- Over 1,000 women and youth leaders from Latin America participate, discuss international solidarity to support education, technology access, and emotional recovery
- “Youth–women solidarity is a key driving force for future change”: share directions for sustainable peace and international cooperation
IWPG Global Region 2 Hosts International Forum for Youth and Women Leaders of the Future with COLCES
The Global Region 2 office of the International Women's Peace Group (IWPG) (Global Director: Seo Yeon Lee) jointly hosted the “2026 International Forum for Youth and Women Leading the Future” online on May 20 (local time) in partnership with the Colombian Council of Nonprofit Organizations (COLCES).
COLCES is an international cooperation network comprising educational institutions, researchers, civil society organizations, and women leaders. Centered in South America, it promotes educational innovation, leadership development, social advancement, and multicultural exchange programs. Through community-based educational projects and collaborative initiatives, COLCES supports sustainable social development.
The forum was organized to explore sustainable social transformation through solidarity among youth and women while expanding global networks. More than 1,000 participants from Korea, Colombia, Latin America, and various other countries attended, demonstrating strong interest and engagement in this international online forum.
In his opening remarks, José Enov Cano Mora, President of COLCES, stated, “International cooperation based on education and leadership can expand beyond local communities and become a catalyst for global change.” He added, “COLCES is strengthening its role as an international platform that connects education and social development.”
The forum featured presentations and discussions on a variety of topics, including women’s leadership, education, access to technology, emotional recovery, and community solidarity. Carolina Miranda, a Colombian journalist and university professor, emphasized the importance of human-centered leadership and education, noting that technology and international cooperation can serve as key drivers for peacebuilding and sustainable social transformation.
Participants actively communicated through real-time chat and open discussions, expressing a shared understanding of the need to strengthen the capacities of women and youth, promote education-based cooperation, support community recovery, and foster a culture of peace.
Representatives from COLCES noted that the forum served as an opportunity to enhance mutual understanding and exchange among Korea, Colombia, and various other nations. They expressed hope that it would become a starting point for exploring new possibilities in cooperation centered on women, youth, and local communities.
Seo Yeon Lee, Global Director of IWPG Global Region 2, remarked, “This forum went beyond simple international exchange; it became a platform connecting women and youth across countries and regions.” She added, “I look forward to IWPG and COLCES continuing their international cooperation efforts for sustainable peace.”
IWPG Global Region 2 plans to further expand its global peace network centered on youth and women by broadening educational and leadership programs and strengthening international projects.
Meanwhile, IWPG is an international NGO registered with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the United Nations Department of Global Communications (DGC), and South Korea’s Ministry of Gender Equality and Family. The organization works toward achieving world peace in collaboration with 115 branches across 123 countries and more than 900 partner organizations in 68 countries.
