IWPG Global Region 2 Holds 3rd Middle East Women’s Peace Education Graduation

The International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) Global Region 2, led by Director Lee Seo-yeon, recently hosted the 3rd Middle East Women’s Peace Education Graduation Ceremony. The event celebrated the completion of the program by about 60 women from Yemen and Lebanon, with over 100 people, including guests, attending online.

A Celebration of Learning and Leadership

The ceremony followed a meaningful program order that included:

• A highlight video of Middle East Women’s Peace Education

• Congratulatory and encouragement speeches

• Graduation and awards presentation

• Reflections from graduates and peace instructors

• A commemorative photo session

Saad Al-Akori, representative of Women’s Voice for Peace—a women’s media platform in Yemen—praised the program as “a pioneering journey to raise a generation that respects dialogue, tolerance, and justice.” He encouraged graduates to inspire women and youth as ambassadors of peace.

Messages of Encouragement

Director Lee Seo-yeon emphasized in her speech:

“Today’s graduation is not the end, but the beginning. Peace does not stop at learning—it is realized through small actions and words in daily life. Your words and small practices will resonate widely. Going forward, please organize Peace Committees in your communities to share and practice the values of peace.”

The ceremony also featured the presentation of the Outstanding Peace Education Award to 14 graduates for their active participation and exemplary practice. Among the awardees were Lyam Najib Esmail Sulaiman from Yemen, and Sahar Nabousi and Hiba Ratel from Lebanon.

Graduate and Instructor Reflections

Hiba Ratel, Learning Land Center Manager from Lebanon, spoke on behalf of the graduates:

“Peace does not begin in conference halls or speeches, but in small actions—listening, forgiving, and raising our children with respect. This program has been a life-changing journey. Women’s voices can stop conflicts, love can heal wounds, and our example can inspire a generation. We are not a generation that waits for peace—we are the generation that creates it.”

Peace Instructor Nagla Saad also reflected:

“Women have the power to create change themselves and spread peace in their communities. This program confirmed that strength.”

Looking Ahead

The graduation of 60 women from Yemen and Lebanon proves that peace education equips women not just with knowledge, but with the vision and courage to lead change in their communities.

IWPG announced that the 4th Middle East Women’s Peace Education Course will begin at the end of September, aiming to include even more participants. IWPG also plans to strengthen the women’s peace network by signing MOUs with local NGOs.

About IWPG

The International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) is a women’s NGO registered with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the UN Department of Global Communications (DGC), headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. With 115 branches in 122 countries and more than 800 partner organizations in 68 countries, IWPG works to realize sustainable peace through women’s peace education, cultural peace initiatives, solidarity networks, and advocacy for the international legislation of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW).

Source: https://vo.la/WjwxHDI