initiative that documents and connects women’s everyday experiences and practices of peace around the world. By preserving women’s voices as valuable knowledge resources, the campaign contributes to peace education, academic research, policymaking, and the advancement of international dialogue on sustainable peace.
(Thu–Fri)
Running Throughout
- Questionnaire & interactive experience
Join Us on the Journey for Peace
September 17–18, 2026 · Cheongju, Republic of Korea
18 SEP 2026 (FRI) · 14:30 – 17:00 KST — Main Session Countdown
© 2026 International Women’s Peace Group · IWPG