WFWP Dominican Republic Holds 14th Global Women Leaders for Peace Network — Women's Federation For World Peace International

Santo Domingo - Under sunny skies, the 14th Global Women Leaders for Peace Network shone as a testament to resilience, unity, and purpose on October 26, 2025. Despite the challenges posed by Hurricane Melissa earlier that week, the Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) Dominican Republic successfully gathered women leaders, educators, and peace advocates from across Latin America and the Caribbean at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Santo Domingo.

The ceremony, elegantly hosted by Francia Polanco, reflected the grace and professionalism that characterized the entire event.

Carmen Belliard, Vice President of WFWP Dominican Republic, opened the day with an invocation. She reminded participants that peace begins with personal transformation and collaboration. She called on women to embody ethical and spiritual values as the foundation for social change.

Dr. Belgica Ramírez, President of WFWP Dominican Republic, warmly welcomed the audience, expressing gratitude for their participation and reaffirming the federation’s mission: to cultivate a global community of women committed to peace, solidarity, and service. Her words captured the spirit of the event—unity and compassion as cornerstones of leadership.

For his congratulatory remarks, Bernardo Cruz, President of the Universal Peace Federation, highlighted the invaluable contribution of women to building harmonious societies, describing their leadership as “the heartbeat of peace in motion.”

Representing Colombia, Mirna Esperanza offered a heartfelt message on faith and unity, quoting the timeless wisdom: “One may be overpowered, two can defend themselves, and a cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Her words resonated deeply, celebrating collaboration as the source of strength and endurance.

The keynote address was delivered by Roswitha Dueck de Giuliano, Regional President of WFWP Latin America and the Caribbean, who conveyed a message filled with love and blessings from Dr. Julia Moon, along with condolences for the family of the late Teiko Kono, remembered for her devotion and maternal heart.

Giuliano centered her message on three guiding pillars: Women, Peace, and Security; Women’s Leadership; and Climate Action and Sustainability. She urged participants to become “builders of peace through love, coherence, and empathy,” reminding them that the family is the heart of reconciliation and hope. She also presented the Bridge of Peace Project, which connects countries in the Southern Cone and the Latin American Continent through education, dialogue, and cooperation.

The event featured a series of inspiring presentations. Prof. Marta González reflected on women’s pivotal role in community peacebuilding, sharing successful initiatives that promote coexistence and understanding.

Prof. Marlete Rodrigues emphasized the importance of mutual recognition and resilience in the face of challenges, encouraging participants to hold onto faith as a guiding light in turbulent times.

Prof. Luis Carvajal spoke passionately about women’s contributions in times of environmental crisis, emphasizing their essential role in nurturing sustainability and safeguarding life.

A moving cultural interlude followed: Argentine singer Ailín Rodríguez captivated the audience with her heartfelt rendition of “Hallelujah,” and four young women from Japan energized the hall with a traditional Sōran Bushi dance, symbolizing vitality and harmony across cultures.

Prof. Mabel Flores presented the Character Education Project of WFWP Dominican Republic, a program designed to cultivate ethical leadership and personal integrity as tools for peace. “When values become daily practice,” she noted, “we raise leaders capable of transforming society from within.”

Among the most emotional moments was the recognition of three outstanding women as Global Ambassadors for Peace: Prof. Rosa Ariza, Ms. Ángela Altagracia Mercado, and Dr. Dorys Paulino, whose leadership and service have left a lasting mark on their communities.
Dr. Paulino also shared her testimony about the transformative power of education and the ripple effect of women who serve with empathy and commitment.

A tribute was offered to Teiko Kono, honoring her enduring legacy of love, vision, and faith. Through a touching video and personal testimonies, her colleagues, including Dr. Diana Contreras and Yumiko de Gómez, celebrated her life as a living example of peace in action.

The program concluded with a collective message of hope, unity, and gratitude—affirming the shared mission to continue strengthening women’s leadership, advancing character education, and nurturing a culture of peace in every nation.