More than a century after women first gathered in The Hague in 1915 to oppose war and demand a voice in global diplomacy, the International Women’s Peace Conference is returning to the city—reviving a legacy that shaped modern peace activism. On December 9–10, 2025, leaders, scholars, diplomats, and advocates will reunite in the same city where women once challenged the world to envision peace beyond conflict. This year’s event underscores the continued importance of women in global security, diplomacy, and conflict resolution.
Why This Conference Matters for Women and Global Security
The conference centers its mission on the implementation of UN Resolution 1325, which affirms women’s essential role in peace processes. Research has long shown that when women participate in negotiations, peace agreements last longer and serve communities more effectively. Yet globally, women remain underrepresented in decision-making roles. The return of this historic gathering highlights the urgency of changing that. This event is not symbolic—it is a call to prioritize women’s expertise in diplomacy, humanitarian work, and post-conflict rebuilding.
Honoring Bertha von Suttner and Awarding Her Peace Prize
A major moment of the conference will be the awarding of the Bertha von Suttner Peace Prize, named after the Nobel Peace Prize laureate and pioneering peace activist who inspired generations of women to challenge militarism. For 2025, the award will move from its founding home in Georgia to The Hague, honoring von Suttner’s legacy in the very city where global justice and international law intersect. The prize celebrates individuals and organizations advancing peace, diplomacy, and women’s leadership.
Global Collaborators Unite Behind a Shared Mission
The 2025 Women and Peace Conference is led by Hélène Pichon, Director of Alliance Française The Hague, alongside a broad coalition of institutional and international partners. Supporters include the Municipality of The Hague, the United Nations, UN Women France, the Alliance Française network, the French Embassy, and scholars from universities worldwide. Their collaboration underscores the global commitment to elevating women’s voices and expanding their roles in decision-making spaces traditionally dominated by men.
The Hague’s Legacy as a Capital of Peace and Justice
Known as the international city of peace and justice, The Hague serves as home to the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court, and multiple tribunals that shape global accountability. Hosting the Women’s Peace Conference here is a powerful reminder: peace is strongest when rooted in inclusion. Mayor Jan van Zanen emphasized that “peace is stronger when women are at the table,” reinforcing the significance of the city’s role in supporting this global movement.
Women’s Leadership Is Essential to Building Lasting Peace
Although women often lead community-level healing, diplomacy, and humanitarian response, they remain excluded from many formal peace negotiations. This conference aims to change that reality by amplifying women’s leadership and challenging long-standing barriers within global institutions. Attendees will participate in panels, workshops, and discussions focused on justice, reconciliation, poverty, public health, and the role of education and culture in peace-building.
A Global Movement Rooted in Hope, Unity, and Action
The return of the Women’s Peace Conference to The Hague carries a message that transcends borders: peace requires women’s leadership, perspective, and lived experience. In a world facing conflict, polarization, and humanitarian crises, this gathering reaffirms the power of women to shape dialogue, advocate for justice, and drive lasting solutions. It is both a revival of history and a blueprint for the future—one shaped by women determined to create a more peaceful, inclusive, and equitable world.
Source: PR Newswire, City of The Hague
