On behalf of BPW International, I join the global community in commemorating the International Day of Peace, a day that calls upon us to strengthen the ideals of peace, reject violence in all its forms, and renew the urgent appeal for ceasefires wherever conflict continues to destroy lives and communities.

This year’s theme, “Invest in Peace – For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day”, reminds us that peace is not simply the absence of war. Peace requires continuous investment: in education, equality, justice, dialogue, opportunity, and human dignity. It is built through the choices we make every day and through our willingness to protect the rights and well-being of every person.

For BPW International, this commitment is expressed through our highest goal: Peace Through Empowerment.

When women are educated, economically independent and fully represented in leadership and decision-making, they become powerful agents of stability, reconciliation and sustainable development. Empowered women strengthen families, transform communities and help prevent the inequalities, exclusion and injustice that so often lead to conflict.

Peace cannot be achieved while women and girls continue to face violence, discrimination, poverty and exclusion. Their empowerment is not only a matter of equality; it is an essential investment in a more peaceful and sustainable world.

I therefore call upon our members, our leaders and partners, everywhere to make peace a daily responsibility. Let us invest in women. Let us invest in dialogue and solidarity. Let us replace division with understanding and indifference with action.

Together, through empowerment, ethical leadership and collective responsibility, we can make peace possible: for everyone, everywhere, every day.

Atty. Diana Barragán Medina

International President