At the Women for Peace: Art and Thought Forum, Mr. Rafael A. Carde, Special Adviser to the President of the United Nations General Assembly, delivered a speech, followed by remarks from Bruce Knotts, former Chair of the United Nations NGO/DPI Executive Committee.

In his speech, Mr. Rafael A. Kader, Special Adviser to the President of the United Nations General Assembly, emphasized that gender equality and human empowerment are central issues in today’s global social development. He highlighted the irreplaceable role of women in advancing global peace and sustainable development, stressing that they should have greater access to fair development opportunities.

Reflecting on his wife's contributions to the International Peace Alliance, he underscored that sustainable development must go beyond theoretical discussions and be translated into concrete actions that promote peace, security, and justice. He called on the global community to stand united, reaffirm its commitment to the principles of the United Nations, and work together to build a more peaceful, just, and sustainable future.

Former Chair of the United Nations NGO/DPI Executive Committee, Bruce Knotts, analyzed the severe global challenges from a broad perspective, including climate change, human rights crises, poverty, and hunger. He emphasized that the United Nations, as the only institution capable of effectively addressing these issues, must receive greater support.

Notably, he highlighted statistical data showing that societies tend to achieve better governance outcomes when women are in positions of power. Therefore, he called on the world to seriously consider electing a female leader in the upcoming United Nations Secretary-General election as a step toward advancing global gender equality and social progress.

The speeches of both distinguished guests underscored the vital role of gender equality in achieving world peace and sustainable development. They urged the global community to take action to ensure that women have greater representation in decision-making roles, thereby fostering long-term social stability and prosperity.

At the forum, Mr. Zhang Qihua, President of the Global Sustainable Development Alliance Foundation, emphasized the foundation’s ongoing commitment to promoting women's empowerment and supporting the achievement of the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

As the 69th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women convenes, the Women for Peace: Art and Thought Forum aligns closely with the UN’s goals of gender equality and sustainable development, emphasizing the central role of women in driving global social change. The forum brought together more than a dozen outstanding female entrepreneurs and artists, whose remarkable achievements in their respective fields showcased the powerful influence of women in social, economic, and cultural development.

The Women for Peace: Art and Thought Forum at the United Nations Headquarters was not only a profound reflection on the contributions of women worldwide but also a forward-looking exploration—how can women become true agents of change in shaping the future of society?

During the forum, distinguished female entrepreneurs shared their entrepreneurial journeys, commitments to social responsibility, and steadfast support for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. These women have not only driven innovation in their respective industries but have also taken concrete actions to advance gender equality, economic empowerment, and social progress.

Among them were:

• Ms. Sun Yanqiu (CEO, Global Sustainable Development Alliance Foundation & Qilin Co-Creation Branding Agency)
  Unlocking women's economic potential through brand innovation.
• Ms. Zhou Jie (Executive Chair, Global Sustainable Development Alliance Foundation & China Electronic Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneurs Health Club)
  Integrating e-commerce and health ecosystems to drive innovation and sustainable development among female entrepreneurs in the health sector.
• Ms. Yuan Ping (Mentor, Global Sustainable Development Alliance Foundation & Shanghai Miaozhihui Culture Communication Co., Ltd.)
  Advocating cultural empowerment for women's personal and spiritual growth.
• Ms. Luo Huiping (Chairwoman, Global Sustainable Development Alliance Foundation & Hainan De’en Dian Investment Co., Ltd.)
  Promoting women's economic empowerment and inclusive investment to enhance female influence in capital markets.
• Ms. Han Aitong (Chairwoman, Global Sustainable Development Alliance Foundation & Oriental International Women’s Harvard Education Group)
  Reshaping women's global competitiveness through education, setting a benchmark for female leadership training.
• Ms. Zhu Xiaoling (Chairwoman, Global Sustainable Development Alliance Foundation & Shanghai Shuyuan Smart AI Technology Co., Ltd.)
  Leveraging AI technology to break gender barriers and empower female tech entrepreneurs.
• Ms. Xu Ting (General Manager, Global Sustainable Development Alliance Foundation & Hefei Felicity Health Management Co., Ltd.)
  Advocating scientific health management to improve women's quality of life and promote sustainable growth in the health industry.
• Ms. Zhang Siyuan (Internet Operations CEO, Global Sustainable Development Alliance Foundation & Nanjing Happiness Performance Culture Communication Co., Ltd.)
  Empowering female entrepreneurs through digital technology and supporting women’s growth in the digital economy era.
• Mr. Zhang Chao (Director, Global Sustainable Development Alliance Foundation & Chairman, Shanghai Miaozhihui Culture Communication Co., Ltd.)
  Promoting gender equality through cultural communication and fostering deeper societal recognition of women’s value.
• Ms. Zhou Huiling (Global Sustainable Development Alliance Foundation & Changsha Lingzhihui Education Consulting Co., Ltd.)
  Bridging education and leadership development to nurture outstanding female talents for society.

The exceptional contributions of these female leaders highlight the creativity and impact of women across various fields. Their achievements signal the arrival of a more equal, diverse, and sustainable future.

At the Women for Peace: Art and Thought Forum, art served as a bridge connecting culture and thought. On both sides of the stage, stunning masterpieces added depth to the discussions. On one side, Chinese painter Liu Chunxi’s grand painting Peacock dazzled with its vibrant colors, depicting a peacock in full display, its feathers flowing with the elegance and vitality of Eastern art. On the other side, renowned painter Lai Dongmin’s realistic oil painting The Beauty of Humanity captured the warmth and brilliance of human emotions through deep, intricate brushstrokes, adding a contemplative atmosphere to the forum.

Against the hall’s walls, a collection of diverse yet equally faith-inspired artworks quietly told their own stories. Dr. He Huibing, a pastor and painter from New York, infused her works with spiritual warmth, conveying a transcendent sense of faith beyond reality. Li Su, a member of the Sichuan Artists Association, brought the rich artistic heritage of Bashu to life through delicate and profound strokes. Meanwhile, amateur artist Huang Yingzhi expressed her reverence for the world through unique color palettes, blending awe and introspection in her paintings.

These three faith-driven female artists, through their canvases, illustrated a spiritual resonance across different cultural backgrounds, making the forum not only a convergence of ideas but also a grand feast of visual and spiritual expression.

The Women for Peace: Art and Thought Forum was not only a grand exchange of ideas but also a significant opportunity to advance gender equality, women’s entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. Participants expressed their commitment to actively supporting the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Goals in the future, working together to promote global peace and sustainability.

The Global Sustainable Development Alliance Foundation also announced plans to strengthen collaboration with international institutions, further supporting women in taking on leadership roles across various fields. With the wisdom of women illuminating the path forward, they aim to collectively write a new chapter in world peace and sustainable development.