Women Fund “Sukhumi” at the Global Peace Conference “Peace Connect 2025”

The Head of Women Fund “Sukhumi” Tbilisi Office, Ekaterine Gamakharia, participated in the Global Peace Conference “Peace Connect” held on 13–17 October 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya, as a representative of the South Caucasus region within the GPPAC network.

The conference brought together more than 500 peacebuilders from 90 countries, creating an important space for cooperation, knowledge sharing, and solidarity. Despite the geographical distance and the diversity of contexts among participants, it became evident that people working for peace in different parts of the world face many similar challenges. The exchange of experiences and ideas inspired new energy and a shared vision for building a just and peaceful world.

The discussions during the conference were diverse and insightful. Participants reflected on the state of global peace and security and the 25-year journey of the Women, Peace and Security agenda, focusing on the achievements, remaining challenges, and the next steps forward. Particular attention was given to the importance of women’s participation and leadership, the resilience and solidarity of peacebuilders, the sustainability of local initiatives in a restricted civic space, and the future directions of peacebuilding. 

A significant part of the conference was dedicated to exploring the role of art in promoting messages of peace, showing how music, poetry, and visual arts can raise awareness, foster empathy, and bring people together when words are no longer enough.

According to Ekaterine: “Being part of this space was a profoundly meaningful experience for me. It is deeply inspiring to see how courageously and faithfully people engaged in peace work continue their efforts in challenging and complex realities. Listening to their experiences gives you strength, motivation, and a deeper sense of responsibility. You realize that you are not alone, and that your everyday work is part of a shared mission. Solidarity, empathy, mutual support, and learning from one another bring new perspectives and strengthen the belief that progress is possible even when circumstances are difficult. Peace Connect once again reminded us that connection and cooperation reinforce our collective effort to build a just, peaceful, and equal world.”