First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska took part in an event focused on current global challenges and the path to peace and prosperity in the world. The event, held within the framework of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly, brought together spouses of leaders from 15 countries across different continents.
“We are no longer merely symbolic figures – we are agents of change. No one granted us authority, but we felt the need and took responsibility to act. Where ‘hard power’ draws borders, our ‘power of the heart’ builds bridges,” noted the President’s wife.
Participants discussed various issues and ways to address inequality, protect human dignity, and respond to humanitarian crises beyond politics.
“For the first time in history, in the year of the UN’s 80th anniversary, almost all organisations of First Ladies and Gentlemen came together in one room: ALMA – the Alliance of Spouses of Heads of State and Representatives of Latin America, SCLAN – the Spouses of CARICOM Leaders Action Network, GFLA – the Global First Ladies Alliance, and SFLG – the Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen, which I have the honor to represent. This is a historic moment, and the role of First Ladies and Gentlemen is rapidly evolving,” Olena Zelenska said.
The event also showcased successful initiatives by First Ladies and Gentlemen: expanding access to healthcare in the Caribbean, education and inclusion projects in Latin America, mental health programs for those affected by war in Europe, and interregional dialogues on gender equality and humanitarian diplomacy.
“Soft power today is not a symbol; it is a strategy. It is a bridge where politics fails, and a voice that restores dignity where conflicts silence communities,” emphasized the event’s moderator, Dr. Cora Neumann, founder of the Global First Ladies Alliance.
Joining the discussion panel were: the First Lady of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, Acting Chair of SCLAN, Ann Marie Davis; the First Lady of Belize, Rossana Briceño (SCLAN); the First Lady of Panama, Maricel Cohen de Mulino (ALMA); the First Lady of Guatemala, Chair of ALMA, Lucrecia Peinado; and the First Gentleman of Slovenia, Dr. Aleš Musar (SFLG Global Platform). Speeches were delivered by the First Lady of Serbia, Tamara Vučić; the First Lady of Lithuania, Diana Nausėdienė; the First Lady of Finland, Suzanne Innes-Stubb; the daughter of the President of Iraq, Sara Rashid; the First Lady of Bermuda, Kristin Burt; and the First Lady of Malta, Lydia Abela.
Participants presented a Joint Statement, “The Role of First Ladies and Gentlemen — Unite for Peace and Prosperity,” introduced by the First Lady of Guatemala, Lucrecia Peinado. The Statement is aimed at strengthening efforts to address humanitarian challenges and advocating for the interests of vulnerable communities around the world.
This gathering marked the first-ever unification of regional networks of First Ladies and Gentlemen at the UN, ensured their voices are heard on the international agenda, and underscored the importance of inclusive, people-centered diplomacy.
