Culture Meets Peace: IWPG Expands Collaboration with the K-Culture International Exchange Association
The International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) is strengthening its network across Korea once again—this time through a new partnership dialogue with the K-Culture International Exchange Association. On November 7, IWPG’s Seodaemun Branch met with Chairman Kim Rok-hwan at the association’s office near Gwanghwamun, Seoul, to explore how culture can become a practical pathway to peace.
A Cultural Diplomat with 18 Years of Global Experience
Chairman Kim has dedicated more than 18 years to promoting Korean culture on the international stage. His career includes key roles in labor and foreign workforce policy at the Ministry of Employment and Labor and the Human Resources Development Service of Korea. After retiring, he continued to serve multicultural communities, improve public awareness, and host K-culture festivals—activities that blend cultural diplomacy with service.
Reflecting on the meeting, Kim emphasized that peace is not an abstract idea but a value that can be practiced in daily life. He expressed strong support for IWPG’s global peace initiatives, stating that he hopes to expand peace through culture.
A Renewed Commitment Inspired by Global Voices
Kim’s connection with IWPG deepened after attending the 2025 World Women’s Peace Conference in Cheongju on September 19. The event brought together women political leaders from conflict-affected regions such as Mali, Yemen, and Libya.
Kim recalled being especially moved by the testimony of a speaker from the Philippines, who shared how a civilian women’s organization helped create pockets of peace in conflict zones—work typically challenging even for governments. He described the experience as “close to shock,” saying it reaffirmed his desire to collaborate with IWPG.
IWPG’s Strength: Real Action, Not Just Words
Kim highlighted IWPG’s practical approach as its greatest strength. Unlike many organizations that remain at the level of slogans or ceremonies, IWPG “creates real change on the ground,” he said. He also praised the authenticity and initiative of local IWPG branches, noting how volunteers actively carry out peace-related work in their communities.
According to Kim, peace is a way of life—formed in families, workplaces, and neighborhoods. When multiplied, everyday acts of peace can expand to global impact. He also pointed out that Korean culture naturally carries values of harmony and care, making it a strong medium for peace-building.
K-Culture as a Pathway to Global Peace
The K-Culture International Exchange Association currently introduces Korean culture to the approximately 2.6 million foreign residents living in Korea. Kim described this as a form of “internal cultural diplomacy,” emphasizing that Korean culture can spread globally through multicultural communities even without sending delegations abroad.
Seeing synergy with IWPG’s mission, he expressed openness to developing joint programs that connect culture with peace education.
The association recently held its founding assembly on November 13 and has begun the official process to become a government-recognized corporation under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Kim shared optimism that this transition will enable larger, more coordinated peace and cultural initiatives.
Building a Bridge Between Culture and Peace
IWPG Seodaemun Branch Director Im Ok-ja stressed that both culture and peace serve to connect people. She noted that collaborating with leaders who create meaningful change on the ground—like Chairman Kim—will strengthen the foundation for sustainable peace at local and global levels.
About IWPG
IWPG is an international women’s NGO registered with the UN ECOSOC and UN DGC. Headquartered in Seoul, it operates 115 branches across 122 countries and works with over 800 partner organizations. Its mission is to advance global peace through women’s solidarity, the spread of peace culture, women’s peace education, and support for the legislation of the DPCW (Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War).
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