The International Women's Peace Group (IWPG) Global 4 countries held the '2026 Only Peace Conference' on the 21st at Room 104 of the Busan Eurasia Platform at Busan Station. The event was a great success, with over 100 local citizens and peace activists in attendance.

▲ Group commemorative photo 

The theme of this conference was 'Voices for Peace: How Women Have Protected Peace.' The presentations emphasized that peace is not a grand discourse, but a value practiced in individual lives and local communities. The message was also conveyed that citizens' awareness and participation are the key driving forces in building peace.

Remarks by a member of North Korean defector origin, who has directly experienced the reality of division, resonated with the attendees. He stated, "As someone who has lived through the reality of division, I hope for a Korean Peninsula where peace, not war, prevails." He further emphasized peace as a legacy to be left to future generations, adding, "I hope for a world where children learn about peace, not division, through stories of history."

Afterward, the participants engaged in group discussions led by a facilitator. A variety of opinions were exchanged on the themes of peace, conflict, and the role of women. This was followed by a time for sharing the results of each group's discussion.

At the end of the event, a session was arranged to draft a peace declaration. Attendees personally wrote down their thoughts on peace and their commitment to action, sharing them together. Some participants also expressed their intention to join the Peace Society and take women's peace education courses.

Participants of the Only Peace Conference are sharing their commitment to practicing peace while drafting a peace declaration.

"Peace is not a grand discourse, but a value that begins in our lives and local communities," said the Global 4 Director. He added, "Women's solidarity and citizen participation will be the force spreading a culture of peace," and expressed his hope that "this conference will serve as an opportunity for citizens to think about and practice peace more closely."

IWPG is an international women's NGO registered with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the Department of Global Communications (DGC), and the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family of the Republic of Korea. It is currently active in solidarity with 115 branches in 122 countries and over 900 partner organizations in 68 countries.

[Korea English Press]