First Ladies Becoming High Level Forum

The United Nations Day of Peace, observed annually, serves as a global reminder of humanity’s collective responsibility to foster peace, justice, and sustainable development. In 2026, the world continues to face complex conflicts, humanitarian crises, gender-based violence, and widening inequalities. These challenges demand leadership that is compassionate, strategic, and transformative.

Across continents, First Ladies have emerged as influential voices in shaping national priorities, advocating for vulnerable populations, and mobilizing communities toward peace-building and development. Their unique positioning at the intersection of political influence, social advocacy, and cultural diplomacy makes them indispensable actors in advancing global peace.

Across continents, First Ladies have emerged as influential voices in shaping national priorities, advocating for vulnerable populations, and mobilizing communities toward peace-building and development. Their unique positioning at the intersection of political influence, social advocacy, and cultural diplomacy makes them indispensable actors in advancing global peace.

The Permanent Observer Mission of the Pan African Intergovernmental Agency for Water and Sanitation to the United Nations, Africana Women Working Group (AWWG) and the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL) are jointly convening this high-level event to amplify women’s voices, strengthen cross-border collaboration, and promote gender-responsive peace-building frameworks.

“First Ladies Becoming Agents for Peace: Prioritizing Women as Key Players in Promoting Global Peace and Development”

This theme recognizes:

 The strategic influence First Ladies hold in shaping national and regional peace agendas.

The transformative role women play in conflict prevention, mediation, and post-conflict reconstruction.

The need to institutionalize women’s leadership within global peace and development frameworks.

The urgency of gender-inclusive policies to address insecurity, displacement, poverty, and violence.

The theme aligns with:

UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security

SDG 5 (Gender Equality)

SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions)

SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)

The purpose is to discuss women’s role as key players in GEPS (Gender Priority Strategy)

This entails:

  • Review of Gender Actions on SDG 16 and Targets
  • Women work to address the challenges and gaps in advancing gender equality.
  • Generation Equality and Ambition for First Ladies, linked to promoting sustainable development.
  • Conversations with First Ladies and their key role as key players in the Gender Priority Strategy, in promoting global peace.
  • Gender Priority Strategy GEPS Action Model on gender actions for peace.

To strengthen the role of First Ladies and women leaders as catalysts for peace, development, and global cooperation