WFWPI Global Vision Summit 2024: A New Era of Collaboration and Inspiration “Together for a Greener, Equitable and Inspiring World”
Written by: Mion Tsuchiaka
On September 27-28, 2024, the Women’s Federation for World Peace International (WFWPI) hosted its inaugural Global Vision Summit virtually via Zoom. This groundbreaking event attracted 177 participants on the first day, with an additional 68 views on YouTube, and 62 attendees on the second day, marking a significant milestone for the WFWPI Global Committee.
The summit arose from the WFWPI Global Committee's commitment to inspire action, foster leadership, and promote sustainable practices. Engaging panels featuring prominent speakers and interactive breakout sessions were designed to stimulate discussion and collaboration among attendees.
The event commenced on September 27 at 10 AM GMT with an Opening Ceremony moderated by Dr. Paris Moon, who welcomed participants from around the globe and highlighted the summit's innovative nature, rooted in the WFWPI Global Committee project initiated in 2021. Dr. Moon outlined three key objectives for the summit:
Promote Environmental Awareness: Educate participants on current environmental issues and sustainable practices.
Empower Women: Highlight the crucial role of women in environmental conservation and leadership.
Cultivate Future Leaders: Inspire and equip young professionals with the knowledge and skills to lead future initiatives.
Following Dr. Moon's remarks, International President Mrs. Moriko Hori shared the global works of WFWP and her inspiring vision for the summit, encouraging attendees to embrace the event's purpose.
The first session, “Innovative Solutions for Climate Change,” featured Mrs. Jacqueline Aber, a WFWPI Global Committee member from Burkina Faso, as moderator, alongside a distinguished lineup of speakers who shared their insights:
Ms. Vicki-Ann Assevero (Trinidad and Tobago) addressed severe climate challenges facing Caribbean communities, including rising sea levels, intensified hurricanes, coastal erosion, and the impacts of shifting weather patterns on agriculture. She emphasized the importance of fostering community action, promoting sustainable practices such as renewable energy and regenerative agriculture, and engaging governments for equitable solutions. Ms. Assevero stressed that education and local resilience are key to empowering communities to navigate climate threats and secure a sustainable future.
Ms. Nadiah Hanim Abdul Latif (Malaysia) highlighted the need to balance planetary boundaries with social foundations, drawing on the "Donut" economic model. She advocated for critical climate solutions, including transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy, enhancing energy efficiency, and leveraging technological innovation. Ms. Latif showcased successful projects such as urban farming in Kuala Lumpur and the transformation of a "trash island" into an educational tourism hub. She urged collaboration and collective action, cautioning against complacency in environmental efforts.
Dr. Monthip Sriratana (Thailand) emphasized the intersection of gender equality and climate change, detailing the unique challenges women face, particularly in the Global South. She noted that historical gender inequalities exacerbate the impacts of climate change on women's health and livelihoods. Dr. Sriratana called for increased funding for female-led organizations and the integration of gender perspectives into climate policies, advocating for transformative change that includes all voices.
Dr. Antoaneta Letsoalo (South Africa) addressed the urgent need for action in the Anthropocene, emphasizing that humanity is living beyond its ecological means—requiring 1.7 Earths to meet current demands. She stressed the importance of understanding ecological impacts and fostering stewardship for the Earth, aligning actions with global sustainable development goals.
The second session, “The Role of Young Professionals in Shaping Our Future,” was moderated by WFWPI Young Professionals Team Leader Mrs. Kefilwe Lebepe, aiming to empower attendees to cultivate future leaders and inspire innovative initiatives:
Ms. Odri Fernandes (Australia) emphasized the importance of nurturing young professionals through the "Leading into the Future" mentorship program. This initiative pairs emerging leaders with experienced mentors to foster heart-centered leadership and personal growth. Over four years, 71 mentees have benefited from dedicated mentor coaches. Ms. Fernandes stressed that supporting young leaders is vital for driving innovation and social change.
Ms. Erica Ferreira Pina (Portugal), an Emergency Department nurse, shared her insights on love expressed through her work and community service, including volunteering with food banks and refugee integration. She argued that true happiness is often obscured by societal pressures for fame and wealth. Ms. Pina highlighted the challenges young people face in toxic work environments and inadequate support, advocating for active love, trust, and unity as crucial for well-being.
Ms. Dilbar Kadyrkul (USA) emphasized the significant impact young professionals can have in driving change. A humanitarian worker and Community Engagement Exchange alumna, she shared her experiences with WFWP USA, highlighting projects that empower women. Ms. Kadyrkul urged young professionals to challenge the status quo and uplift others for a more hopeful future.
The second day of the summit began with an inspiring session focused on “Empowering Women for a Sustainable Future,” moderated by Mrs. Florida Ledwaba, Regional Secretary General of WFWP South Africa. This session underscored the pivotal role women play in environmental conservation and leadership:
Dr. Ariana Ortet Vigelandzoon emphasized the critical role of women’s empowerment in achieving sustainability and peace. She shared successful initiatives from Suriname that equipped young women with skills in gardening and ICT, calling for collaboration to strengthen these efforts.
Mrs. Siham Anies Kawar, an international trainer from Jordan, discussed the Jordanian Women's Village Association, which empowers women economically. Inspired by her students, she advocates for women to run for municipal councils and supports them in establishing home-based projects for financial independence.
Ms. Asha Omar Geesdiir highlighted key projects in Somalia that promote women’s empowerment for health and gender equality. She emphasized the need for investment in women's leadership and collaboration among stakeholders to create a more sustainable future.
Ms. Tshepi Motloung (South Africa) stressed the importance of collaboration among women and shared initiatives aimed at reducing gender-based violence while mentoring young girls through education and entrepreneurship. She called for unity in advocating for women's rights.
Following the speakers' presentations, participants engaged in breakout sessions that facilitated deeper discussions and networking opportunities aligned with the summit's vision and objectives.
As the summit concluded, participants reflected on the collaborative Summit Agreement crafted during the event, which emphasizes collective commitments to promote environmental awareness, empower women, and cultivate future leaders.
The agreement calls upon all participants to:
Take Action: Integrate sustainable practices into personal or professional spheres.
Advocate for Change: Promote environmental awareness and women's leadership.
Connect and Collaborate: Foster networks to amplify impact on initiatives.
Share Knowledge: Continue dialogues initiated at the summit to maintain momentum.
With a shared commitment to these objectives, attendees were encouraged to act as leaders of tomorrow in creating a more sustainable and equitable world.
Dr. Paris Moon, International Secretary General, concluded the session by expressing gratitude to all participants and speakers, highlighting the unity in the global mission to create a better future for humanity.
Overall, the WFWPI Global Vision Summit 2024 was a resounding success, igniting motivation and inspiration among participants. As WFWPI builds on this foundation, the organization looks forward to deepening its global impact and fostering significant change for a sustainable and equitable world. Together, we can create meaningful change for a brighter future!
YouTube Link:
