WFWPI Webinar for Young Professionals: A Global Exchange of Ideas and Expertise
Written by: Mion Tsuchiaka
On August 31, the Women’s Federation for World Peace International (WFWPI) hosted a highly engaging webinar for young professionals, broadcast via Zoom. The event saw participation from 70 individuals, bringing together speakers from diverse professional backgrounds and countries, including Korea, Jordan, Albania, and Australia. The session was expertly moderated by Ms. Ritvania Barrica from Portugal, who ensured a seamless and comfortable experience for both the audience and the speakers.
Mrs. Kahee Kang from Korea, a distinguished art psychotherapist with an MA from Goldsmiths, University of London, and CEO of Art Studio Festina, delivered an inspiring presentation. Mrs. Kang, who operates under the motto "Find your uniqueness, Draw your real dream," discussed how art psychotherapy can empower youth to overcome external pressures and explore their true passions. Her work at Art Studio Festina, a career experience center recognized by the Korean Ministry of Education, and her art therapy counseling in Changwon, showcase her commitment to helping children articulate their dreams and navigate their futures. Her presentation highlighted how art therapy creates a nurturing environment for individuals to discover and express their true selves.
Mrs. Dorina Prethi from Albania, a lawyer with extensive experience in civil law, discussed the intersection of family education and national development. With a background in law from the University of Tirana and a history of collaboration with WFWP Albania, Mrs. Prethi highlighted the impact of family dynamics on societal well-being. Recently, Mrs. Prethi joined a new political party focused on enhancing democracy, promoting meritocracy, and fostering healthy competition among Albania’s youth. This initiative seeks to address and dismantle systemic corruption that affects various facets of life in the country. Balancing her professional and societal contributions with her role as a devoted mother of three, Mrs. Prethi has consistently received strong support from her family. In her presentation, she underscored the critical role of family education in shaping the future and cultural development of a nation. She addressed contemporary challenges facing youth, such as unemployment, declining birth rates, divorce, and housing issues, advocating for the creation of robust family traditions and cultural practices as a foundation for societal well-being.
Mr. Ata Alhaj from Jordan, is a distinguished online marketer and dedicated community activist. His work focuses on youth development, where he leads initiatives aimed at fostering individual growth and addressing pressing societal challenges. Mr. Alhaj’s programs offer engaging extracurricular training that equips young people with essential life skills, while promoting inclusion and acceptance. His efforts contribute to meaningful change and help build a more connected and resilient community. During his presentation, Mr. Alhaj highlighted the severe unemployment crisis affecting Jordanian youth. He noted that each year, approximately 100,000 young individuals enter the job market, with 32% of those aged 15 to 30 facing unemployment. Many are deterred from pursuing entrepreneurial ventures due to fear of failure, leading some to cope with their frustrations through unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and drug use, which result in additional health, psychological, and social issues. Mr. Alhaj emphasized that his involvement with WFWP Jordan has enabled him to engage more deeply with the youth, allowing him to better understand their challenges and offer meaningful support. Through volunteering, he has been able to provide valuable opportunities that enhance their skills and capabilities.
Ms. Preetah Bolaky from Australia, Director of Omnisen Consulting Limited and Mindset Coach at Kickass Buddy Coaching, concluded the webinar with a compelling talk on focus and personal transformation. With over a decade in the banking industry and a background as a global business strategist, Ms. Bolaky shared her journey of success and the importance of maintaining focus to achieve personal and professional goals. She also introduced the Kickass Buddy Movement, which supports individuals in their growth through mentorship and encouragement. Beyond her business endeavors, Ms. Bolaky is actively involved with the WFWP Victoria Committee and serves as the WFWPI UN Office Regional Representative for Oceania and Southeast Asia. During her presentation, she emphasized the critical importance of focus, beginning with the question, “What was your win this week?” She illustrated how shifting focus can significantly enhance the quality of one's life and shared her personal journey of leveraging focus to successfully launch a new business and navigate life in a foreign country.
Following the presentations, an interactive Q&A session provided attendees with the opportunity to delve deeper into the speakers' insights and experiences. Ms. Barrica facilitated this segment, posing questions that enriched the discussion and offered valuable advice to all participants.
The webinar concluded with an invitation for all attendees to join the WFWPI Young Professionals Team. Meetings are held bimonthly, every third Wednesday at 12 PM GMT, providing a platform for professionals across various fields and countries to connect, network, and collaborate towards creating a peaceful society. This initiative aims to harness the skills and knowledge of motivated youth to contribute to global peace and development.
