Global Leaders and First Ladies Unite to Celebrate the International Day of Peace 2025

In celebration of the International Day of Peace 2025 and the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, the Africana Women Working Group at the UN, the Permanent Observer Mission of the Pan-African Intergovernmental Agency for Water and Sanitation to the UN, the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL), and the PVBLIC Foundation co-hosted an event at the UN Salvation Army International Social Justice Commission Auditorium on September 22. The theme was “First Ladies Becoming Actions for Peace: Ambition for Women as Key Players in Promoting Sustainable Development at UNGA 80.”

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres’ message emphasized that this year’s Peace Day calls on everyone to act against the devastation of war, which destroys lives, uproots families, and undermines human dignity. He stressed that peace requires ending conflict, combating racism and misinformation, and fostering respect, stability, and sustainable development. “Where we have peace, we have hope. Families unite, communities rebuild, children learn and play. Peace cannot wait—our work starts now,” he declared.

In line with the 2025 theme, “Act Now for a Peaceful World,” the event featured discussions on gender action for SDG 16, women’s roles in promoting sustainable development, and First Ladies’ contributions to global peace. The event gathered many leaders and peace advocates.

Prof. Ada Okika, Coordinator for the Africana Women Working Group at the UN, delivered opening remarks, welcoming attendees and urging committed action to build a peaceful society. She emphasized the importance of women’s roles, gender equality, and youth development, while calling for education and resource mobilization to address social, educational, and mental health challenges. Concrete cooperation at both local and global levels, she said, is vital to ensuring a sustainable, just, and harmonious future.

Sergio Fernandez de Cordova, former Permanent Observer to the UN and President of the PVBLIC Foundation, underscored that peace is not given but built daily through respect, diversity, and unity. Amid conflict and inequality, women’s leadership and voices are indispensable in shaping a just and peaceful world. He stressed that peace requires action beyond words—embracing diversity as beauty, ensuring no one is left behind, and pursuing sustainable solutions. The message was clear: actions must prove that peace is possible and guide humanity toward a just, inclusive future.

Dr. Nabhit Kapur, Permanent Observer for the Pan-African Intergovernmental Agency for Water and Sanitation, highlighted the urgent need for action amid global turbulence. He linked peace to equality, empowerment, and access to basic resources, and celebrated the voices of marginalized groups, particularly African women. He emphasized the importance of dialogue, trust-building, and investment in water, sanitation, and community development, calling for collective and immediate efforts to foster a more peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable world.

Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, President of FOWPAL, delivered a powerful address, calling on all nations to implement governance rooted in transparency and integrity, uphold fundamental human rights, and build societies based on justice and fairness. He stressed the importance of prioritizing the rights of women and children, empowering them to realize their potential, and contributing to harmony. Dr. Hong also urged the promotion of conscience-guided education as the foundation of holistic education for humankind—an education that helps the next generation distinguish right from wrong and advance in both technology and spirituality while remaining grounded in ethics and morality.

Ann Marie Davis, First Lady of the Bahamas, who rang the Bell of World Peace and Love in 2024, emphasized that peace begins at home. She called for equality and women’s empowerment, reducing gender-based violence, supporting youth, and ensuring inclusion for people with disabilities. She highlighted the importance of NGOs, regional cooperation, and dialogue in building lasting peace at both local and global levels.

A highlight of the event was FOWPAL’s Bell of World Peace and Love ceremony, where four leaders rang the Bell and made heartfelt peace wishes. Sarah Wescoat Williams, President of the Parliament of Sint Maarten, wished for every seed of peace to flourish, inspiring actions and practices that promote peace for all humanity. She praised FOWPAL’s peace song and described Dr. Hong’s message as a powerful call to action. Stressing that transparency and integrity are essential values in a constantly changing world, she urged that they be embraced by all.

Dr. Hyginus Gene Leon, Executive Director of the Development Bank for Resilient Prosperity and Ambassador at Large for Saint Lucia, reflected on the honor of ringing the Bell of World Peace and Love, calling peace a harmonious state. He emphasized that transparency leads to integrity, which reduces tension, thereby generating peace.

Sergio Fernandez de Cordova expressed that peace is tied to respect, dignity, sustainability, equality, and protecting nature. He described ringing the Bell as a deeply spiritual experience, emphasizing that peace requires concrete action—building infrastructure, connecting people, and sparking micro-movements that grow into global change.

Her Royal Highness Senator Princess Ncengencenge of the Eswatini Royal Family wished for Africa to break barriers for future generations of young women. She described ringing the Bell as a rare and tranquil experience symbolizing hope and harmony. Stressing Africa’s urgent need to silence conflict and rebuild, she highlighted Eswatini’s reputation for peace and stability and called transparency and integrity in leadership essential for combating corruption and building trust.

Dr. Hong presented the Compass Clock of Conscience to influential leaders. The clock symbolizes conscience as both guide and reminder—pointing humanity toward right action with integrity while urging timely choices to secure peace, sustainability, and a hopeful future.

During the event, FOWPAL presented the songs “The Power of Peace and Love” and “Happiness Is Everywhere,” sharing uplifting energy to encourage continued efforts for a better world.

When interviewed, Prof. Ada Okika shared that she volunteered in the United Nations for over 10 years and encouraged young people to do volunteer work to build knowledge, connections, and opportunities, opening doors for the future. They are encouraged to stay motivated, enjoy their work, and continue contributing, knowing their efforts matter. She praised Dr. Hong for his compassion, conscience, and dedication, inspiring others to make lasting impact on the world.