WFWP Holds NGO Capacity-building Course at the 2025 Women's Leadership Academy
A Report from WFWP Korea
Moving toward cultivating women leaders and strengthening the understanding of the UN and Global Society, the Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) Korea successfully concluded the 2025 Women’s Leadership Academy in the summer of 2025. Designed as the first stage of the NGO Capacity-Building Program, the Academy was created to fulfill WFWP’s mission as a UN NGO and to nurture women leaders.
The program was held from June 26 to July 17, 2025, in four weeks and through seven lectures with more than 260 participants.
Through experts at home and abroad, participants gained a comprehensive understanding of the UN and international affairs, global women’s issues, women’s legal rights, and NGO activities. This broadened their global perspectives and strengthened their practical capacities as future women leaders.
Weekly Program Highlights
Week 1 (June 26) Opening & Introduction to WFWP – Kim Go-eun, WFWP Korea President
She outlined the founding purpose of WFWP, its activities as a UN NGO, and its history of cooperation with the United Nations.
Current Issues in International Politics – Prof. Hwang Won-jae, Tennessee State University
He analyzed shifts in the UN under the “Trump 2.0 era” and explored changing dynamics in Asia, fostering participants’ global awareness as women leaders.
Week 2 (July 3) 3. Case Study in Global Women’s Leadership – Carolyn Handschin, President, NGO CSW Geneva
As WFWP leader and President of the NGO CSW Geneva, she shared vivid personal stories of advancing women’s leadership and UN-related activities.
4. Peace on the Korean Peninsula and the UN – Dr. Cho Hyung-kuk, Segye Times
He highlighted WFWP’s campaign to host the UN’s 5th Secretariat in Korea and examined the UN’s evolving role from a media perspective, stressing the importance of women’s NGOs in peacebuilding. Week 3 (July 10)
5. The UN and Women: Basics of the CSW – Merly Barlaan, Director, WFWP Offices of UN Relations
She provided an in-depth overview of the history and structure of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), as well as the development of global women’s issues in the international arena.
6. Case Study in Global Women’s Leadership (Part II) – Carolyn Handschin
She presented strategies and practices of global solidarity and cooperation among women leaders, grounded in real experiences at CSW sessions. Week 4 (July 17)
7. Women and Law: Gender Equality and Legal Rights – Ahn Young-ah, Attorney, Law Office Nike
She underscored the need to raise awareness of women’s legal rights, pointed out institutional blind spots, and emphasized the protection of migrant women and marginalized groups, all from the perspective of gender justice.
Participant Impressions
“I was able to gain a structured understanding of the UN and CSW, which I had only vaguely known about before. I feel I can now approach peace activities in my community with a broader perspective.”
“This wasn’t just another NGO education course—it really felt like a pathway to becoming a true international woman leader. Carolyn’s lecture in particular was inspiring.”
“Learning about law and women’s rights made me reflect on my own reality. I want to share this knowledge with neighbors and my community.”
“This Academy went beyond education. It was a process of empowering women to actively engage in UN agendas, communicate with the international community, and build practical foundations for realizing peace.”
