Addis Ababa, February 12, 2025 (FMC) – On January 24, the International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG), under the leadership of Regional Director SeoYeon Lee, partnered with the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce for Economic Entities (COLCES) to host a significant gathering of around 300 women leaders dedicated to peace in Colombia.
The meeting, themed “The Role of Women Leaders for Peace in Colombia,” focused on strategies for peacebuilding and collaboration. COLCES, which fosters national and regional development with a network of over 1,100 affiliated organizations worldwide, played a pivotal role in this event.
José Cano, President of the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the pressing need for peace both globally and within the nation. He noted, “IWPG’s peace initiatives are profoundly impactful, and it is crucial for women to actively participate in peacebuilding to foster an inclusive and equitable society.”
SeoYeon Lee remarked that the event signifies the start of a close cooperative relationship between Colombia and her organization, emphasizing the importance of meaningful exchanges that inspire hope and drive change.
Milean, a founding member of the National Economic Roundtable, underscored the influence of women, who lead 52% of the public economy. She stressed the need for men to recognize their role in supporting peace initiatives, marking the event as an important acknowledgment of women’s critical contributions to the peace process.
A representative from the Foundation Unids Seremos Escuchados emphasized the importance of fostering respectful dialogue within households and promoting peace education for future generations, anchoring the conversation in values of equality and respect.
IWPG, a global women’s NGO based in South Korea and recognized by the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), boasts 114 branches across 123 countries and over 800 partner organizations in 68 nations. It is committed to advocating for a culture of peace and the institutionalization of the “Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW)” to achieve sustainable world peace.
This meeting not only enhances IWPG’s vision for peace on an international level but also strengthens partnerships with Colombia and other Latin American nations.