Official Statement 

May 16th marks the International Day of Living Together in Peace, a UN-recognized observance that calls the world to reflect on the power of unity, dialogue, and mutual respect. For BPW International, this day holds profound significance. Through our vision of Peace Through Empowerment, we believe that empowering women is one of the strongest pathways to building peaceful, thriving, and resilient communities.

As a global federation of business and professional women operating in over 100 countries across five continents, we understand firsthand that peace is not merely the absence of conflict. It is the presence of opportunity, dignity, inclusion, and voice. Peace is built when women are empowered to lead, participate, innovate, and contribute fully to society. It is the foundation upon which thriving communities and sustainable economies are built.

For nearly a century, since our founding in 1930, BPW International has championed the conviction that women’s leadership is essential to achieving lasting peace and sustainable development. Our mission has always been to develop the professional, business, and leadership potential of women at every level through mentoring, networking, education, skill-building, and economic empowerment.

When women are equipped with the tools, resources, opportunities, and confidence to lead, they do not only transform their own lives. They strengthen families, uplift communities, shape institutions, and influence nations. Empowered women become builders of dialogue, inclusion, cooperation, and stability. They become architects of peace.

This vision is fully reflected in our current triennium theme: “Inspire, Innovate, Empower, Transform: Together We Shape a Sustainable Future.” These words are more than a slogan; they are a roadmap toward a more peaceful and equitable world. To inspire is to awaken hope and possibility in others. To innovate is to respond to challenges with creativity and courage. To empower is to give women the confidence, agency, and opportunity to act decisively. And to transform is to create meaningful and lasting systemic change that benefits not only women, but society as a whole.

These four pillars are deeply interconnected. Together, they guide our collective efforts to build communities where dignity, equality, participation, and mutual respect prevail, and where every woman’s voice matters and every woman’s potential can be fully realized.

Peace flourishes through diversity, inclusion, and mutual understanding. One of the greatest strengths of BPW International lies in its global network of women from different cultures, professions, generations, and experiences. From entrepreneurs to healthcare professionals, from young emerging leaders to experienced executives, and from every continent and walk of life, our members reflect the extraordinary richness and potential of women worldwide.

This diversity is not an obstacle to overcome.It is one of our greatest assets. When women from different backgrounds and perspectives come together with a shared purpose, they foster dialogue, build bridges of understanding, break down barriers, and create the conditions for meaningful and lasting peace. Through collaboration, solidarity, and respect for one another, we demonstrate that unity does not require uniformity.

As we commemorate the International Day of Living Together in Peace on May 16th, we invite every woman, within BPW International and beyond, to reflect on her own role in building peace in everyday life. Peace begins with each of us: in the way we lead, the way we mentor, the way we support and uplift others, and the way we choose dialogue over division. It is built through daily acts of collaboration, empathy, empowerment, and respect.

BPW International remains deeply committed to being a catalyst for this transformation, today and for future generations. Because when women lead with purpose, courage, compassion, and unity, the world does not simply listen: it changes. Together, we shape a sustainable future. Together, we build peace through empowerment.

Diana Barragán

International President