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VIENNA, AUSTRIA — The Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) successfully hosted the 14th episode of its renowned “Meet & Greet” online series. The event gathered international leaders, diplomats, and youth advocates to discuss the theme: “What Women, Youth and Civil Society Can Bring to the Table to Support the UN SDGs for 2030 to Ensure No One Is Left Behind.”
Centering on the broader vision of “Working Together for Peace and Development for a Resilient and Sustainable Future for Generations to Come,” the global forum highlighted the crucial roles that inclusive leadership, grassroots trust, and youth-led innovation play in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Dr. Maria Riehl, Director of the WFWPI UN Office Vienna, opened the session with a warm welcome to international participants. Ms. Renate Amesbauer, President of WFWP Austria, expertly moderated the event, guiding dynamic discussions and honoring two distinguished panelists with the prestigious “Global Women’s Peace Ambassador” awards.
The event featured a diverse lineup of international speakers who offered unique perspectives on driving social progress:
- Ms. Chryzl T. Sicat, 3rd Secretary and Vice Consul of the Philippine Embassy in Vienna, highlighted her work with the Filipino community, emphasizing how women leaders act as community anchors who nurture inclusivity and promote cultural diplomacy.
- Ms. Juvy Valdemoro Delmonte, President of WFWP Philippines, underscored that empowering women at all societal levels directly creates resilient communities aligned with the UN SDGs.
- Kefilwe Lebepe, Sub-Regional Director of WFWP Central Europe, shared her personal journey from a student in South Africa to a regional leader, noting that WFWP provides the positive, transformative experiences today’s youth are searching for.
- Ms. Rosie Chawla, Director of Global Education Projects & Partnerships at the UNESCO Center for Peace, discussed the powerful framework created when solutions overlap to simultaneously advance gender equity, economic resilience, and community safety.
- Ms. Aieshah Balmori, a Filipina migration scholar and youth leader, urged young people to take immediate action without waiting for permission, noting that true sustainability relies on combining women’s leadership, youth innovation, and civil society partnerships.
- Mr. Romy Escarilla, author and speaker, connected community resilience to personal well-being, exploring how mental, emotional, and physical self-mastery serves as the internal foundation necessary to sustain long-term public service.
- Mr. Myles Parker, Director of the LRH Historical Landmark in Bayhead, New Jersey, drew from UN findings and the philosophies of Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon and L. Ron Hubbard to emphasize that lasting progress is built on reconciliation, education, and cooperation.
- Mr. Jaskaran Singh, a first-generation Indian student leader in New York, shared powerful personal experiences of overcoming cultural barriers, calling on educational and religious institutions to actively teach cross-cultural empathy, respect, and unity.
Concluding the event, Ms. Merle Soquila-Blaschke, WFWPI UN Vienna Team and WFWP Austria Liaison Officer, expressed profound appreciation for the participants’ insights and celebrated the new Peace Ambassadors. She emphasized the critical need for continued collaboration to fulfill the founders’ vision of a peaceful world. In a heartwarming, spontaneous moment, the international gathering also paused to celebrate her husband’s 73rd birthday.
The webinar concluded with an uplifting piano performance by New Jersey-based musician Mr. Hyowon Barlaan, with seamless media and technical support provided throughout by retired international civil servant Ms. Lilly Gundacker.
About the Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP)
Founded in 1992 in Seoul, Republic of Korea, the Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) empowers women as essential leaders in creating a peaceful global society. Spanning over 100 countries, the organization addresses regional barriers through both grassroots initiatives and high-level international forums. In 1997, WFWPI was granted General Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations.
Media & Organization Contact:
Women’s Federation for World Peace – Vienna Office
NGO in General Consultative Status with the ECOSOC of the United Nations
ZVR: 367192876
Address: Seidengasse 28 / Stiege 2 / Tür, 1070 Vienna, Austria
Websites: www.frauenfuerweltfrieden.org | www.wfwp.org
Facebook: WFWP-Europe
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