1. The 1st International Conference on “Action with Women and Peace,” held under the theme of “Global Partnership to Combat Sexual Violence in Conflict” and led by the government of the Republic of Korea, was concluded after heated discussions on July 2-3 among major figures from governments, international organizations, academic circles and civil societies at home and abroad.

2. The International Conference consisted of four thematic sessions on sexual violence in conflict and offered an opportunity to learn about the progress in the international community’s discussions on sexual violence in conflict, to listen to in-person testimonies by survivors, and to share views of youth and people on the ground.

° In session 1 on July 2, the participants, together with the delegates from UN Women, the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and the African Union (AU), reviewed how global norms on women, peace and security have evolved thus far, and projected their way forward in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

° In Session 2, the participants listened to experiences and testimonies shared by survivors of sexual violence in conflicts, which had occurred in Korea, the Republic of Iraq, the Republic of South Sudan and the Republic of Colombia; and discussed survivor-centered approach for restoring justice at the domestic and international levels.

° In session 3 on July 3, the three finalist teams of the 2019 Youth Global Essay Competition, held on the occasion of the International Conference, delivered their presentations, followed by an evaluation process. At the closing ceremony of the Conference, Minister of Foreign Affairs Kang Kyung-wha presented awards to the three teams.

° In session 4, the participants, together with the delegates from the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the Asian Dignity Initiative (ADI), sought ways to achieve sustainable peace and to help the survivors heal and recover from their pain.

3. In her closing remarks on July 3, Minister Kang Kyung-wha noted with appreciation that the International Conference was attended by not only experts but also various stakeholders, including survivors of sexual violence in conflict and youth, for comprehensive and in-depth discussions on the issue. She went on to stress that it is important to share creative opinions of future generations in seeking ways for international cooperation to combat sexual violence in conflict.

4. The International Conference not only carries the significance of launching the ROK-led regular meeting on women, peace and security but is also seen to have created a platform for international discussions that can raise international awareness on the ROK government’s “Action with Women and Peace” Initiative and continuously explore the way forward of the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

* unofficial translation