The International Women’s Peace Group and the United Nations Association of Australia have signed a memorandum of understanding at United Nations headquarters in New York, with both organisations aiming to strengthen work around peace education, women’s empowerment and international cooperation.
The agreement was signed at the United Nations East Lounge while representatives from both groups were attending the 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women.
IWPG Global Region 2, led by Regional Director Seoyeon Lee, and the United Nations Association of Australia said the partnership would focus on joint peace education programs, Sustainable Development Goal initiatives and stronger international connections between their networks.
The United Nations Association of Australia has been active since 1946 and promotes United Nations values through advocacy, public education and community campaigns. It has branches across the country and a large membership network involved in issues linked to the Sustainable Development Goals.
Under the new agreement, IWPG has proposed a peace education program running from April to September. The United Nations Association of Australia will assist with participant recruitment and network engagement.
The organisations are also expected to work together on the upcoming International Loving-Peace Art Competition in May.
Seoyeon Lee said the agreement would help create new opportunities for women’s empowerment and peacebuilding.
“This agreement marks an important starting point for advancing women’s empowerment and driving sustainable social change through peace education,” Lee said.
“Through strengthened cooperation with the international community, we will further expand a culture of peace.”
Donnell Davis, President of the United Nations Association of Australia, said women’s empowerment and peacebuilding remain central to building stronger communities.
“Women’s empowerment and peacebuilding are essential pillars of a sustainable society,” Davis said.
He said he hopes the partnership will lead to meaningful international outcomes.
The agreement comes at a time when women’s representation in peace processes remains limited globally, despite repeated calls from the United Nations for stronger inclusion of women in conflict resolution, mediation and policy making.
Supporters of these programs argue that education and cross-border cooperation can help communities build long-term social stability. Others point out that turning international agreements into practical outcomes often depends on local engagement, funding and sustained participation.
Both organisations said they plan to continue the partnership through regular consultations and future joint programs.
IWPG is registered with the United Nations Economic and Social Council, the United Nations Department of Global Communications and South Korea’s Ministry of Gender Equality and Family. The organisation operates 115 branches across 122 countries and works with around 900 partner organisations in 68 countries.
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